Chapter 268: Time to Book You a Psych Appointment
Margaret was starting to lose track of what Kaiya was even getting at.
Gemma had just reconnected with her family.
The Doltons were obviously going to make a big show of it.
They should’ve been standing up for Gemma, no question.
But Kaiya’s attitude? It was almost like Kaiya was rolling out the red carpet for her.
This had to be a trap.
Margaret hesitated.
Maybe Kaiya was just too young to understand the situation and was running her mouth.
Seeing her silence, Kaiya kept going.
“I know you, deepdown, you genuinely care about Gemma.
She probably still appreciates everything you’ve done for her.
If you asked her for something or pushed her to take a step back, she’d listen, wouldn’t she?”
Margaret’s heart skipped a beat.
She wanted her to get something out of Gemma? Or force her to back down?
But if the Doltons had done their homework, they’d know she and Gemma weren’t exactly on good terms.
Sending her to do this–weren’t they worried it wouldn’t work?
She smiled faintly.
“Gemma used to be my daughter–in–law. I still hope she and Max can work things out.”
Kaiya nodded. “Exactly. They have a child together. They can’t keep going like this forever.
Our family would love for Ali to stay with us for a few days.
But without a remarriage, Ali’s legally with Mr. Wilson. If we take him, it won’t look good.”
Margaret finally understood.
The Doltons wanted her to use marriage to tie Gemma down again.
Publicly, they’d pressure the Wilsons into admitting fault and bringing Gemma back.
But behind the scenes, this was a deal between both families.
Gemma was the bridge connecting them.
“Of course, I’ll make sure they remarry as soon as possible.”
Madeline finally spoke, her tone calm but firm.
“Gemma is my granddaughter. I won’t just stand by and do nothing for her.
Once she’s back with you, if I hear that she’s being mistreated–don’t expect the Doltons to be polite about it.”
Margaret got the message.
Gemma couldn’t be allowed to leak anything to the outside world.
This was basically house arrest.
She couldn’t help but feel a little awed.
The Doltons really were ruthless.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you have nothing to be upset about.”
She spent the rest of the meal on edge.
But the deal the Doltons were offering? Too tempting to resist.
If they followed through, the Wilsons would gain international trade routes and boost port profits.
Their family’s future would be secure for the next hundred years.
Who could turn that down?
The only problem–getting Max and Gemma back together.
That wasn’t going to be easy.
She thought back to Gemma’s attitude earlier that day. A flicker of doubt crept in.
Just then, Kaiya scooted closer to her.
Setting
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Chapter 268: Time to Book You a Psych Appointment
“You seem worried. What’s on your mind?”
Margaret kept her words vague.
“Just thinking this might be… challenging.”
Kaiya just chuckled.
out.”
“Oh, come on. You’re a woman–you know how women are. We always say the opposite of what we mean. ‘No‘ means ‘yes,‘ and ‘I don’t want to‘ means ‘please force me.‘ If we reason with her and she refuses, she’s probably just waiting for you to push harder and give her a way
Margaret’s eyes lit up.
That was true.
If the usual methods wouldn’t work, they’d just have to try something unusual.
“You’re a sharp one.”
Kaiya gave a shy smile.
She was just here to pass along the message.
The Doltons‘ plan was simple:
Margaret had free rein to do what she needed. Once Gemma was under control, the Doltons would step in.
Once Gemma regained her freedom, she wouldn’t hold a grudge against Ashton anymore.
She’d clear things up with the police.
Even if Mr. Cassius tried to interfere, with no solid evidence, Ashton would eventually walk free.
As long as Ashton got out.
Her name would be cleared.
Otherwise, she’d be stuck with the stain of hurting Uncle Ash–and that would make claiming her inheritance way harder.
Gemma returned to the hospital.
Christine had just put the baby to sleep and wanted to discuss his condition.
Gemma led her outside the room.
“He needs surgery as soon as possible, but his body isn’t strong enough yet. We’ll have to continue with histidine copper treatment for a while.”
“Of course, of course! No matter the cost, we’ll do whatever it takes!”
Christine pulled out an envelope and tried to shove it into her hands. “Dr. Kelestine, please–you have to save my baby.”
Gemma quickly pushed it back.
“I’m sorry, but our hospital has strict rules. We can’t accept money from patients‘ families. Besides, if the surgery is successful, it’ll benefit my career
as weli.
So don’t worry–I’ll do everything I can.”
Christine wiped away her tears, nodding.
“Dr. Kelestine, I’m so grateful to have met you. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t know how to go on.”
Something felt… off. Gemma narrowed her eyes.
“You and Bradiey are pretty close. Was it really that hard to get a hold of me?”
Christine’s expression stiffened.
She silently cursed herself for saying too much.
“I just… I didn’t expect you to be so approachable.”
She forced a smile.
“I’ve been to so many hospitals, and the doctors always scold me, making me feel like I owe them something.”
Gemma nodded. “I see.”
“So really, Dr. Kelestine, thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
But Gemma still had a nagging feeling.
She was trying way too hard to distance herself from Bradley.
Was she his girlfriend?
No, that didn’t seem right.
She was well–maintained, sure, but as a doctor, Gemma could make a pretty good guess about her real age.
Bradley wouldn’t go for someone old enough to be his mother… would he?
Setting
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Chapter 268: Time to Book You a Psych Appointment
Well, not impossible.
Better keep an eye on her.
But no matter who she was, the hospital had already accepted her as a patient.
And a doctor’s job was to treat patients.
Even death row inmates got medical care before their execution.
“No need to thank me, Ms. Parrish. Just focus on taking care of your child. I have to get back to work.”
Gemma left, still a little suspicious. But she was too busy to dwell on it.
Right before her shift ended, a new patient checked in.
Margaret.
Gemma frowned and hit the call button. A few minutes later, Margaret sat across from her.
Gemma smirked.
“Honestly, I thought you’d be checking in with neurology or psych. Didn’t expect me to be your doctor.
But hey, no worries. I can still run some tests and figure out which department you belong in.”
Margaret bristled, nearly losing her temper.
But remembering the Doltons‘ instructions, she swallowed it down.
“Fine. I’m here to apologize. Be grateful.”
Gemma blinked.
…Excuse me? Is your apology made of diamonds? Why exactly should I be grateful?”
Margaret clenched her jaw, forcing herself to take several deep breaths.
“You’d better not get cocky. Once you’re back with Max, you’ll have to live under my roof again.”
Gemma raised an eyebrow. “Yup. Definitely psych. Let’s get that appointment booked.”
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