Wrenley’s voice rose, growing sharp and piercing.

“You pushed my daughter to jump from a building and claim it’s unrelated to you? Is this typical city-dweller behavior? In life-and-death matters, seeking justice is only right. We’re being lenient by not demanding your life in exchange, yet you still refuse to settle.”

Wrenley’s voice cut through the air so sharply that it made Katelyn’s ears ache.

In that instant, she noted a similarity between Wrenley and Marlon’s mother—people relentless in their pursuit of money.

Katelyn scoffed.

“I have given you my stance. Go ahead and sue. I can even suggest a good attorney. If found at fault, I’ll provide compensation.”

“Don’t assume we’re ignorant of the law! You nearly killed my daughter, and you must compensate. That lawyer you mentioned is probably conspiring with you so you can avoid payment. I don’t trust a word you say!”

As Zayden yelled, the door to the operating room swung open again.

All heads turned as Zoey was gently rolled out of the operating room on a hospital bed, still drowsy from the surgery’s anesthesia.

Her right pant leg was pulled up, revealing a bulky plaster cast encasing her leg.

Wrenley’s voice suddenly escalated in a dramatic cry.

“Ah! My daughter!”

Her exclamation startled Katelyn and Vincent.

Taken aback, Zayden held his chest and snapped, “Why scream like that, you mad woman? You’ve frightened me terribly. I’m going to gag you and see if you can still scream!”

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Wrenley immediately stopped.

With a smile meant to charm, she murmured, “I’ll keep quiet next time.”

Katelyn was left speechless.

Vincent, too, momentarily struggled to find words.

Having regained her dramatic poise, Wrenley bent toward Zoey on the gurney and started her performance.

“Oh, my dear Zoey, why is fate so cruel to you? How could you leap from such heights at such a young age? I’ve raised you for all these years, and now this tragedy befalls us. What am I to do?”

Her cries fluctuated between wails and whispers, almost musical to those who couldn’t catch her words. Feeling utterly helpless, Katelyn pressed her fingers against her temples.

Before Wrenley could conclude her tearful act, Zayden shuffled forward, ready to join the emotional display. Mirroring her tone, he said, “Zoey, my beloved daughter! How can you leave us like this? You’re taking our very hearts with you.”

Their distinctive rural accents, combined with their dramatic wailing, rendered the scene ridiculously theatrical.

Wrenley set the tone with her tears, while Zayden handled the loud outbursts.

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