Chapter 34
Hendrix rolled into the hospital just as the sun was coming up. He did a quick sean of the room, then locked onto
“She’s at school,” Cyrus replied, his eyes glued to the laptop in front of him..
with Cyrus. “Where’s Simone?”
Hendrix didn’t let the cold shoulder faze him. “You know that kid’s got serious talent. Ever thought about pushing her towards medicine?”
Cyrus paused his typing, looking away from his laptop. He knew exactly where Hendrix was going with this.
Hendrix had strong ties in the medical world. His mentor, Bruce Lopez, was one of the top doctors in the country. Both of them had a deep appreciation for medical talent, and Hendrix was hoping to persuade Simone to take Bruce on as her mentor.
Bruce’s students always made a mark. Working with his unlocked doors to the best opportunities in the field.
Cynis paused, fingers hovering over the keyboard before he spoke. “Simone’s got to chart her own path,” he said. “I’m not going to push her in any
direction”
Hendrix didn’t press him any further.
Later that day, after school, someone approached Simone and slipped her a note. It asked to meet at the restaurant by the e
Cuneuty bubbled within her, and she made her way to the meeting spot.
Meanwhile, inside the restaurant, the entire Spence family was already gathered, waiting anxiously.
te cast gate of campus.
you sure Simone’s actually going to show up” Samuel snapped, irritation bubbling over as he remembered how she had blocked his number and deleted him on WhatsApp.
“Chill out, Dad,” Raymond replied, trying to sound confident, so Samuel didn’t notice the unease in his eyes.
Samuel glanced at his watch and then turned his intense gaze toward Charles and Raymond. “You need to get this–you guys really misunderstood Simone. You gotta make a genuine apology”
He finally looked at Stella. “And that goes for you too,” he added, his tone sharper than usual. “You need to apologize to your sister sincerely, or don’t even call yourself my daughter.”
Til apologize the right way” Stella mumbled. Samuel’s icy attitude lately left her feeling uneasy,
The Twitter storm surrounding Simone and Stella had been relentless. For days, it stayed at the top of the trending list, despite the Spence family throwing money at the issue in a desperate attempt to make it go away,
Stella’s reputation at school took a big hit because of it. Even her teachers began to cast sideways glances at her.
These past werks had been a humiliation like no other for Stella. She would never have even considered apologizing if it hadn’t felt like the only way out
A few minutes later, Simone strolled into the private room. The moment she stepped through the door, it was clear what kind of scene awaited her
As soon as Norali spotted her, she darted over. “Simone! Finally! You’re the last one we were waiting for, she said, plastering on a forced smile and putting a hand on Simone’s back as if they were best friends,
Simone felt a wave of napea rise. “Hack of” With a quick shove, she pushed Norah away. The impact sent Norah crashing into the doorframe with
a loud thud
“Sanone, I know you’re still mad at me. Norah said, moaning as she rubbed her lower back and wiped at her eyes
Samone gave her a cold look, snoring at her crocodile tears. “If you dragged me in here for this whole sab story, I’m out, she snapped, turning on her heel and striding for the door.
is expression changed in an instant–no more tears.
The crowd shifted nervously, realizing she really might bail. “Wait, Simone, Samuel stood up, blocking her way
“Simone,” he said, his tone a bit softer. “I had all your favorite dishes made. It’s been forever since our family sat down together” There was a hint of
sadness in his voice.
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Chapter 34
Simone paused avoiding eye contact, and walked over to the empty seat across from him. She hadn’t eaten yet, so she thought staying was worth it.
The Spence family had gone to a lot of trouble to get her here—she was curious to see what they really wanted. “Might as well enjoy the show. Free entertainment, right? she thought.
“Here, try the fish, Simone,” Samuel said with a warm smile. “You used to love fish when you were a kid”
As he reached to put some fish on her plate. Simone yanked her plate back, sending the fish splattering onto the tablecloth
The room fell silent, everyone gaping at her in shock. Typically, no one in the family dared to go against Samuel, especially not always jumped to obey him. Until now.
“Simone.….” Samuel’s voice wavered, his eyes flickering with hurt.
“You’ve got me confused with Stella, Mr. Spence,” Simone repl
replied, her smile cold as ice. “She’s the one who loves fish.”
Simone, who had
Samuel let out an awkward chuckle and picked up a piece of smoked rib. “You’ll like this, I promise. Just give it a try,” he said as he slid the plate closer to her.
Simone stopped him, managing a half–hearted smile. “Looks like you forgot, but I don’t eat meat, Mr. Spence,” she said.
Samuel hesitated, racking his brain for Simone’s favorite dishes. After a long pause, he realized he could only remember The set the serving fork down.
r what St
Stella liked. Sighing
“Just say what you really want.” Simone said, her annoyance creeping in
She tuned out the people around her, focusing on the delicious spread in front of her. The restaurant’s food was top–notch, and even the vegetarian dishes were packed with flavor. Simone had always loved eating here, often visiting in her previous life.
“It’s just a family dinner, Samuel said. Guilt gnawed at him; he remembered how he had unfairly accused her before.
Simone scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Family? How disgusting to hear that from you.” she sneered.
Who are you calling disgusting? Raymond shot back, jabbing a finger at her. His face turned beet red as the anger inside him bubbled over. “What kind of attitude is that, Simone?”
Im not your family.” Simone replied coolly. “I thought you were just stupid, but now I see you’re deaf too.
“Who’s really deaf here, seriously?” Raymond mocked, a grin spreading on his face.
“Oh, I’m deaf, Simone said, her smirk widening. “But at least I’m smart. Can’t say the same for some idiots”
Raymond’s face darkened to crimson, frustration boiling over as he struggled to think of a comeback.
Simone went back to eating calmly, her eyes glued to her plate, as if Raymond’s outburst was just background noise. Meanwhile, he turned redder, veins bulging at his temples, on the verge of losing it completely.
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