Chapter 129

Rachel wore an apologetic expression as she sincerely apologized, "I'm really sorry. I promise I'll be more careful next time, and it won't happen again." The medical staff, seeing that she admitted her mistake, didn't say much more.

Watching this unfold, Stella couldn't help but admire Rachel. The woman was a master at playing the victim—one teary glance, and the room rallied to her side. She bent like a reed in the wind; the second the tide turned against her, she'd duck her head in contrition. No shame, no hesitation. Even when others squirmed with secondhand embarrassment, Rachel could still flash that polished smile and carry on like nothing happened.

This was precisely how Rachel managed to have Haynes and his son, Keen, completely under her thumb.

The ambulance soon pulled up at the nearby hospital, and Keen was rushed to the emergency room. Stella sat with Marvin in the hallway, quietly waiting.

Rachel stood outside the operating room, hands clasped together, eyes glistening with tears, continuously praying. "God, please let Keen be okay, I'm begging you."

Seeing Rachel so remorseful, Haynes tried to comfort her. "Rachel, it's not your fault. You didn't mean for this to happen."

Rachel dabbed at her tears. "If something happens to Keen, how could I ever face him again?"

Stella watched the two of them coldly, feeling utterly disgusted.

Just then, Marvin's innocent voice broke the tension. "Stella, didn't the doctor say Keen wasn't in any danger? Why is that lady crying so sadly?"

Stella replied gently, "I'm not really sure. Why don't you ask her?"

Marvin nodded obediently and approached Rachel, gently tugging on her sleeve. "Ms. Pearce, why are you crying so much?"

Rachel's smile tightened imperceptibly. This brat kept ruining her moment, but with Haynes watching, she had to play the saint. She crouched to Marvin's level, her voice dripping with saccharine concern. "Sweetheart, I only want what's best for Keen. That's all."

"But Keen is going to be okay, right? If you cry like that, people might think someone died or something."

Rachel quickly covered Marvin's mouth. "Oh, sweetie, we mustn't say such unlucky things."

She pulled Marvin aside, ready to smooth-talk him, but suddenly Marvin plopped down on the floor, looking up at her with a hurt expression.

Rachel was momentarily stunned, not quite processing what had happened. "I didn't push you…"

Stella rushed over and helped Marvin up. "Marvin, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Stella," Marvin mumbled, his head down, his lip quivering like he was about to cry. "I'm sorry, I must have said something wrong."

Stella noticed the dried wound on Marvin's arm. It was from earlier, when Marvin had tried to save Keen and Rachel had pushed him to…

Stella's expression turned icy. She looked up at Rachel, her voice firm, "Apologize."

Before Rachel could respond, Marvin interjected, "Stella, it was my fault. I lost my balance and fell. It's not Ms. Pearce's fault."

Stella's face remained cold. "Marvin, stop covering for her. I saw it with my own eyes—she pushed you. And besides…" She fixed her gaze on Rachel, unwavering. "Not long ago, you pushed Marvin to stop him from helping Keen."