Chapter 202
"Mom! Something terrible happened!" Maggie Lawson burst into the room in a panic, her apron twisted tightly in her hands. "The police came last night—they said Phoenix has a perforated intestine from the beating and is in the ICU now! Lily Collins reported it!"
The old woman's spatula clattered to the floor. "That's nonsense!" she snapped, though her heart pounded. She had hit the girl with the spatula yesterday, but surely it wasn't that bad?
"Mom, you have to do something!" Maggie stomped her foot anxiously. "Frank still isn't back, and I'm worried sick..."
The old woman's eyes narrowed, then she suddenly slapped her thigh. "I get it now! That bitch Lily set us up!" The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became. "She's trying to extort us so she can take Phoenix back!"
"Mom, forget that for now—just go see her!" Maggie wrung her hands. "I'll make Bobby's dinner. Hurry to the hospital!"
The old woman threw on a coat and stormed out, muttering curses under her breath. "Let's see what tricks she's playing! If she's trying to scam us, I'll lie down right in front of the police station!"
At the hospital, Dr. Luna White had just finished her rounds when she heard about Phoenix.
"Her own father did this?" Her brow furrowed, a chill running down her spine. Remembering the love her adoptive father had shown her, then seeing what Phoenix had endured, she clenched her fists.
Pushing open the hospital room door, Luna saw Lily gently helping a pale Phoenix walk slowly.
"Dr. White!" Lily greeted her with relief. "Phoenix is doing much better today. The doctor said she just needs to walk a few more laps before resting."
Phoenix glanced timidly at Luna and whispered, "Hello, Dr. White."
Before Luna could respond, the door slammed open.
"Lily! You heartless witch!" The old woman charged in like a fury, reaching for Phoenix. "Stop faking it! Come with me to the police station and tell the truth!"
Luna reacted instantly, seizing the old woman's wrist and deftly shoving her against the wall. "Ma'am, this child just had surgery. If you tear her stitches, you'll be held legally responsible!"
The old woman was about to throw a tantrum when the doctor lifted Phoenix's hospital gown, revealing the gruesome wound on her stomach. She froze.
"This... this..." The old woman stammered, her legs buckling as she nearly collapsed.
The doctor warned sternly, "The patient is extremely fragile. Any sudden movement could reopen the wound!"
Lily held Phoenix tightly, tears streaming down her face. "Mom, look what your son did!"
The old woman's face turned ashen. Suddenly, she dropped to the floor, wailing and slapping her thighs. "Heavens, how can we go on like this..."
Luna watched coldly, her mind already made up. This time, she would make sure this family paid for what they'd done.