Her

Chapter 42 

In the evening, Shannon was covertly driven to Fraley Hospital to visit Donna. 

The attending doctor, Peter briefed her, saying. “Your mom checked out with a fresh surgery wound, completely exhausted. The wound got worse, causing complications. She passed out before she even made it back here” 

Shannon saw Donna hooked up to oxygen and IV’s, her face pale and gaunt, breathing erratically. The sight made her own breathing hitch. 

“We’ve given her the best meds we have, some are even pricey imports Peter continued. “Up to now, your mom has racked up about 28 thousand dollars in medical balls. With the current treatment, it’s costing about eight hundred to a thousand dollars a day. But the real issue is, her years of heavy drinking have wrecked her organs. Without a new kidney, she’s not gonna make it.” 

He then added, “Miss Berry spoke with our director, Mr. Donovan, and he’s prioritized your mom for a transplant. We’ve even found a potential donor 

Helen was the Fraley family’s golden girl, rumored to be the future heiress, and Shannon knew it wasn’t just gossip. 

Peter then stated, “But the kidney comes at a cost–over 20 thousand dollars, which is way out of your league. If you don’t pay up, we can’t proceed. with the transplant, Unless, of course. Miss Berry decides to cover it for you? 

When Shannon heard this, it hit her like a ton of bricks, making it hard to breathe. 

Now, she faced two brutal choices: Plead guilty for Helen face life in prison, and endure a bleak, sinless existence. Or let Donna die 

Staring at Donna struggling for every breath, Shannon knew she couldn’t just let her die. 

She took a deep breath to steady herself and then said to Peter. “Can I have some time alone with my mom?” 

Peter nodded, giving her space, and stepped out, closing the door behind him. 

Sitting by the bed, Shannon couldn’t shake Lea’s words from her mind. 

monster” 

“All men, good or bad, rarely illtreat their own children. Someone as ruthless as Matilda is 

is still fiercely protective of her own child.” 

“And your mom? She’s like the only mom I’ve ever met who lacks any maternal instinét. Just a cold, selfish r 

“Hey, Shannon, ever thought about getting a DNA test? Just to check if you’re really your mom’s kid?” 

Prompted by Lea’s suggestion, Shannon impulsively collected a hair strand from both herself and her mom. 

On the drive back, Shannon seized the moment to text Lea. Can you help me? I need to do a DNA test.] 

Ever since Shannon was little, Donna had been erratic, abandoning her and even hitting her when drunk. Shannon had always questioned if they were truly related. Now, being coerced to cover for Helen’s crime really turned her world upside down, amplifying her doubts fueled by Lea’s remarks. She was determined to get that test. 

She believed Lea would help. Otherwise, why would she visit me at the police station? she thought. 

Lea had just reached the Berry Mansion when the received Shannon’s text, smirking slightly at its content. “Shannon is not stupid, that’s for suTE. Anyone smart enough to get into Vaporleon High School isn’t ordinary” she thought. 

Shannon and Lea shared similar burdens—both had mothers who were nothing short of monstrous, cuising pain and suffering. 

But oddly, Lea considered herself luckier. Matilda, despite exploiting and abusing her, hadn’t directly endangered her life, and allowed her to access advanced scientific knowledge. 

Donna, however, was like a vampire, draining 5 Shannon of life, ready to sacrifice her at a moment’s notice. 

Lea quickly replied, [Sure thing. I get someone to swing by the station to find you. 

After that, she hit up Lorrand, telling him to check on Shannon at the station, keeping it low–key. 

Then, she walked into the living room Immediately, the noticed Melissa packing up three cats into a cage. “What’s going on, Melissa?” she askril. 

“The tiniest cat hasn’t touched its food all day. I’m gonna take it to the vet for a check–up. The other two aren’t looking too hot either, so I’ll bring them along. Sorry, Miss, I screwed up taking care of them,” Melissa said, clearly upset. 

Melissa was somewhat aware of why Lea suddenly moved into the old house. She’d picked up 

and pieces about it 

To Melissa, Lea was just a young kid, feeling lonely and sad. She only had a couple of kittens for company, but Melissa didn’t even do a good job taking care of them, hence the self–blame. 

A sharlow passed over Lea’s face. She hadn’t expected her cat to get sick so soon. 

o grab the cage. 

Lea decided to take charge. “You’ve got enough going on. I’ll take care of this,” she said, dropping her backpack and heading over to 

“Miss Berry… Melissa started, but Lea cut her off with a kind smile. “It’s all good,” she said, before heading out with the cats. 

Watching Lea go. Melissa’s heart sank. Such a sweet girl–why couldn’t Mrs. Herry just cut her some slack?” 

Instead of heading to the vet, Lea went to Andrews Hospital. 

The hospital had merged with Riverview SmartMed, but the main building was still being renovated and wasn’t open yet, so it was still running Independently as usual. 

By lowering the barriers for patient admission and taking in those rejected by other hospitals, the hospital quickly built a strong reputation, attracting more patients in just a few days. Exclusive © material by Nô(/v)elDrama.Org.

Charles and Lorrand had completed the marketing procedures for several new drugs and got approval for their launch. 

But Lea had instructed that, despite Fraley Medical developing similar drugs with issues that prevented their approval, they would use them discreetly in the hospital to avoid sparking malicious competition, as they were not ready for such a battle, 

Thus, these new drugs were administered exclusively to their patients, significantly enhancing the quality of medical care and boosting the hospital’s revemies, turning around its financial work 

Lea took a taxi to the hospital Just as she got our, Lorrand pulled up in his car 

He’d been to the police station in meet Shannon and brought back her stuff. 

“Miss Berry, what’s up with the cais?” he asked. 

“I think they’ve been poisoned. Im here to get a blood test done, she replied. 

“Alright, I’ll get on it. He nodded, and they went into the hospital together. 

After the reshuffle. Alfred took care of h 

Thiring, with Lea’s approval. 

He also handled investments, while Lea managed the hospital 

Chris, as the CEO, represented Lea in all affairs. 

Charles was in charge of the research lab, and Lorrand, being the hospital director, oversaw the entire operations 

Their assertive and aggressive approach pushed the hospital’s development faster than anticipated. 

Lea’s concern for the cats was prioritized immediately. Lorrand had the staff start the tests without delay. Meanwhile, the paternity test Shannon needed was also set up. 

With nothing else pressing, Lea decided to take a stroll around the hospital, with Lorrand as her guide.