Kathlen couldn''t just let Reba''s tantrum slide today; it was about more than just a little p on the wrist. Living in a bubble of luxury, Reba had no idea how fierce her admired cousin could be when pushed too far. Kathlen nced at the mark on Reba''s cheek, feeling a twinge of guilt. "Let''s get you home, and I''ll put some of my special ointment on it," she said. "By morning, the swelling will be gone, and there won''t be a trace left. Don''t worry." Reba, with her childlike mood swings, was quick to soften under Kathlen''s soothing words. The difort she felt began to fade, and she couldn''t help but pout, "Mom, that p really stung. How could you be so mean? And Selena, she''s such a bi-" She caught herself as Kathlen shot her a warning look, quickly pivoting, "What I mean is, you''ve already punished me and made me apologize. Why did you still give her thatst precious box of pills? What makes her so special?"


    Reba had begged for that box countless times, hoping to save it for her dowry when she got married, but Kathlen had never budged. Now, Selena had swooped in and taken it, and Reba felt like she''d lost before even starting the game. Something shed in Kathlen''s eyes as she calmly exined, "I''m just fixing your mess. Your father''s trying to push a project at thepany, and Everett is ying hardball. Now that you''ve stirred up trouble with Selena, are you trying to get your father ousted from Bet Corporation?"


    Reba didn''t grasp the business dynamics and muttered, "Everett would never be that cold. Dad''s his uncle. Family should stick together."


    Kathlen sighed, shaking her head, thinking Reba was a lost cause. Thank goodness for her son, who was about to finish his PhD at Oxford. When he returned, their family would rise again. For now, they couldn''t afford to antagonize Everett.


    Tired of the conversation, Kathlen stressed once more, "From now on, keep your head down. Stay away from Selena, and don''t start anything with her!"


    Reba sulked but knew she couldn''t stir up trouble again. Though she hesitated, "And what about Selena''s baby? Are we just going to let her have it and im what''s ours?"


    en


    Kathlen chuckled mysteriously, "Pregnancy is a long journey. Who knows if the baby will even make it to this world."


    ---


    In the hospital room, Ava brought lunch as Everett sat with Selena.


    The hospital food was nd, but Everett ate withoutint despite his picky taste. He ate whatever Selena ate.


    Selena watched him eat gracefully and suddenly asked, "Why''d youe back so suddenly?"All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Everett didn''t look up as he calmly replied, "I told you, I missed you, so I came back."


    Ava, trimming flowers nearby, couldn''t help butugh, calling him out, "That''s not the whole story. I heard from Derick that you rushed back because you found out Kathlen was bringing Reba to see Selena. You were worried she''d get bullied again!"


    Everett''s eyes narrowed slightly. He turned to Ava with a smile that didn''t reach his eyes and said deliberately, "Ava, thanks for the insight. Consider your end-of-year bonus gone"  en