âI have no interest in talking with people like you.
Addy, what is it that you want from me?â I asked impatiently.
Addyâs face took on a serious expression.
She gestured for the servants and bodyguards to leave the room, and soon, it was just the two of us.
Once we were alone, she began, âShirley suffered terribly in the fire last night.
Her face, neck, and chest were severely burned.
Even the best doctors might not fully heal her wounds.
Itâs likely sheâll be left with scars.
â
I was puzzled and frowned.
âBut what does it have to do with me? Iâm not a doctor.
I canât treat Shirley.
â
Addyâs gaze turned icy as she looked at me sharply.
âStop playing dumb Everyone is aware of Shirleyâs feelings for Andrew.
Her injuries are a direct result of her love for him.
She has sacrificed a lot for love.
Itâs only right that you give Andrew back to her.
â
I couldnât contain my scoff.
Recalling last nightâs events with Andrew, I retorted sarcastically, âIs drugging and assaulting what your people consider âloveâ?â
Addy appeared slightly flustered.
I pressed on, âAndrew chose not to seek punishment for Shirleyâs actions for her motherâs sake.
If this scandal becomes public, itâll disgrace both Shirley and her mother.
â
Addyâs demeanor softened.
With a sigh, she admitted, âWeâve spoiled Shirley too much.
Weâll take steps to correct her, but now sheâs been disfigured.
â
I scoffed in response, âLike I said, thatâs not my problem.
â
Addyâs voice trembled with urgency.
âShirley woke up today.
When she realized she was disfigured, she couldnât handle it and tried to end her life.
If we hadnât intervened in time, she might have succeeded in slashing her wrist.
â
Her expression was laden with worry, clearly showing her deep concern for Shirley.
However, I felt no sympathy for Shirley.
In my eyes, she brought this upon herself.
Previously, no one dared to challenge Shirleyâs abusive behavior simply because she was the clan leaderâs daughter.
Now that she had caused her own disfigurement, they expected me to help clean up the mess.
I was no saint.
I couldnât assist her.
Still, given that Addy was an assistant of the clan leader, I restrained my harsher comments.
âI canât help.
Itâs best you find a doctor quickly to restore Shirleyâs appearance.
â
Addy fell silent for a moment after my words.
My expression said it all, though I hadnât spoken a word.
Addy shot another wary look at the bodyguards stationed at the door.
Catching her cue, the bodyguards shut the door.
I frowned, puzzled and annoyed.
What the hell? Were they trying to force me to agree? If I refused, would they really hold me here against my will?
The whole situation seemed absurd.
I spoke up, my voice icy.
âIf you want Andrew and Shirley together, you should be discussing it with Andrew.
Why are you complicating things for me behind his back?â
Addy, catching the scorn in my gaze, seemed to shrink back a bit, guilt flickering in her eyes as she avoided meeting mine.
I could tell Addy was torn.