Chapter 15

Bianca blurted out instinctively, “Who else could it be if not Dani?”

As soon as she said it, her face went pale. She stared at Stephen in disbelief. “You mean Abby? That’s impossible.”

Stephen didn’t want to believe it either, but he couldn’t keep it from Bianca. “Mom, Abigail said she got her acceptance letter from Vanguard University three years ago, right before she was sent to prison.”

Bianca’s body went limp, and she collapsed backward.

“Mom.” Daniella came running from downstairs, her face streaked with tears as she cried out for Bianca.

The whole place turned chaotic. The family doctor stepped out of the room and said, “Mrs. Gibson fainted due to emotional stress. It’s nothing serious.”

Stephen, waiting outside, finally let out a breath. Daniella’s voice was choked as she asked, “Can I go see her now?”

The doctor nodded. “Yes, Ms. Gibson, go on in.”

Daniella rushed in, her face filled with worry and panic.

Stephen saw the doctor out, then turned to glance at Abigail’s door, still shut tight. He thought, ‘Mom fainted because of her, and there’s no way Abigail didn't hear all that noise. She’s deliberately not coming out.’

That thought made the guilt Stephen had been feeling harden back into cold indifference.

Meanwhile, Abigail was typing on her phone, lines of code flashing quickly across the screen. Soon, the display began to shift in color as her fingers moved. She had her headphones on, completely focused.

The next morning, Abigail arrived at the office early. She didn’t like staying at Gibson Villa any longer than necessary and preferred being at the company.

As work hours approached, the Development Lab slowly filled with people. Since Abigail sat in a corner, no one noticed her unless they walked right up.

When Leon showed up, he actually thought Abigail wouldn’t come to work today.

He had been waiting by the elevator for quite a while, holding several large shopping bags filled with gifts for Abigail.

Everything in those bags was handpicked after Leon had consulted his baby sister the night before—he made sure to get things girls usually liked.

He thought, ‘It’s already work hours, and Abigail still hasn’t shown up?’

Leon didn’t expect that the moment he walked in with the bags, he’d see Abigail already sitting in a corner.

“Abigail, when did you get here?” Leon asked, surprised and delighted.

Abigail looked at him, puzzled. “I got here at seven. Why?”

Leon fell silent, thinking, ‘She’s really that dedicated? Here at seven? No wonder I couldn’t find her at the elevator.’

“It’s nothing. These are for you. See if you like them,” Leon said as he handed her the bags.

Abigail frowned slightly. “Thanks, but I don’t need them. I didn’t do anything to deserve this.” She didn’t want to take advantage of anyone.

Leon let out a dramatic groan. “You saved us a huge headache yesterday—how’s that not worth a thank-you? This is me showing appreciation. Just take them. Tim’s gonna be looking for you any minute now.”

Speak of the devil—Timothy showed up right then to find Abigail, striding in just in time to see the pile of snacks. His face darkened instantly.

“Leon, what are you up to again? Didn’t I say no snacks in the Development Lab?” Timothy demanded.

Leon looked innocent. “They haven’t been opened yet. You can’t blame me, Tim.”

Timothy couldn’t be bothered to argue. He had more important things to deal with. “Abigail, come to my office.”

Originally, he’d asked Leon to deliver the message, but Timothy didn't follow through. So Timothy decided to come in person.

He was all smiles, practically fawning. “Abigail, please, have a seat. Do you want coffee?”

Abigail glanced at him, noting the sudden change in his attitude. “Mr. Newman, if you’ve got something to say, just say it.”

She wasn’t interested in coffee. Her stomach was messed up—caffeine only made it worse.

Timothy didn’t mind her indifference. In his eyes, talented people were allowed a bit of attitude.

“Abigail, did you write that program you gave Leon yesterday yourself?” Timothy watched her expression closely.

Abigail gave a calm nod. “Yes.”

Timothy’s breathing hitched. “You’re sure you’re not lying to me?”

Abigail was puzzled. “Why would I lie?” She thought, ‘What would I even get out of lying to him?’

Seeing the confusion in her eyes, Timothy chuckled. He thought, ‘Good. As long as it’s real.’

“Great. I’m glad it’s not a lie. Abigail, with your skills, have you ever considered leading a small team? Maybe taking on a team leader role?”

Bewildered, Abigail thought, ‘Aren’t big companies supposed to be hard to get promoted in? Don’t people normally have to wait their turn?’

“Mr. Newman, how much more does a team leader make?” Abigail asked.

She felt like it was a professional question. After all, she didn’t have much money right now.

If Abigail wanted to cut ties with the Gibson family, she’d need to buy her own place. Plus, she still wanted to visit Wyatt from time to time. All of that cost money.

Timothy hadn’t expected that question. Honestly, most people would’ve been over the moon to be offered a promotion on their second day and would’ve said yes right away.

“I’m not sure, but it should be a decent bump,” Timothy finally said. The company had pretty good benefits and a solid pay structure. “As long as you do the job well, the salary won’t disappoint.”

Abigail didn’t react to Timothy’s vague promises. She wasn’t interested in nice words—she wanted real numbers.

“Mr. Newman, I’ll think about it,” she said. She figured asking Timothy wouldn’t get her anywhere. She’d have better luck checking with someone else.

Leon stared at her in shock, completely floored. “You’re saying Tim asked you to lead a team?”

Abigail didn’t get why he looked so worked up. After a second, she said, “I haven’t agreed yet.”