Chapter 4

“Mr. Hayes, the deceased patient’s family seems to have contacted the media to seek justice for their loved one. I’ve already told the hospital staff to keep their mouths shut, but the public outcry is growing, and it's very likely to trace back to Ms. Thorne.”

“Then what are you waiting for? Leak Eleanor’s photo and our home address to the media. Tell them she’s the one who did it.”

“But your wife…”

“Don’t waste time! She’ll be safely tucked away at home. Just send two bodyguards to stand guard outside. What could possibly happen? The main thing is, nothing must affect Briana.”

For Briana, he shamelessly threw me into the eye of the storm. Truly, his devotion was profound.

Not long after Julian left, the media and influencers, having received the tip, swarmed our house. The two bodyguards, of course, were nowhere to be seen.

They violently pounded on the door, shouting:

“Eleanor Vance, you murderer, you heartless doctor! You killed someone and still have the nerve to hide at home and enjoy yourself? Today, we’re delivering justice! Get out here!”

Windows shattered from stones, and rotten eggs splattered on my head, emitting a disgusting stench.

Seeing the front door about to give way, Mrs. Gable, the housekeeper, couldn't bear it. She urged me to change into her clothes and hat and sneak out through the back door.

To my dismay, I hadn't run far when a few influencers spotted me.

“There she is! The bitch is running! Quick, catch her! Our livestream is going to go viral!”

The trauma of being caught and tormented by the patient’s family years ago resurfaced, and I ran for my life in terror.

In a panic, I FaceTimed Julian for help. The moment he picked up, he said:

“Ellie, I’m in a meeting. Can we talk later, alright?”

Before I could speak, Julian seemed to accidentally turn on his camera.

On the screen, Briana was clinging to his arm, and they were leisurely and sweetly shopping at a mall.

Briana pointed at a high-end jewelry store in front of them, pouting playfully:

“Julian, I love all their diamond rings, but they’re so expensive. What should I do?”

Julian’s gaze was full of adoration, his voice doting:

“Then I’ll buy them all for you, Briana, as a cheer for your competition tomorrow.”

“Oh, you’re spoiling me too much! I’m going to get completely spoiled. How about… you let me try on that pigeon-sized diamond first?”

“Whatever makes you happy, Briana. I’ll do anything.”

The sales associate next to them looked envious:

“Sir, you truly adore your wife! They say loving your partner is like nurturing a flower, and no wonder your wife is so radiant. You two are a perfect match, truly enviable.”

“If my husband spoiled me half as much as you spoil yours, I’d die happy.”

Julian simply smiled, not denying it.

In fact, he seemed quite pleased the sales associate called him Briana’s husband and immediately tipped her a thousand dollars.

Briana playfully slapped his arm:

“You’re such a spendthrift.”

My steps froze instantly, the words caught in my throat, unable to go up or down. Only a sickening ache remained.

Briana saw me on the screen and feigned enthusiasm:

“Oh, isn’t that Ellie? Oops, it’s all Julian’s fault, he was so busy buying me jewelry, he forgot he was still on a video call with you. You’re so magnanimous, you won’t be mad, right?”

She then introduced me to the curious sales associate:

“This is my best friend. She’s not just generous, she’s quite special, actually.”

“The rest of us normal people have ten fingers, but she only has six! Isn’t that unique? If she came today, you probably wouldn’t earn as much commission, since she doesn’t have as many fingers.”

“Ellie, you’re so good at managing your money, always so thrifty.”

Julian finally realized he’d pressed the wrong button and awkwardly tried to explain:

“Ellie, don’t misunderstand. Briana has a competition tomorrow, and as a friend, I just wanted to get her a gift to cheer her on…”