Chapter 99: Provocation

Abigail answered Cornelie's accusatory phone call.

"What happened? I went to great lengths to find a traditional medicine practitioner for you, and now look what you've done! Sean scolded me!" Cornelie's voice seethed with anger.

"Grandma, Sean saw the situation yesterday. If you think I'm faking it, ask him to have the doctor explain it," Abigail replied.

"Don't make excuses! I was trying to help you get pregnant. What petty tricks are you playing? If you're incapable, divorce Sean!" Cornelie finished her tirade and hung up.

Abigail took a deep breath. Luna, listening nearby, was furious. Her face flushed, and her neck veins bulged. "What does she mean? Blaming you for not having children? Who does she think Sean is? Why is she scolding you?"

"I'm not even angry," Abigail said calmly. "Why are you?"

Luna clenched her teeth. "That unreasonable old woman! She doesn't understand her own grandson! Dang it!"

Abigail patted Luna's back. "Calm down. Let's have breakfast."

Still seething, Luna held Abigail's hand. "What happened yesterday? What does she mean by 'look what you've done'?"

Abigail sighed. "It's complicated. Let's talk after breakfast."

"I'm too angry to eat," Luna huffed.

In the dining hall, seeing Joan, Abigail remembered yesterday's practitioner, "Palmer." Unsure of a connection, she sat beside Luna, handing her cutlery.

Joan spotted Abigail. "How's your leg? What were you up to yesterday?"

Because of Sean, Luna redirected her anger at Joan. "Are you two close? Does Abigail have to report everything to you?"

The live camera quickly focused on them.

Abigail arranged Luna's utensils. "Miss Smith, please eat."

Luna leaned back, forced a smile at the bewildered Joan, then lowered her gaze to eat.

Joan looked pitiful. "Luna, have I offended you?"

Luna ignored her. The atmosphere grew awkward.

The live chat erupted:

'Alana is going too far! Treating her fan like this on a show! So arrogant!'

'Did Joan offend her? Or is there a hidden conflict?'

'Alana's famous; she might look down on a model like Joan. But she shouldn't ignore Sean's support. Did her assistant fail to get close to Sean, so she's venting on Joan?'

'We don't know why Alana dislikes Joan. Stop speculating! Joan's always sobbing and crying! So annoying!'

Luna's mood remained sour, and nobody dared provoke her.

After breakfast, Abigail returned to her room with Luna.

"The show's being recorded. Why get upset? Aren't you afraid of criticism?" Abigail asked gently.

Luna walked ahead. "I'm not Sean. His grandmother annoyed me, so I'm venting on his sweetheart. If she kicks me off, fine. I'm done with this nonsense!"

In their room, Abigail explained, "Yesterday, his grandmother took me for acupuncture. Afterward, my lower abdomen hurt."

Luna looked at Abigail, grabbed her shoulders. "Why didn't you tell me? How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. The doctor's surname was Palmer," Abigail said softly.

Luna frowned. "Is this connected to Joan?"

Abigail shook her head. "Joan doesn't know I'm Sean's wife. I'm sure of that."

Luna's face darkened. "You need to ask Sean if he's investigated. Whether Joan knows or not, that surname suggests provocation."