Chapter 530

Penelope was taking a sip of water and nearly sprayed it everywhere.

"Cough, cough, that was his own misunderstanding. I didn't say anything to mislead him."

Timothy turned to look at Penelope. "Mr. Stapleton told Julian you were dead. I protested, but he said..."

"Said what?"

"Ahem, he said dead is dead, and dead people don't just suddenly come back to life one day."

Penelope's gaze darkened slightly. "Yes, he's right. I'm already dead in his heart, never to be revived."

"You hurt him very deeply."

"Yes, very deeply."

But she had never regretted the decision she made back then.

Natalie and the two kids were arriving tomorrow. Since Penelope had to pick Hannah up from the hospital, she wouldn't meet them right away. They would go to the audition first, and they would all meet at Natalie's apartment later in the evening.

If Kristin got the part, they would stay in Orenth for a while. If not, they would head back the day after tomorrow.

The next morning, Penelope went to the hospital. Hannah had made a full recovery and was packing her things when Penelope arrived.

"I could have gone home by myself, really. You didn't have to go to all this trouble," Hannah said.

Penelope put an arm around Hannah's shoulder. "Mr. Reed was worried. He specifically told me to get here early, personally escort you home, and make sure you don't rush back to the office."

Hannah smiled and shook her head. "He's such a fussbudget."

"Mr. Reed just cares about you."

The two chatted as they packed. The discharge papers were already processed, so they could leave as soon as they were ready.

Just as they were about to go, Buck's wife appeared with her child.

"Ms. James, I heard you were being discharged. I, uh, I came to see you off," Buck's wife said, looking embarrassed.

Penelope glanced at Hannah and raised an eyebrow.

Hannah smiled back at her, then turned to Buck's wife.

"Thank you. I hope your husband gets out of the hospital soon too."

"Ms. James..."

Buck's wife clearly had more to say, but Hannah didn't ask and started to leave with Penelope.

"Ms. James, I know you're a good person, and I have no other choice but to beg you! We don't have enough money for my husband's

hospital bills Could you please pay

another portion for him?

Penelope frowned. Hadn't the police already concluded their investigation? Buck's

injuries weren't caused by Hannah; they were self-inflicted!

Besides, he had assaulted Hannah first, then tried to frame her. Out of

pity for his wife and child, Hannah had chosen not to press charges, which was already incredibly generous. And how they were demanding she pay his hospital bills?

"You've given them money before?" Penelope asked Hannah.

Hannah sighed. "I saw his wife and kid kneeling and begging the hospital staff. It

was such a pitiful sight, so I paid a part of their bill."

And now, they had latched onto her.

"You should be seeking out the person who incited your husband to harm himself, not us victims."

Penelope said coldly, pulling Hannah toward the exit.

"Ms. James, can't find them! I can

only turn to you! Please, do a good

deed and pay a little more. The hospital said if we don't pay, my husband can't continue his treatment! If he goes back to our hometown like this, he might be disabled and unable to do heavy work ever again. How will our family survive!"

The two women ignored her, but suddenly, Buck's wife darted in front of them. She

pulled out a folding knife and pressed the blade against her own neck.

"If you don't give us the money, you're forcing us to die!"