Survived the Venom, Killed by Betrayal

Daniel took the divorce papers, flipped to the last page, and saw my signature already in place with today's date. He shot me a suspicious look, then picked up the pen and signed his name.

"Relax. It's only a temporary divorce. Once Gracie is better, I'll marry you again," he said.

"Okay," I murmured. None of it mattered anymore. My clock was already ticking down.

I turned toward the bedroom, but my legs gave out and I collapsed to the floor. Instinct made me call Daniel's name as I was falling, yet he didn't catch me.

When I came to, I was still on the floor while Daniel and Ethan were in the kitchen cooking.

At the sound of me stirring, they looked over in sync.

Ethan's eyes were full of mockery. "Dad, you lost. I told you Mom would get up on her own in less than two hours. She always pulls stunts like this to get our attention. It's so lame."

Daniel looked at me with disappointment. "If Ethan weren't sharp, I would've actually fallen for it."

I just stared at them for a moment, then laughed. I'd been on the cold floor for long enough that one glance would've told them I wasn't faking. Instead, they left me there and decided I was acting.

"That's enough. Drop the act," Daniel said. "Gracie's craving your peppercorn chicken. Get it done. We're heading to the hospital soon."

The words slid into my chest like a blade.

I let out a bitter smile and pushed myself up. "I'm not feeling well. I can't cook. I'll go to the hospital with you. I have some important documents to sign."

Daniel looked like he wanted to ask what was wrong.

I forced a smile and said lightly, "Probably low blood sugar. I haven't eaten all day."

...

In the hospital room, Grace saw me walk in. Her eyes already held a sense of provocation. But the moment she saw Daniel and Ethan behind me, a bright smile lit up her face.

I had to admire how fast she could change expressions.

Grace clasped my hand warmly. "Clara, I'm really thrilled. I can't believe you're actually giving me Grandpa's hospital. Don't worry. I didn't study medicine, but with Mom and Dad helping, I'll learn quickly and work hard to run it well."

Mom chimed in, "That's right, Clara. You've carried the load for years. Once you hand it to Grace, you won't have to push yourself so hard."

I nodded and pulled a document from my bag. "I think you're right, so I'm also planning to transfer every research project and asset under my name to Grace as well. Then, I can finally be worry-free."

Everyone froze. They all knew I hadn't just turned the hospital around. I'd made breakthroughs in complex cases, and several of my rare-disease treatment protocols were now under review for the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

If I bowed out now, Grace would take all the credit. Her name would end up on the Worldwide Excellence Award lists.

Mom grabbed my hand. Her eyes were gleaming. "Clara, is this real? Are you really willing to hand your life's work to Grace?"

Daniel looked just as stunned. He couldn't believe I could be this generous.

I was surprised by how shocked he looked. Hadn't they been telling me all along to give way to Grace?

They said that even though Grace wasn't a Winton by blood, after living with them for so many years, she was more like family than their own daughter.

I was just doing what they'd always wanted—giving everything to Grace. Yet somehow, they were shocked.

Dad, who'd been quiet, cleared his throat. "Clara, you've finally matured. It's good that you understand that we are all one family."

Mom added, "If you and Grace can finally get along, I'll finally have some peace of mind."

Cold crept into my chest.

Dad, Mom, that day would never come.

Ethan suddenly yelped, "Mom, your nose is bleeding!"