After knowing Who She Is They Kneeled novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11 A Price to Pay

Juliette’s voice remained soft and measured. “Annelise, I apologize for my mother. Since you refuse the money, perhaps you shouldn’t associate with the Whitman family further. You’re capable of supporting yourself. I don’t want my mother’s direct approach to cause you further embarrassment.”

Her words, perfectly polite and reasonable, drew nods of approval from the crowd.

Onlookers glanced between Juliette and Annelise, seeing a study in contrasts.

Juliette appeared generous and kind, almost angelic, while Annelise seemed grasping and resentful.

The group accompanying the elderly woman shook their heads in clear disapproval.

A faint smile played on Annelise’s lips, her perceptive gaze seeming to see straight through the performance.

Juliette, however, found herself a Purchase completed omething about Annelise today was unnerving, unpredictable…

“Does being cast out make her so bitter? Is this her idea of revenge?” she wondered.

Just three months ago, she’d been meek and compliant.

Today, she seemed capable of anything.

Juliette wondered, puzzled, “The Whitman family has supported her for over a decade. What more does she want? Does she truly believe she could be the heiress?”

The thought was absurd.

Juliette felt both guilty and superior toward Annelise, though she hid it well, still speaking softly.

“Julie is quite right,” the elderly woman said, smiling approvingly. “Medical psychology teaches us about the insecurities of youth, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds. They often misread kindness, becoming overly concerned with perception.” She turned a condescending gaze on Annelise. “Now that you’re in the city, you must let go of this small–town mentality and learn to appreciate your surroundings.”

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Chapter 11 A Price to Pay

266 Washers

Annelise listened with mild amusement before asking, seemingly off–topic, “You are the renowned Madam Kendrick? The one who claims no illness is beyond your reach?”

The old woman’s expression cooled at her tone. “I am. What of it?”

“A word of advice, Madam Kendrick,” Annelise stated calmly. “Mistaking a fake for a gem is a minor folly. But failing to properly educate your students, allowing them to practice medicine irresponsibly, is a grave matter.” She gestured down the street. “One of your pupils is currently kneeling by the traffic lights. Perhaps you should go check him.”

The old woman scoffed. “Preposterous! My students would never…”

She was cut off as a young man in medical scrubs rushed up, frantic. “Prof. Kendrick, you must come! My senior is kneeling in the street. We can’t get him up!”

Her face went perfectly still.

All her prior elegance evaporated.

A profoundly awkward silence fell over the scene.

It was a masterclass in humiliation.

Her composure shattered, and she finally turned and marched stiffly toward the intersection.

She shot a final, icy look at Annelise, a look that promised this grievance was now permanently recorded.

Annelise remained unfazed. Unprincipled and narrow–minded, the Kendrick family was a minor concern. They had no true calling for medicine.

“No illness is beyond her reach? Taking on students for prestige? Turning healing into a vanity project and producing incompetents?” she thought disdainfully.

Hah. She’d remained out of sight for too long, allowing the Kendrick family to freely exploit her reputation. It seemed a change in management was overdue.

The Whitman family had put on this show entirely for Rosalie. Seeing Annelise had offended even her, Gloria could barely conceal her satisfaction as she hurried after the esteemed doctor.

“This foolish girl has no idea what life outside the Whitman family’s sphere is like. Now she’s made an enemy of Criford’s elite. She’ll come crawling back to us in tears soon enough,” Gloria thought.

10.54

Chapter 12 The Family Arrives