Arnold, dragged to the party by Matthew, looked confused. A surprise? When had he prepared a surprise for Kayla? Remembering Kayla's earlier request for a gift, he realized the connection. Smiling, he said, "I'm glad you like it."
Kayla beamed, her eyes sparkling, confirming his guess. Matthew then cleared his throat, interrupting their gaze, and entered the house. Arnold hurried after him. Lost in her joy, Kayla didn't notice Matthew hadn't even glanced at her. Another car arrived as Matthew went inside.
Seeing the arrival, Kayla exclaimed excitedly, "Grandpa!" It was Clive Walsh, Myra's estranged father, a prominent national physician and founder of Harmony Medical Center. Their relationship had been severely strained, with Clive ignoring Myra for years. His appearance was therefore unexpected. "Hello, Grandpa!" she repeated.
"Hello," Clive replied curtly, then strode inside. Kayla, puzzled but unconcerned, followed him into the mansion.
Inside, guests mingled under twinkling lights, the soothing music creating a lively atmosphere. Felicia descended the staircase, the sound of her heels echoing, drawing everyone's attention. A young woman in a pale purple gown, she exuded an ethereal beauty. Gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd.
One guest, clearly shocked, exclaimed, "Is this the Fuller family's biological daughter? I thought they said she was a country bumpkin! How can she be—" Her stunning presence silenced the question.
The custom gown, a designer's masterpiece, perfectly complemented her figure. Handcrafted petals on her skirt danced with her every movement. Her striking features, refined bone structure, and bright, clear eyes captivated everyone. Amidst the admiring (and envious) stares, Felicia reached the bottom of the stairs.
Dexter and Myra approached, smiling. "This is my daughter, Felicia Fuller. Years ago, due to an accident, we lost her, but thankfully, she's returned. And thank you all for celebrating our family's reunion!"
Congratulations filled the air. While Dexter mingled, Myra took Felicia to greet Clive. Clive seemed indifferent, but upon seeing Felicia, he remembered seeing her at Harmony Medical Center.
"You—" he began, startled. He'd come only after Matthew told him about a young woman who'd saved his life with a brooch. Matthew had revealed this miracle worker was Felicia. She was his granddaughter.
"Do you know medicine?" he asked bluntly.
Felicia blinked. "A little."
Clive's interest intensified. "Who taught you? Who's your mentor?"
"I don't have a mentor. I taught myself," Felicia replied honestly.
Clive's enthusiasm waned. He eyed her with suspicion. Without a mentor, how could she have saved a life with a needle? It seemed either a lie or a lucky coincidence.
Sighing, he said, "Come to the clinic in a couple of days. Stop brewing medicine; you can learn from me. Here's a small gift." He handed her an envelope containing a card, not cash.
Felicia thanked him graciously. Clive nodded and left. Myra, having been unable to join the conversation earlier, turned to Felicia. "Licia, you work at the medical center? Why didn't you tell us? Are you interested in medicine?"
"I work there because I'm poor," Felicia replied, smiling faintly. "I earn twenty dollars a day."
Myra was shocked, realizing the hardship Felicia had faced. Pity and guilt washed over her, but such feelings offered little comfort.
As the party continued, Felicia, finding it dull, decided to leave. She nearly bumped into someone, stepping back as they stumbled onto her dress. "Watch out!"
A pair of hands caught her. It was Arnold, his voice smooth and gentlemanly. A flashback of her previous life flooded her: Arnold had comforted her then, only to later betray and abandon her.
Felicia's expression froze. She instantly recoiled, shaking off his hand.
"Piss off!" she spat, turning to leave.
Arnold stepped in front of her, his tone polite but firm. "Ms. Fuller, I helped you, yet you're scolding me. Isn't that rude?"
Felicia sneered. "You were standing behind me on purpose, weren't you?"
Arnold, momentarily taken aback, apologized. "I'm sorry. I meant to speak earlier."
"If you know you were rude, then step aside," Felicia said coldly.
Puzzled, Arnold asked, "Why do you dislike me?"
Felicia ignored him, pushing past and walking away. Kayla arrived just as Felicia and Arnold separated, witnessing the scene. Anger and jealousy flared within her. "What are you two doing?" she shouted.