Chapter 5

I was going to find out the truth. Grandpa deserved justice.

There were security cameras in the hospital room, but Zoe had deliberately positioned herself to block every angle. Only her back was visible on the footage — close to him, whispering something.

Then Grandpa erupted. He coughed up blood.

Zoe's explanation came quickly.

"I only told him to take care of himself. I have no idea why he suddenly struck me. I'm the one who should be upset here."

What a flimsy story. Full of holes.

I didn't believe it for a second. Grandpa would never do something like that without reason.

Zoe had said something. I was certain.

I grabbed her.

"What did you say to him? Who gave you permission to visit my grandfather? Who do you think you are?"

She pressed her lips together in a practiced pout, but her eyes were full of open defiance.

Grandpa was my only family. I couldn't hold back anymore. I grabbed her and slapped her hard across the face.

Zoe hadn't expected me to actually hit her. She shrieked.

The two of us ended up brawling in a corner of the hospital hallway. She was no match for me — I'd already left scratches across her face.

The noise drew a crowd.

Ethan finally yanked my arm and pulled us apart. In the heat of the moment, he raised his hand and slapped me.

"What is wrong with you? You're acting like a maniac."

The tears came despite everything.

I had spent my whole life holding myself to a certain standard. I didn't want to fall apart in public. But that was my grandfather in there.

I couldn't be rational about this.

It was the first time Ethan had ever seen me like this. He tried to play the peacemaker.

"Let's all calm down. No more fighting."

I stared at him in disbelief, my voice going sharp.

"Ethan, don't you forget — my grandfather saved your life once."

Zoe was still seething.

"She attacked me. How is this okay?"

Ethan slipped Zoe a black credit card as some kind of compensation.

Then he turned to me, and for once, there was something like guilt in his eyes.

"Zoe showing up unannounced was wrong. But she didn't mean any harm, and you left her in this state. As for your grandfather — I'll make it up to you later."

"But I will not allow you to interrogate Zoe like this. You have no proof she did anything wrong."

I stumbled back a few steps, my cheek burning.

"Ethan, the biggest regret of my life is ever meeting you."

I would find the proof. I had just let my guard down today.

I never imagined Zoe would be shameless enough to go after Grandpa.

Ethan's expression darkened.

The next second, he got a slap of his own.

My face was not something anyone got to hit for free.

At that exact moment, a nurse came running down the hall.

"Family of the patient? He's asking for you. Please, come quickly."