Reba sobbed as she struggled to her feet, her defiance crumbling. With great effort, she managed to mutter, "I''m sorry. I''m really sorry."


    It was obvious her apology wasn''t genuine.


    Everett fixed her with a steady gaze, his dark eyes unwavering as he asked calmly, "Sorry to whom?"


    Reba''s face was a mess, streaked with tears and smeared makeup, resembling a sad clown.


    "Mrs... Mrs. Bet, I''m sorry, okay? Is that enough?" she blurted, feeling her dignity being ground into the dust. Unable to bear the humiliation any longer, Reba turned and fled.


    Kathlen watched, feeling a deep sense of embarrassment and shame. "Everett, Selena, it''s our fault for spoiling her. We''ll make sure she learns her lesson. As for these health supplements..." she said, gesturing to the two servants. They promptly ced their gifts on the coffee table.


    "These are some top-notch herbs that are really good for your health," Kathlen exined. "Especially this box of pills. My father and a renowned herbalist tracked them down. Since you''ve been feeling weak, they''ll be excellent for your recovery." Selena nced at the box of pills, clearly taken aback.


    The Hodge family was known for their pharmaceutical expertise and long-standing connections with esteemed herbalists. Over the years, they''d acquired many rare and powerful remedies. Some were now lost or iplete, reducing their potency. The pills in Selena''s hand were a rare treasure; the Hodge family only had two boxes left. One had already been given to Josh, with impressive results. Many had offered hefty sums for these pills, but the Hodge family held onto them tightly and would never part with them so easily...


    This was quite the generous gesture, and Selena felt uneasy epting it. "Kathlen, I''m recovering well. I don''t need such valuable pills. Please, take them back."


    "No, no," Kathlen insisted. "Selena,


    don''t be so formal. Reba''s caused trouble more than once... Just take them, or I''ll be too embarrassed to face anyone"


    en


    AQUMS


    With the direction the conversation was headed, Selena found it difficult to refuse. She discreetly nudged Everett''s pinky.


    Catching his wife''s plea for assistance, Everett nced at the pills and finally said, "Kathlen, we appreciate your kindness. We''ll take them." Kathlen breathed a sigh of relief, her smile returning.


    "Everett, Selena, you muste over for dinner sometime. I''ll whip up some medicinal dishes for you she offered cheerfully. With her background as a pharmacist, she created dishes that were both tasty and healing.


    Selena smiled warmly. "That sounds wonderful."


    "Well, I won''t keep you any longer. I''ll be on my way," Kathlen said, leading the two servants out.


    Reba was still crying in the car, leaning against the window. When Kathlen got in, Reba scooted away, sulking and turning her back.


    Kathlen, seeing her daughter''s behavior, was less inclined to coddle her. Instead of her usualforting words, she simply told the driver, "Let''s go."


    "Mom!" Reba cried out, feeling as


    if her world was crumbling and everyone had turned against her. She looked at her mother through tear-filled eyes, trying to understand why she was being treated this way.


    BUMSAll content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    As the car moved down the road, Kathlen finally pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped Reba''s tears.


    "Reba, remember. Everything I did today was for your own good."