Chapter 325
Daisy had barely reached the first floor when she spotted Lauren.
“Ms. Lynn.” Daisy stepped forward, blocking Lauren’s path. “You can’t go upstairs right now. Rosita’s working.”
“All she does is work!” Lauren’s face, pale and drawn, twisted with visible spite. “I’m practically dying and she doesn’t even care?!”
Daisy tried to soothe her gently. “Let’s not get upset, Ms. Lynn. You look unwell–why don’t you let me help you to the sofa?”
Truth be told, Lauren was in agony. Even the short walk from the garden had left her drenched in sweat.
Pancreatic cancer was excruciating.
The pain was relentless–it stole her sleep, her appetite, and any shred of comfort she had left.
She needed money, and a lot of it, to stay alive.
Gavin Prescott had disappeared. Her savings were long gone.
Rosita had been abroad for four years, completely out of reach.
When the diagnosis came three months ago, Lauren felt as if the sky was crashing down on her.
HIV had already been a nightmare; now, with pancreatic cancer piled on top, the last three months had reduced her to a shell of her former self. She was out of money and thought she’d just have to wait for the end.
So when she saw a news report in the hospital about Rosita’s return from overseas, Lauren felt both elated and furious.
Elated–because Rosita was back, and maybe, just maybe, Lauren wouldn’t have to worry about affording treatment anymore.
Furious–because Rosita hadn’t reached out, and had even changed her number in secret.
She was making it painfully clear: she didn’t want anything to do with her dying mother.
Rosita might not have married into the Wentworths in the end, but Garry was the head of Westenmarch’s top conglomerate.
With a husband like that, Rosita could snap her fingers and get any amount of money she wanted.
Lauren had given birth to Rosita. That meant Rosita owed her–she was supposed to take care of her mother, no matter what.
Daisy guided Lauren to the sofa and helped her sit down.
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Chapter 325
“Ms. Lynn, please rest. I’ll get you a glass of warm water.”
Lauren glanced at her with faint disdain. “She’s been overseas for four years, but the moment she’s back she brings you close again. She must trust you a lot.”
Daisy smiled politely. “Rosita’s always been good to me. I’m just happy to be working with her again.”
Lauren snorted. “Good to you? She can’t even be bothered to care that her own mother’s dying of cancer, and you still think she’s a good person?”
Daisy shook her head. “Ms. Lynn, you’ve misunderstood her. It’s not that she doesn’t care. She’s just been swamped since she got back–she was out of the spotlight for so long, and coming back has been tough. The studio gave all her roles to the newer starlets, but her contract isn’t up yet, so she can’t just walk away. She’s really stuck right now.”
Lauren frowned. “Who are you trying to fool? Her husband’s Garry! You think a man like that would let her be treated this way?”
Daisy sighed. “Ms. Lynn, you might not know this, but Rosita’s marriage isn’t as happy as it
looks.”
Lauren stared at her, stunned. “What did you say?”
“Daisy.”
Rosita appeared at the foot of the stairs. “The livestream’s over. Go tidy up. I’ll talk to my
mother.”
Daisy nodded and headed upstairs.
Rosita crossed the room and sat on the single armchair as far away from Lauren as possible.
Lauren glared at her, eyes bitter and accusing. “So even you can’t stand to be near me now?”
Rosita frowned. “Mom, why would you think that?”
“Don’t bother explaining. Everyone’s afraid of dying. It’s normal for you to avoid me now that I have HIV.”
“Mom, try to understand.” Rosita’s voice was tired. “I’ll pay for your treatment.”
“Of course you will!” Lauren snapped, her pain making her irritable and impatient. She didn’t bother pretending anymore.
“Rosita, the Lockwoods are finished. You’re all I have left. Don’t disappoint me.”
She fixed Rosita with a look–those eyes that had once lured countless men now glinting with venom and malice.
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