She’s Back, and Hell’s Coming with Her novel Chapter 296

Smack!

Another slap landed hard across the other cheek.

“You— I didn’t even do anything to you! How can you just hit me?” Hester lifted her tear-stained face, her voice trembling with outrage.

Desmond and Celine, standing nearby, both stared in disbelief. What had just happened? Everything seemed fine a moment ago—why did it suddenly turn violent?

Sabrina blew into her hands, readying herself for another strike. “Didn’t you just say you’d feel better if I hit you? If you’re still upset, I can keep going!”

Her stance made it clear—she looked ready to slap Hester into next week.

Hester’s anger boiled over. This little brat actually dared to lay hands on her. She had only been speaking out of frustration—who would take it seriously?

Both slaps had landed with full force, stinging so badly she almost saw stars. But she had said the words herself, and now she had no way to take them back. Gritting her teeth, Hester swallowed her pride—and her pain—along with any protest. She’d remember this. One day, she’d pay Sabrina back tenfold.

Desmond shot Sabrina a frustrated look. “Enough, both of you. Your grandmother’s still unconscious. Is this really the place to argue? Keep it down.”

A hush fell over the hospital room.

Hester quickly wiped away her tears, putting on an innocent expression. Who would suspect her of anything now? She glanced at Celine, then slipped her arms around Celine’s, playing the doting sister.

“Celine, you’ve been taking care of Mom these past few days. It must have been tough. How is she? Is she still in pain?”

Celine’s eyes flashed with thinly veiled disgust. Without a word, she pulled her arm free. “Why don’t you go check yourself?” Her tone was icy, and she didn’t bother looking Hester’s way.

The whole family rushed to her bedside as she slowly opened her eyes. Desmond was the first to call out, relief flooding his voice. “Mom, you’re awake!”

Panic, shock, and unease flashed through Hester’s mind. She forced herself to regain composure and squeezed into the crowd, keeping her expression carefully neutral. But when she met her grandmother’s gaze, a trace of murderous intent flickered in her eyes.

Octavia, still wearing an oxygen mask, couldn’t speak. Her cloudy eyes moved from Desmond to Sabrina, filling with disbelief, joy, and emotion. Tears traced down her weathered cheeks.

Sabrina reached for her grandmother’s hand, her small fingers gently clutching Octavia’s. She spoke in a soothing voice. “Grandma, I’m back. Focus on getting better, okay?”

Not to be outdone, Hester flung herself beside Octavia’s bed, wailing loudly. “Grandma, you’re finally awake! I was so worried about you. I’m so sorry—I did this to you! If you want to scold me, go ahead. If you want to hit me, I deserve it. I won’t complain, just do whatever you want!”

Octavia’s eyes flew wide, horror and frustration filling her face as she tried desperately to speak. But her throat refused to make a sound—she could only gape, voiceless, as chaos swirled around her bed.