Chapter 667:
Despite her prejudices and aversion to Belinda, Cassie didnât say anything untrue.
Looking back, she wished she could advise her uncle and aunt that if they were set on adopting, they should have chosen a child capable of gratitude. Several years back, when Cassieâs uncle was diagnosed with kidney failure, the whole familyâs younger children and all nephews and nieces went for a test to see if any of them were donor matches, yet Belinda was conspicuously absent. Throughout Cassieâs uncleâs lengthy hospital stay, which lasted almost six months, Belinda had visited him only a handful of times.
Thankfully, a generous individual eventually became a successful donor match, preventing Cassie from confronting Belinda at the Green residence to demand an apology for her uncle.
Behind the scenes, Cassie had a reliable doctor covertly test Belinda, who, ironically, was a perfect match.
While Cassie felt aversion toward Belinda, she tried to curb her irritation. Recalling that Rhys had been groomed by Nathaniel, she said, âBelinda might not be the kindest person, but Rhys is different.
He didnât really grow up close to Belinda. Their interactions were limited to brief courtesies.â
Harlee was aware of the strained ties between Rhys and Belinda, as Rhys had shared as much with her. Rhys had said, âDonât stress about any potential mother-in-law drama.â
âIf she tries to cause trouble, Iâll leverage her vulnerabilities to ensure she apologizes to you.â Such words seemed unusual coming from a son deeply concerned for his mother.
Harlee had witnessed Rhysâ devoted presence beside Nathanielâs sickbed, which spoke volumes about his sense of duty. The reasons why he might withhold similar devotion from his parents remained unspoken, and Harlee never asked.
Cassieâs revelations, however, shed light on these dynamics.
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Clearly, Nathaniel had made the right decision in keeping Rhysâ upbringing separate from his parents.
âDespite everything, Jose is deeply in love with Belinda,â Cassie added, her expression complex, seemingly either feeling happy for Belinda despite everything or puzzled by how someone like Belinda could be loved.
Cassie offered a reassuring smile to Harlee, saying, âIf you ever need to mend fences with Belinda to ease family tensions, just play along with her. Sheâs not too hard to manage.
Beyond the negative traits fueled by her insecurities, at her core, sheâs quite kind. Jose recognized this and chose her despite their different social standings. Sheâs fortunate yet unfortunate in that regard. Not everyone is prepared to overlook the bad to see the good.â
Belinda did feel affection for the Garcia family, yet she longed for undeniable proof of their loveâproof that wasnât influenced by her alliance with the Greens.
But the Garcia family wasnât willing to provide that validation, and the Greens didnât see the need.
Thus, she remained trapped in a painful loop. There was something in her that repelled others, yet that same essence also elicited their sympathy.
After a lengthy chat with Cassie, Harlee finally learned that Nyomiâs train was nearing its destination. They exchanged parting words before Harlee departed in her newly painted Panamera, a vivid shade of pink. She had chosen this particular car with Eva in mind, knowing how much Eva adored the color.
However, such a flashy vehicle felt a bit extravagant for picking up an elderly guest.
Thankfully, Nyomi didnât seem to care. Standing outside the bustling station, Harlee scanned the crowd pouring out of the platforms.
Amid the chaos, her eyes locked on an elderly woman dressed in a patterned jacket. Their gazes met, and an inexplicable sense of recognition gripped Harlee.
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