The Pretender and The Prince novel Chapter 23

As she sobbed, Ondine felt her mother’s body begin to tremble.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” she asked, pulling back in alarm.

Yvaine’s face was even paler than before. Her brow was furrowed in pain, and she bit down on her lower lip, clearly trying to endure a wave of agony.

A sharp pain shot through Ondine’s heart. She hastily wiped her tears away. “Mom, I’ll get a doctor.”

She ran out of the room in a panic.

Soon, a doctor arrived to assess the situation. Yvaine’s condition had worsened due to the extreme emotional distress. The doctor advised them to avoid any further agitation.

The sudden decline left Yvaine in excruciating pain. The doctor administered a painkiller, set up a specialized treatment machine, and ran a few more tests before leaving.

The new procedures cost tens of thousands of dollars. Ondine emptied her savings, but it wasn’t enough. Yvaine had to use a portion of her own funds to cover the rest of the bill. After paying, Yvaine’s savings were nearly gone.

Ondine consulted the doctor about future costs. A quick calculation revealed that her mother’s remaining money would only last another month. After that, if they couldn’t find more funds, her treatment would have to stop. And that was just for the costs at Meridian Hospital here in Riverdale. If they went to Boreal, the expenses would be even higher; the money wouldn’t even last the month.

She had to raise money now. Waiting until the funds ran out would be too late.

On her way back to the room, Ondine felt her spirits sink, her mind lost in a fog of worry. Her phone vibrated, and she pulled it out.

The screen showed Ellis’s name. A flicker of disgust crossed her face. It was because of his cheating that Chantal had shown up. And because of Chantal, her mother’s condition had taken a nosedive. The root of it all was Ellis.

She answered the call.

Ellis’s voice was as doting as ever. “Babe, where are you? Why didn’t you call me back?”

A cold, mocking smile touched Ondine’s lips. It seemed he still had no idea what Chantal had done.

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