Chapter 5 You'd Better Not Anger Mr Shaffer

The late summer was transitioning into early autumn, so the cold night sent shivers down one's spine. Isabella walked all the way home, and her legs were full of blisters. After opening the door, she found herself in an empty space. She quietly undressed and took a shower. The scalding water hit her, almost peeling off a layer of skin before she finally turned off the shower. Then, she vigorously scrubbed her body with a bath sponge, determined to erase all the filth on her. She went through all of this with a blank expression, not once shedding a tear from start to finish. When she looked in the mirror and spotted the bruise on her neck, she stared at her reflection with bloodshot eyes for a long time before the tears suddenly came pouring down uncontrollably. How did she end up like this? You're pathetic. The figure in the mirror raised her hand and delivered a hard slap across her cheek. It seemed like once wasn't enough, so she did it again and again. As soon as she felt pain, her mind became clear. After wiping away her tears, she left the bathroom and dried her hair. Eventually, she calmed down. Louis was a ticking time bomb, so she couldn't cross paths with him again, or she wouldn't be as lucky as she had been today. Also, she wasn't foolish enough to actually plot against Lola. No matter how annoying the other party was, it didn't warrant tarnishing her innocence. It seemed like resignation was the best way out. Leaving Imperia with her mother for a smaller city sounded like a good plan. Seth was a generous benefactor. Over the years, she had acquired two properties and had a few million in savings. With those plans in mind, she wasn't as stressed out. Without hesitating, she threw away her towel and promptly submitted her resignation letter to the human resources department. Once that was done, she felt like a rock had been lifted from her chest, but it was just a moment of relief. The terrifying feeling of emptiness rushed in like a tidal wave, and she felt as if her heart had been hollowed out. Leaning against the chair, she covered her eyes with her hands, letting the near-overflowing emotions disappear through the gaps between her fingers. She didn't know how long had passed, but exhaustion washed over her. Finally, she got up and collapsed onto the couch, falling into a deep slumber. Since she was resigning anyway, she simply turned off the alarm when it rang. She slept until mid-morning, only to be awakened by a continuous barrage of phone calls. After fumbling for her phone, she answered it groggily. "Hello?" "Miss Symons, this is Ollie Wallace." Isabella opened her eyes in frustration and sat up. "What do you want?" "Mr. Shaffer is at the hospital. Please come over." "The hospital?" Isabella frowned but didn't move. "I can't." Puzzled, Ollie Wallace paused for a moment and added, "Miss Symons, you understand Mr. Shaffer's temper. There's no need to make such a big fuss. Otherwise, I'm sure you can think of the consequences." Isabella didn't say a word, and Ollie's voice sounded again. This time, his tone sounded gentler. "Miss Symons, I must remind you that the two properties are considered gifts, and Mr. Shaffer has the right to reclaim them." Those words made Isabella tighten her grip on her phone as she clenched her jaw. Ollie continued, "I heard your mother is still in a nursing home. Those expenses must be quite high, I presume?" After taking a deep breath, Isabella calmed down. "Send me the exact location." "Sure," Ollie respectfully replied before hanging up. Feeling irritated, Isabella changed into a new set of clothes and headed out. However, she wasn't in a hurry. Instead, she took a cab and slowly made her way there, even cursing Seth along the way. It would be best if it isn't just a minor problem. Perhaps a painful stomach ulcer or something similar, just to make him suffer. When Isabella arrived at the hospital, Ollie sent her a message, telling her to head up to the third floor and enter the second room on the left. Upon stepping out of the elevator, she glanced around and found herself in the gynecology department. She paused for a moment, her mind momentarily blank. Then, she knocked on the door of the examination room hesitantly. "Hello..." Inside the examination room was a single female doctor who glanced up at her coldly. "Are you Miss Symons?" "Yes." "Lay down while I get prepared." Isabella was confused, and her feet felt like they were nailed to the ground.