Chapter 13: A Shameless Family
“What did you say?!”
Steven’s brow twitched violently.
He clearly remembered ordering a supplementary card for Wendy back then. But she… never took it?
So all these years, the one spending his money was Queenie?
The memory of countless bank alerts surfaced, twisting his mood into knots.
Had he misunderstood Wendy in some ways?
If she hadn’t been using his money all this time… then how had she supported herself?
Could it be another man was giving her money?
Harry.
It had to be him.
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A
Wendy must have been living off Harry.
Otherwise, with her meager doctor’s salary, she could never have sustained herself all these years.
And Queenie–how laughable.
She thought Harry truly cared for Wendy?
In reality, it was nothing but a rich man’s passing indulgence.
Once Harry grew tired of her, she’d be abandoned–and when that day came, she’d come crawling back to him in tears.
Half an hour later, Wendy returned to the hospital.
As soon as she connected to the Wi–Fi, she received a friend request from Harry.
Though they had exchanged calls before, they’d never added each other on Instagram.
Thinking back to earlier how she’d been dragged off by Steven, leaving Harry and James behind–guilt pricked her. She accepted immediately.
Wendy: Mr. Robinson, I’m truly sorry for the trouble I caused you today.
The reply came almost instantly, as if he’d been waiting.
Harry: No problem. Both James and I understand. By the way, Dr. Ulrich–when do you plan to schedule James’s surgery?
Wendy: His body isn’t stable enough yet. He’ll need more time to recover. During that period, I’ll prepare the surgical plan. By the time I arrive in Miami, we can proceed with the operation.
Harry responded with a single word: Good.
Relieved he wasn’t upset, Wendy exhaled softly.
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My Ex Called Me the Help. Now I’m Untouchable
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Chapter 13: A Shameless Family
But curiosity tugged at her.
Wendy: Mr. Robinson, I’ve always wondered. With your wealth and influence, you could have any doctor you wanted. Why agree to a marriage of convenience with me, just because of one life–saving incident?
Even if she had saved James once, a man of his stature surely wouldn’t tie himself down over gratitude. She simply couldn’t read him.
The typing indicator blinked for a long time.
Three minutes later, his reply finally appeared.
Harry: Dr. Ulrich, I’ll be staying in New York for a while. If you need anything, contact me directly. I’ll be more than glad to help.
And then–silence.
He had deflected.
Was the truth behind the marriage too private for him to reveal?
Rubbing her temples, she pushed aside the thought. The afternoon held another surgery; she needed to focus.
Meanwhile, in the ward-
Little James gazed up at his father with wide, blinking eyes.
“Daddy, were you just talking to Auntie Wendy? Is she really going to be my mommy soon?“.
A flash of memory struck Harry–the image of Wendy years ago, drenched in sunlight, fighting to save a patient’s life.
His lips curved faintly. He ruffled his son’s hair.
“Yes. Very soon, she’ll be your mommy.”
And his wife.
The next morning, Wendy returned home after another night shift.
Laughter spilled from inside as she reached the door.
“Auntie Queenie, I’m so glad you stayed with me in the hospital these days. Otherwise, I would’ve been bored to death!”
“You’re nothing like that bad mommy. She doesn’t love me. She even yelled at me because of another kid. I don’t want her anymore. From now on, I want you to be my mom!”
Michael’s childish voice pierced Wendy’s heart like an ice pick.
She steadied herself, suppressing the roiling pain, and pushed open the door.
There was Michael, nestled in Queenie’s arms. The two looked intimately close.
And across from them, Steven watched with tender eyes.
They looked every bit the perfect family.
A shameless family.
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My Ex Called Me the Help. Now I’m Untouchable
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Chapter 13: A Shameless Family
“So you finally decided to come home,” Steven sneered, disdain clouding his features.
Of course she would come back. She had nowhere else to go but the Steven house.
Look at her–haggard, defeated. Clearly, Harry had already abandoned her.
Served her right for betraying him.
Michael turned, face souring.
“You already said you’re cutting ties with us. This isn’t your home anymore. Get out!”
Triumph glinted in Queenie’s eyes, though she feigned concern.
“Sister, why don’t you apologize to Steven and Michael? I’m sure they’ll forgive you.”
A laugh slipped past Wendy’s lips, sharp and cold.
“How generous of you to play the good one. If I contradict you, wouldn’t that just prove I’m the villain?”
Queenie’s smile faltered. Steven shot to his feet.
“Wendy, mind your tongue. Queenie was only trying to help. If you can’t accept her kindness, the least you could do is not insult her.”
“Anyway, since you’re back, we’re hungry. Go make dinner.”
She’d been working nonstop at the hospital, her body wrung dry. And the first thing out of his mouth was to order her into the kitchen?
Spoiled beyond saving.
Her eyes narrowed.
“If you want to eat, cook it yourself. I’m not your maid. Why should I obey your orders?”
His face darkened instantly. Queenie hurried to smooth things over.
“Sister, Steven only asked because he loves your cooking. Michael needs nourishing food to recover, and you make the dishes he likes best. Won’t you do it for him?”
Her tone sounded conciliatory–but the blame landed squarely on Wendy.
Wendy’s gaze sharpened to a blade. She was used to Queenie’s poison.
But then her eyes caught something–Queenie’s clothes.
It was her own nightgown.
A birthday gift from Steven.
Queenie had the gall to wear it openly, parading around the Steven house like the rightful mistress.
Shameless.
Feigning guilt, Queenie looked at her.
“Sister, I’m so sorry. I took a bath in your room and found I had nothing to wear. I just grabbed one of your gowns. If you mind, I’ll take it off right
now.”
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My Ex Called Me the Help, Now I’m Untouchable