Chapter 266: Lying to Gemma? Where’s Your Conscience?
Margaret exploded the moment she heard those words.
Fury shot straight from her chest to her head.
She didn’t even think before blurting out.
“Gemma, I’m giving you a chance to talk things over out of respect.
Let’s cut through the bullshit–your grandparents have already invited me over. To discuss your marriage.
I was even considering throwing you a fucking palace wedding…
but who knew you’d turn into such a little bitch?
Listen, even if the Doltons are forcing me at gunpoint, I’m still not giving you a ceremony.
As for your little ‘reconciliation‘ fantasy with my son? Dream on!”
With that, Margaret stormed off.
Gemma instantly latched onto the key information in her words.
So the Doltons were indeed planning to negotiate with the Wilsons.
But she had just sent Ashton to the police station.
There was no way they’d be so generous as to welcome her back into the family.
She thought for a moment.
There was no way she could get insider information on the Doltons.
She needed help. She sent Cassius a message, briefly explaining the situation.
Then, she reached out to Cedric, asking him to keep an eye on Marcus.
Lastly, she called Bradley.
“Didn’t your aunt invite me to dinner? I want to move it up.”
Bradley didn’t even ask why. “Got it, I’ll take care of it.”
Dinner was set for that afternoon.
“Oh, by the way, how’s that kid doing?” Bradley asked, testing the waters.
Gemma shot back, “Did you find his parents yet?”
Bradley immediately dropped the subject. “I’ll get on it now.”
After hanging up, Gemma headed to the hospital.
She was determined to fight the Doltons to the end. She refused to let them control her fate.
But… work still came first.
The child had already bech treated with histidine copper, and his condition was stabilizing. She was coordinating with the medical team to schedule
his surgery.
Before she knew it, afternoon rolled around.
She stepped out of her office, ready to leave. Bradley was waiting for her.
“I’ll drive you to dinner. That okay?”
Gemma nodded.
“You don’t need to stay with the kid?”
Bradley pointed toward the hospital room ahead. “His mom’s here now.”
Gemma paused.
Meeting Bradley’s aunt was important, but so was her job. She needed to talk to the child’s mother first.
Hospital Room.
Christine Parrish held her child’s tiny hand, sobbing softly.
‘You’re going to be okay, sweetheart. I’m going to show you the whole world.
My baby, always to sweet.
Why did you have to get this illness? Why do you have to suffer? If I could, I’d take your place in a heartbeat.”
“Excuse me.”
Setting
10 180
Chapter 266: Lying to Gemma? Where’s Your Conscience?
Gemma stood at the door and knocked lightly.
The door had been open, so she had heard everything.
As a mother herself, she understood this woman’s pain.
“Hi, Dr. Kelestine. I’m his mother. Can he have surgery soon?”
Gemma nodded.
“We’re working on it, but he’ll need some more tests first. We’ll need your full cooperation.”
“Of course! Dr. Kelestine, you’re the best in this field.
I’m begging you, please save my child.”
Christine was about to drop to her knees. Gemma quickly stopped her.
“The kid is in my care now. That means I’m responsible for him.
I can’t promise a full recovery, but I swear I’ll do everything I can.”
Christine wiped her tears.
“Thank you, Dr. Kelestine. Please, schedule the surgery as soon as possible.”
Gemma asked again, “Surgery is a big decision. Is his father here?”
“His father…”
Christine hesitated, then whispered, “He’s… gone.”
Gemma’s heart sank. Guilt flickered across her face.
“I’m sorry.”
Christine lowered her head. “It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll push for the surgery as soon as possible. Take care of your child. If you need anything, contact the on–duty doctor–or call me directly.”
She wrote her number down and handed it to Christine.
Christine took it with both hands, overwhelmed with gratitude.
Gemma wasn’t good with emotional scenes. She made a quick exit.
Bradley, however, stayed behind. He lowered his voice.
“Aunt Christine, take care of the kid. I have to go.
And… don’t even think about contacting Uncle Ashton right now.”
Christine wiped her tears. Her earlier vulnerability was gone.
“Don’t worry. I know better than that.”
“Good.” Bradley patted his chest, exhaling. What a mess.
Too young for this kind of stress.
This was insane.
Lakeside Restaurant.
Gemma arrived at the VIP private room. Sharon Jennings was already there.
But instead of waiting idly, she was typing away on a laptop, clearly working.
Gemma didn’t say a word. She sat down across from her and waited patiently.
Fifteen minutes later, Sharon finally paused and looked up.
“You’ve been here this whole time? Why didn’t you say something?”
Sharon was blunt–never one to sugarcoat things.
Gemma was just as straightforward.
I saw you were busy.
If you’re still working when it’s time to eat, it means it’s important. I get that. I can wait.”
Sharon raised an eyebrow.
Huh. You’re not as clueless as people say.”
Gemma chuckled. “Action and reaction, right? People get back the same energy they put out.”
When she walked in earlier, a waiter had already told her Sharon was working.
There was fruit and snacks on the table for her to nibble on.
Setting
10:16
Chapter 266: Lying to Gemma? Where’s Your Conscience?
A tablet sat nearby in case she wanted to watch something.
Sharon had to work, but she’d also made sure Gemma was comfortable.
That deserved a little patience in return.
Sharon laughed. “You’re just like your mother.”
Gemma’s smile faded. “I never met my mother. She didn’t raise me.”
The implication was clear–her personality was hers alone.
Sharon looked stunned. “You think Charlotte abandoned you? Left you to deal with all this mess alone?”
“The Doltons are awful, I’ll give you that. But I can tell you this–your mother never expected them to come looking for you.
And as for abandoning you… I can’t say. Because I didn’t even know she was pregnant.”
Gemma’s eyes widened.
Sharon was the last person Charlotte had contacted before she disappeared.
And she hadn’t known?
That didn’t add up.
But Sharon didn’t seem like she was lying.
So Gemma changed her approach.
“Then do you know who my father might be?”
10.18
