Chapter 86
86 The Other Side of the Coin
The words barely left his mouth before the rest got stuck in his throat.
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“So. Eugene… while we were plotting to take her kidney, she was studying medical books, trying to cure Rebecca?”
His voice suddenly turned hoarse.
“Before Rebecca came back, Scarlett used to win awards all the time. But in the past two years, she vanished from the public eye.”
“Was it because she was researching herbal supplements… trying to help Rebecca get better?”
And what were the Joyner family doing?
People like Oliver believed Scarlett only got into the family and succeeded because of Rebecca.
Scarlett and Rebecca often clashed. And he, being the blood brother, had always taken Rebecca’s side- constantly lashing out at Scarlett.
What had Scarlett been thinking back then?
Had she felt wronged? Betrayed?
He clutched his chest again.
He didn’t even know how to describe the mess of emotions crashing through him.
Eugene rubbed his temple, clearly at a loss.
They all thought Scarlett had used them to get ahead, while they were using her to save Rebecca.
Everyone was getting what they wanted. No one owed anything.
It should’ve been a clean, guilt–free arrangement.
But now, they realized–when everyone else was faking harmony and pretending to be a happy family, Scarlett was the only one who genuinely treated the Joyner family as her own. She had poured everything into trying to make it better.
Stanley suddenly asked, “Why didn’t you say something to Mom and Dad just now?”
Eugene snapped back to the moment and gave a bitter smile.
“Do you really think they would’ve believed me?”
Stanley thought of all the awful things his mother had said–and gave a bitter smile of his own.
“Then we’ll wait until after the medical conference.”
“Have Rebecca go get tested again. Let the numbers convince them.”
Eugene had been thinking the same–thing.
After all, what parent would want their kid to go through a major surgery if it could be avoided? They’d
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8b The Other Side of the Coin
much rather see a natural recovery.
So he quictly set that plan aside for now.
Stanley, however, brought up something else.
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“Eugene, are you okay with Scarlett coming back?”
“I used to think she was the one at fault… but now I think maybe we didn’t treat her fairly either.”
Eugene nodded solemnly. “Of course I hope she comes back. From now on, I’ll treat her like a real sister.”
If Scarlett came home, she’d definitely share her herbal supplement formula. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ Findηovel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
They’d go back to being siblings who supported each other.
Stanley was genuinely pleased, but a trace of unease lingered.
“We’ve been so harsh with her. What if she doesn’t want to come back?”
Eugene didn’t think that would be a big problem.
“She made such a big scene because she wants us to apologize and promise to treat her better. If we speak sincerely, I bet she’ll cry on the spot and come home with us.”
Around midday…
Scarlett and Colt had gone to the cafeteria. While they ate, Scarlett received a steady stream of messages from her industry contacts.
Stanley had essentially been blacklisted from the entire entertainment world.
Getting any screen time now would be almost impossible.
She looked over at Colt as he tidied up.
“Officer Colt, do you think I went too far?”
Colt collected her plates along with his own and gave her a small, lopsided smile.
“At the very least, he won’t have time to bother you again.”
“You stood up for yourself. I think that’s a good thing.”
Scarlett lowered her gaze, a smile touching her lips.
“I think so too.”
Colt chuckled, just about to say something more, when his phone suddenly buzzed.
“Probably them calling me back to the team.”
Scarlett quickly reached for the trays. “Then go ahead.”
Colt glanced at the screen, then smiled faintly, like he was about to tie up a long–overdue thread.
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86 The Other Side of the Coin
“I’ve got a lead on the arsonist. I’m heading out.”
Technically, that kind of detail wasn’t something he should be revealing.
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But since Scarlett had provided the initial information that led to the breakthrough, it didn’t really count as a breach.
Scarlett’s eyes lit up, her delicate features suddenly sharper, more defined.
Good work.”
Then she added, more seriously, “Stay safe.”
Colt smiled again. “Don’t worry. I’ll try to be back before your medical conference.”
Scarlett blinked. “Your superior gave you a deadline?”
“Not exactly.”
Colt scratched the back of his head, sheepish.
“I just mean this thing’s been dragging on too long. It’s unfair to you and the other victims. If we say we serve the people, then we should actually serve.”
Scarlett stared at him. “Are you rehearsing for an interview? Or just permanently brainwashed by official memos?”
Colt looked even more embarrassed. “Anyway, I’ll bring back good news.”
After the virus research meeting at Darian Hall…
A lot of people in the medical field started reaching out to Scarlett.
Wayne had asked for her permission, and then turned all of them away on her behalf.
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