Chapter 16: An Experiment
A bitter laugh slipped past Wendy’s lips.
Once again, Steven shamelessly defended Queenie.
Every time, whatever was hers ended up handed to that woman.
Why should she keep swallowing it?
Wait.
She remembered–the store manager had tucked the receipt into the box. Proof that the gift was hers.
But before she could speak, the old master intervened.
“Wendy, sit down. I know your heart. Don’t trouble yourself over trifles.”
Her body stiffened. She sat back down silently.
So even Grandfather, though he knew the truth, still chose peace over justice.
After that, she said nothing more.
They treated her like air, chatting only with Queenie.
By dinner, the slight had become blatant.
When Michael sat, he immediately beckoned Queenie over.
“Auntie Queenie, sit here!”
Queenie’s triumphant gaze flicked toward Wendy.
“Sister, why don’t you take the other side?”
No one objected.
Expressionless, Wendy moved seats.
The table filled with laughter–but none of it included her.
AM
Later, she slipped outside to the pool for air.
Heels clicked behind her.
“Alone again, Sister? Is it because I stole your spotlight tonight?” Queenie’s voice was honeyed with malice.
Wendy didn’t turn.
“No matter how you prance, to outsiders you’ll always be what you are–a mistress. A homewrecker can’t change her skin.”
Queenie’s face froze, rage flashing.
Fine. If this woman still had pride, she’d strip it away.
01-39
My Ex Called Me the Help, Now I’m Untouchable
50.0%
Chapter 16: An Experiment
She seized Wendy’s wrist.
“What are you doing?” Wendy frowned.
Queenie smirked.
“Let’s make a bet. If both of us fall in the water, who do you think Steven will save first?
I bet–it’ll be me.”
Before Wendy could react. Queenie yanked her into the pool.
Cold water engulfed her.
She couldn’t swim. Water rushed down her throat as she thrashed desperately.
“Help! Help-”
Her vision blurred, strength ebbing fast.
“Queenie!” a shout rang from the shore.
“…save…me…”
Her eyes fluttered, catching one last glimpse of Steven diving in–straight toward Queenie.
On land, her own son cried Queenie’s name, not hers.
Frost clawed her heart.
So even if she died, they wouldn’t care. They’d celebrate her absence.
Why?
Why, after giving everything, was she still nothing to them?
Rage and despair flooded her lungs as the water dragged her down.
Then–through the haze–a figure broke through, swimming toward her.
Harry?
Impossible.
Why would he be here?
Her lips curled in a faint, self–mocking smile–before consciousness slipped away.
When she awoke, she was in a bedroom, the air carrying a faint aroma from the kitchen.
Forcing herself up, she staggered to the stairs.
From above, she saw Steven–who never so much as lifted a pan–patiently tending a pot of soup.
Her first thought: It’s for Queenie.
Sure enough, when he emerged and spotted her, his eyes flashed with disdain.
01:39
My Ex Called Me the Help. Now I’m Untouchable
51.1%
Chapter 16: An Experiment
“You’re awake. Good. You’re coming with me to the hospital to apologize to Queenie.”
Her laugh was bitter, hollow.
“She dragged me down with her. Why should I apologize?”
“Enough lies! We saw the footage. You pushed her in and then jumped after her to frame her!”
His eyes brimmed with disgust.
“Wendy, marrying you was the worst mistake of my life. A venomous woman like you should’ve drowned out there!”
He stormed up the stairs, seized her wrist, and dragged her down.
“Today you’ll apologize, or I won’t let you off!”
Weak from nearly drowning, she could barely resist.
Still, he shoved her into the car, soup in tow.
At the hospital, the sight that met her eyes pierced her chest-
Queenie reclined in bed, lips painted, looking more pampered than ill.
And her son, her son, carefully feeding her water.
Pain twisted through her ribs.
Queenie was perfectly fine–she could swim, after all.
Yet the Stevens coddled her like a goddess, while Wendy–who had almost died–was treated like dirt.
It was beyond farce.
0 (0)
(0)
