Chapter 1046: Confrontation

In the ward, Carol slapped Besse hard across the face. The blow was heavy, and Besse stared at her, fury etched on her face.

"I heard Doyle almost died for you!" Carol emphasized each word, a stark contrast to her demeanor moments earlier when Susan was present.

"Do you know what happened?"

"It doesn't matter," Carol retorted. "Doyle is critically injured in intensive care because of you. For years, I've been good to you. I took you in after your parents died, taught you design. I even condoned your relationship with Doyle, so you should be grateful."

"Your idea of gratitude is for me to risk my life for Doyle, no matter what?!"

"I don't expect such selflessness. But I won't tolerate Doyle being hurt because of you! Do you understand how much he loves design?"

Besse didn't understand. All she cared about was Doyle's survival.

Carol noticed Besse's confusion. "So… you don't know yet?"

"Know what?"

"Doyle's right hand is useless." The words were slow, deliberate.

A pang shot through Besse's chest. She knew Doyle's passion for design.

"The doctors said amputation was barely avoided. Even with treatment, they can't guarantee he'll regain full function, let alone design again." Anger flared in Carol.

Doyle's love for design stemmed from Carol's artistic influence, a source of pride for her. She couldn't accept this outcome. Neither could Besse.

Besse wondered if Doyle knew, but held back her question.

"Besse," Carol said coldly, "I'm so disappointed."

She turned to leave, her outburst spent.

"Your Highness," Besse called.

Carol looked at her impassively.

"Doyle's situation isn't my fault," Besse stated. She wouldn't accept blame for what she hadn't done.

"If you hadn't been involved, Doyle wouldn't have returned to Northfield, wouldn't have been attacked by Skye. Skye wouldn't have dared act so recklessly in Jolencami."

"But the accident wasn't my fault!" Besse insisted. "If Doyle hadn't pushed Skye's girlfriend, he wouldn't have been attacked!"

"Then who's responsible?!" Carol raged. "Isn't it because of you? Because of your situation that pushed Doyle to act?"

"It's not because of me!" Besse said firmly.

Carol's eyes narrowed. She seemed to realize something.

"That slap wasn't about guilt, my nurturing, or your moral high ground," Besse said calmly. "It was because…"

"You saved my life."

Carol was stunned. Besse knew everything. Doubt gnawed at Carol. Her actions, her contributions, seemed less significant now, insufficient to justify her demands. She felt humiliated.

"Take care," Besse said.

Much weighed on Besse's mind, preventing further discussion. Unresolved contradictions clouded her thoughts.

The door opened. Susan stood outside, arrogant as ever. Seeing Carol's expression, she knew their encounter hadn't gone well. Carol's regal demeanor was merely a facade—the familiar tension between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. She and Justine clashed constantly.

Susan entered, noticing the red mark on Besse's face. "Did she hit you?" she asked, furious.

"It's okay. She won't again."

"There's always a second time," Susan said gravely. "Compromise now, and she'll exploit you. You must resist, be stronger. Don't blindly obey! Dealing with your mother-in-law is an art. If you don't master it, you'll suffer."

Besse chuckled.

"Have you mastered it, with Justine?" Besse asked.

"Of course," Susan replied confidently. "Justine's still mean, but I'm not weak. I don't give in easily… wait." She looked at Besse incredulously. "How did you know my mother-in-law is Justine?"

Besse looked at the surprised Susan.

"Doesn't everyone know? Manuel's mother is Justine Wells. Therefore, your mother-in-law is Justine."

Susan felt something was amiss, but couldn't place it.

"Susan, I need to rest." Besse wanted to avoid the conversation.

"Oh, okay. I'll go find Manuel."