On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 10

Without another glance, Jessica turned and walked toward the main house of the Smith Estate.

The moment she stepped inside, Susan Lane rushed to greet her, her face wreathed in smiles. But when she saw the state Jessica was in, the smile vanished.

Jessica stood in a patch of sunlight and offered her a weak smile. “I might need your private doctor to give me a rabies shot,” she said, her voice slow and gentle. “I just had a fight with a dog outside.”

Susan pulled her close, her heart aching as she took in Jessica’s gaunt frame and the wounds on her neck. “What have they done to you?” she whispered, her eyes welling with tears. “My dear child, come in.”

She led Jessica inside and immediately ordered the butler to call the doctor and have him bring a rabies vaccine.

“Grandma, I’m filthy. I should take a shower first,” Jessica said.

Susan nodded eagerly. “Go on up to your room. The closet is full of your clothes. I haven’t let anyone touch a thing.”

Jessica managed another smile and headed upstairs.

As soon as she was gone, Susan turned on the butler, Benjamin. “That grandson of mine is a bastard! He told me Jessica was on vacation. A psychiatric hospital! Is that any place for a sane person? Look what it’s done to her!”

Benjamin remained silent. Susan could curse Mr. Smith, but he couldn’t. “Mr. Smith was just trying to keep the peace,” he offered meekly. “After all, Catherine Brown was nearly killed.”

Susan snorted in disgust. “It’s always about that Catherine Brown. Lance is blind and foolish. How can an outsider be more important than his own wife? And the Browns are just as bad. How can a stepdaughter be more important than their own flesh and blood?”

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