Bye-bye Trash! Hello Queen! novel Chapter 263

"Jerome, there's nothing left to talk about," Wendy said, her voice cold and distant. "I've realized that no matter what I say, you won't believe me or listen. I told you before that Yvonne was bad news, that she was a regular on the club scene, always with different men. You wanted to raise another man's child, so I let you be. I was young once too; I know how important your 'goddess' is to you. But I told you to keep her out of my sight. You love your father so much, you adore Joanna so much—go talk to them."

"Mom, I… that's not what I meant. I just can't believe the father I've respected my whole life and the sister I've doted on would do this to me."

"Then don't believe it. I have work to do at the company; I don't have time for your whining." Wendy hung up and walked away without another word.

Jerome’s arm fell limply onto the bed. Now even his own mother didn't believe him. He closed his eyes in despair. As a cripple, the future stretched before him, a terrifying, uncertain void.

…

Natalie's surgery lasted a full eight hours. Over the years, she’d occasionally come in to handle special cases like this.

When she finally emerged from the operating room, Herbert rushed forward. "Natalie, you must be exhausted. I had dinner brought in for you. Go get changed and eat something." He didn't ask if the surgery was a success; with her in charge, he had no doubt.

Natalie pulled off her mask, her face etched with fatigue. She leaned against the wall and asked with a weary smile, "Aren't you going to ask me if it was successful?"

Herbert’s smile was warm and refined. "Natalie, I've always had complete faith in your skills. My mentor worships your mentor, and I worship you."

A playful, proud smile touched Natalie's lips, her voice teasing. "Herbert, we're both exceptional. You could have done this surgery yourself. You were just too worried because he's your brother. Don't worry," she added gently, "the surgery was a success."

At last, Herbert let out a huge, unrestrained laugh of relief. "Natalie, thank you. Seriously. Now go, get changed and eat." He excitedly pulled out his phone to call his aunt with the good news.

"He's recovering well, Natalie. I've been keeping a close eye on him, so don't you worry. Just get some rest at home."

"Good," Natalie said with a smile.

After hanging up, she washed up and went downstairs. Her grandfather wasn’t home; he had probably gone for his morning walk. She went outside to find Queena, who had just finished a lap and was drenched in sweat.

Seeing Natalie, she jogged over, panting. "Natalie, what's with you sleeping till noon?"

Natalie smiled. "And you? Looks like you just got up for your run."