Chapter 1 Serious Illness

Compared to the Northern borders, rain in the south was almost as rare as oil. However, on the occasion where it did rain, the intensity and amount of rainwater smashing against her windowsill was staggering.

The door creaked and opened. Sporting a pair of white sneakers that had been dirtied by the rainfall, Wendy Guan went straight to the floral-patterned sofa. Her body loosened once it hit the cushions.

After a whole day's work, she was exhausted. It was as if her entire body had shut down when she found herself being enveloped by her wet clothing.

The rain fell so hard that she was ultimately drenched.

Just as she was about to doze off, the phone knocked her right awake. She shivered and took out the phone with great difficulty. Seeing that the call was from her mother, she answered,

"Mom, what's up?"

The fatigued expression on Wendy Guan's face slowly disappeared as a gentle smile weaved its way into her lips. She and her mother always shared a special bond. No matter what problems she faced, she knew that her mother would always have her back.

"Is this Cheryl's daughter? Your mother was sent to the hospital because of a heart attack, but she's already been rescued as we speak. We need to contact one of her family members to pay off the medical expenses."

Her face turned pale in an instant. Wendy Guan scrambled to sit up.

"What did you say? My mother had a heart attack?" she demanded, jumping up from her sofa.

Hearing Wendy Guan's voice, the man seemed to be relieved. "Your mother still needs a follow-up operation, but the cost..."

he trailed off awkwardly.

"Please operate on her first. I'll be there in an hour, and I'll pay it off myself."

The rain was so hard that she thought it could shatter her roof. Thunder rumbled across the skies and lightning flashed, brightening the gloomy night. Wendy Guan raised her hand over her chest, trying to get herself to breathe normally.

Her mother was her entire life. She couldn't lose her!

After hanging up the phone, Wendy Guan pulled up her bag over her shoulder and hailed a taxi. Although she was drenched once again, she didn't seem to care.

The taxi screeched to a stop in front of her. Without missing a beat, she jumped onto the back seat.

"To Yang City Villa." Her voice was hoarse. In fact, she doubted if it was even her voice in the first place.

It felt as if her entire world was falling apart right in front of her. Her mind was in complete chaos, and her heart felt heavy. If her mother was truly gone, she wouldn't know what to do next!

Her mother had always been in poor health. She shouldn't have left her like this.

Although the night was dark and dreary, the Yang City Villa was still imposing. Its bright lights made it look like the shining sun within the night, and its large structure was grand. It reeked nothing but ruthlessness and arrogance. Wendy Guan felt a shiver down her spine as she gazed up at the aristocratic building. She took a deep breath and stepped in, making up her mind.

Besides, she didn't have much time to think. Being familiar with this place, she quickly headed to the hall.

"I was wondering why it's raining so hard. It turns out we have a guest."

From the sarcastic voice, she knew for a fact that it belonged to Leah Yang, her stepmother.

If this was any other day, Wendy Guan would turn around and leave, knowing that she wasn't welcome in this house.

However, knowing that her mother was still lying in that hospital, she couldn't just leave. She needed the money.

Suppressing the urge to tear the woman's face apart, Wendy Guan smiled. "I want to borrow some money from you," she said bluntly. "Don't worry! I'll pay you back."

Leah Yang had been drinking coffee since her arrival. Upon hearing what she had to say, she froze and stared at Wendy Guan as if she had grown two heads.

Suddenly, Leah Yang burst into laughter. Wendy clenched her teeth. "What are you laughing at?" she snapped.

"Are you kidding me? You want me to borrow you money? Tell me then, why should I agree?" the old woman sneered.

"Why?" The corners of Wendy Guan's mouth twitched. 'Maybe it's because the things you have now wouldn't be possible yours if not for my father's money!'

However, she restrained herself once more.

"Given that I'm your half daughter, I could call you Mom, right?" She paused and lowered her head. "I was hoping you can lend me some money for my father's sake, please."

Although Wendy Guan felt disgusted with herself, she might as well use the sympathy card. Arrogance and coldness wouldn't be able to convince her stepmother.

Her frail and weak voice echoed across the large hall of the Guan Family.

"Raise your head," Leah Yang said slowly.

When she did, her stepmother analyzed her carefully like she was staring at an artwork she was about to buy from the rack. Wendy stiffened.

Suddenly, Leah smiled. Although it wasn't as harsh as it had been a moment ago, there was something about that smile that sent shivers down Wendy's back. Something wasn't right.

"You're really beautiful for someone I hate," Leah smirked.

Wendy clenched her fists. It was obvious that the woman was humiliating her on purpose. Not wanting to beat around the bush, Wendy snapped, "I'll ask you one last time. Will you borrow me money or not?"

"Of course I will."

When Wendy stared at her in disbelief, Leah laughed. "Don't you believe me?"

"What's the catch then?" Knowing what kind of woman her stepmother was, she knew that she wouldn't just lend her money that easily.

Leah snorted, clapping her hands. "You really are a smart girl. Look, as long as you help me with this, then I'll give you all the money you want."

Wendy took a deep breath and waited for her request. Although she knew that it might not be a good thing, there was no going back.

Leah stood up and whispered in her ear,

"As long as you help me capture the attention of the owner of Jasmine Resort Hotel, I'll help you and your mother get through this mess. If you succeed, you'll have all the money you like."

Her perfume was already making her sick, and the hot breath that fanned her cheeks was enough to make her want to slap the woman, but she stopped herself. Wendy furrowed her eyebrows. "You mean Leo?"

Leah nodded in satisfaction.

"How?"

"Don't play dumb with me. You're smart enough to know how. Although I have plenty of time, your mother might not, so I suggest you make your decision now."

Leah's stilettos tapped against the tiles as she gracefully twisted her body and landed on the comfortable sofa.

"Fine. But I was hoping you could give me some down payment." Wendy knew what it meant, but at this point, she had no other choice.

With her mother's life on the line, she had no other choice. "Great!" Leah laughed even more voraciously. Crossing her legs and waving her hand, a man in black came over. "Mrs. Leah, what can I do for you?"

"Go and get me fifty thousand."

Seeing the hard cash in his hand, Wendy sighed in relief. Her mother was saved.

"Remember to come to my place tomorrow."

Wendy nodded.

As soon as she got out of the villa, she immediately rushed to the hospital. After paying all the medical fees she owed, she had everything arranged. It was already midnight when she finished.

Wendy sat beside her mother's sickbed as she stared at her peaceful face. Tears ran down the young woman's cheek, but she hurriedly wiped them away. Over the years, her mother had always been the role model for resilience. Her mother made sure that her daughter lived a happy life, even if her life wasn't.

No matter what the price, Wendy was ready to pay it.

Upon hearing sobbing sounds, Cheryl He slowly opened her eyes to see that her daughter was crying.

"You're awake." Wendy straightened her back. "I'm sorry for waking you up."

Cheryl He struggled to sit up, so Wendy supported her. Staring at the way her mother was gasping for breath, she was even more determined to pay Leah a visit tomorrow.

Her mother's frail fingertips stroked her cheek, wiping the tears away. "Did someone hurt you?" she asked, concerned.

"No." Wendy forced a smile into her lips. "Who would dare bully me? I just–I just miss you, that's all."

She laughed bitterly.

Cheryl He poked her on the nose. "You silly girl," she murmured fondly.

Staring into her mother's loving gaze, Wendy smiled and held her hand. "You have to promise me that you'll fight through this, okay? Stay with me."

Wendy bit her lip.

Cheryl He chuckled. Her daughter had always been considerate. "Of course I'll stay with you."

Hearing her mother's words, she smiled.

Everything would be fine. Right?