“Lonly spent time with you because it was convenient,” Tyler said, then suddenly let out a soft chuckle. His voice was deep and pleasant, but Yvette still caught the unmistakable note of mockery. “You’re Melanie’s biological daughter, aren’t you?”
Yvette felt like his words had shattered her soul. Her expression went blank, and even her neck stiffened as she turned to look at him.
“Tyler, what do you mean by that? I don’t understand.”
Tyler must have been in a generous mood today. He actually bothered to speak more than usual. On any other day, he would have been long gone.
He retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, pulled one out with his lips, and lit it with a flick of his lighter. Smoke swirled around his face, making him appear somewhat mysterious.
“Even Rachel, who’s only an adopted daughter, knows how to care about your mother. And you, her actual daughter? You’ve done absolutely nothing. All you ever think about is marrying rich, isn’t that right?”
Yvette’s expression went rigid, as if she’d turned to stone. It felt like someone had a vise grip on her heart, and she couldn’t breathe.
With the last bit of reason she had left, she tried to defend herself.
“That’s not true, Tyler. I did bring it up with Grandpa. My mom abandoned the family years ago to chase some research project. I’m just some girl they brought back from the countryside. I didn’t have a say in anything.”
She looked up at Tyler carefully, afraid of pushing him further. Her voice grew softer with each word.
But Tyler didn’t seem to take her explanation seriously. He gave a disinterested hum in response.
“Hmm. You can stop here, Yvette.”
He flicked his used cigarette directly into the trash can with precision. Then he turned and walked away.
“Tyler-” Yvette called after him. She was reluctant to let it end like that.
Tyler paused briefly. Her eyes lit up. She thought he changed his mind.
But then he glanced over his shoulder with clenched teeth.
“One more thing. Not just anyone gets to call me Tyler. From now on, it’s Mr. Hunt.”
With that, he walked out the hospital doors and disappeared.
Yvette stood frozen for a moment before finally snapping out of her daze. Her perfectly manicured nails dug into her palms until the skin turned red. The pain jolted her back to her senses. A wave of fury surged in her chest.
Rachel. It was always Rachel. Why was it that everyone around her only ever praised Rachel? Why did they always compare her to Rachel? What made her so inferior?
She was Melanie’s biological daughter, and yet Melanie had treated Rachel like she was her real daughter.
Just because Rachel lost her hearing, her mother had run off to pursue some research, trying to create hearing aids or treatments to help her recover.
But what about her? When had Melanie ever cared about her?
Even Jim doted on Rachel. If that was how it was, why bother bringing her back to the family at all?
If it weren’t for Rachel, Yvette believed everyone would finally see how brilliant she truly was.
Chapter 297 +25 BONUS
Inside the car, Tyler sat with his eyes closed. Up front, Yale stole a cautious glance at him through the rearview mirror.
“Mr. Hunt, I’ve already contacted the top neurosurgeons. I briefed them on Ms. Lloyd’s condition. They said if she still doesn’t regain consciousness, they’ll consider alternative measures.”
“Okay. Have them prepare backup plans. No matter what it takes, she must wake up.”
Yale felt a heavy wave of pressure hit him. If Rachel didn’t pull through, it wouldn’t just be bad news. It’d be catastrophic for everyone involved.
He nodded quickly. “Yes, sir.
“Oh, and one more thing. Regarding Ms. Lloyd’s head injury, I’ve already retrieved surveillance footage from the Lloyd family estate.
“Based on what the maids there are saying, it seems William overheard Howard mentioning something about you and Ms. Lloyd, suggesting there was something improper between you two.
“Apparently that led to an argument between him and Ms. Lloyd, and during their fight, she accidentally hit her head.”