Chapter 26: Chapter 26

Chapter 26 A Family of Wretches The following afternoon, Crystal was discharged from the hospital.

She gripped her phone as she wondered if she should give Henry a call or send him a WhatsApp message to thank him.

After hesitating for some time, she decided to give up.

Crystal completed the discharge procedures and lifted her light luggage. She decided to go home first, then head to the music center in the afternoon for work.

When she walked out of the inpatient department, she bumped into two familiar people at the entrance.

It was Robert’s mother, Chelsea Scott, and his sister, Riya Sloan.

The two chatted as they walked inside with a few large bags of fruits in hand. They must be here to visit Melora, and everyone was visibly uneasy when they bumped into Crystal.

Crystal gave them a slight nod and proceeded to leave.

However, Chelsea stopped her and said amicably, “Crystal, I have something to talk to you about.”

Riya tugged her mother’s sleeve as she said stubbornly, “Mom, Robert already broke up with her, so what do you have to talk to her about?”

Chelsea was smart and she knew everything her son did. Now, her mission was to get Crystal forever out of Robert’s sight in case her son’s happiness was ruined.

Chelsea told her daughter to leave first.

Riya stomped her feet, then left after a harrumph.

When Riya was gone, Chelsea put on a smile and said to Crystal, “Crystal, based on our history, I should treat you to some coffee while we sit down and talk. However, Melora’s parents are discussing the wedding date today, so I cannot spare time for you.”

Crystal’s heart grew cold.

In the past, when the Sloans were in trouble, Crystal gave them all her savings to help them through tough times. Robert’s mother always said that Crystal was the only daughter–in–law the Sloans recognized, and even claimed that if Robert mistreated Crystal, she would never let him off the hook.

It wasn’t that long ago, but the older woman had already changed her mind.

Crystal smiled faintly. In reality, she felt that even smiling was too much.

Seeing how cold Crystal was, Chelsea felt a little uneasy, but she added for good measure, “Actually, you have really good qualities, and I feel that it’s a pity for you and Robert to break up. Now that Robert has found his happiness, you have to plan for your own too, Crystal! Don’t waste your youth by getting hung up on a single relationship.”

Crystal was disgusted upon hearing that.

She didn’t want to respond at all, but when she saw someone rounding a corner and walking out, she said lightly yet firmly, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Sloan. I’ll definitely move on.”

Chelsea smiled. “I’m glad you agree.”

She turned to go to Melora’s ward, but when she looked over, she saw her son standing there with a dark expression.

Robert had a hand in his pocket as he glared at Crystal, then said coldly, “Mom, it’s time to go.”

Chelsea forced a smile and left, but Robert lingered around.

Crystal felt her entire body turn cold, She not only lost her relationship, but she even had to experience the sorrow of seeing her earnest effort getting trampled like it was nothing.

Robert sneered. “Feeling bad? No one even told you to do all that! Crystal, the love you believed in was nothing but self–

satisfaction for everything you gave! Still, you’re smarter than I think, because you learned to move up the ladder.”

Crystal retaliated with a cold smile. “Thanks for the tip, Mr. Sloan.”

Robert’s nicely shaped eyes clouded over with certain darkness as he smiled. “You’ve already gone so far with Henry, so why didn’t he help you? Crystal, you can’t handle someone like Henry Miller. You’ll regret it one day!”

Crystal lowered her gaze and smiled lightly. “What is there for me to regret? Robert, what else do you think I can’t lose?”

She didn’t offer any explanations as she left without looking back.

Robert stood there and it was after a long while that he sneered. “Don’t test me, Crystal Winters!”

Just then, Melora’s call came in. Her voice was sweet as she murmured, “Where are you, Robert? My parents are already here, and everyone is waiting for you.”

Robert comforted her gently, “I’ll be there right away.”