FROM THE ROCK BOTTOM TO THE HIGH SOCIETY

tor regained his composure, she had already darted out of the restaurant and jumped

-she had gone to prison in Belinda's place, lost her mother, and now, her one chance at starting over wa

over on the roadside, retching. But all that c

gently patted her on the back. "Are yo

us lately but hadn't considered that possibility. Now, the woman's words

d just enough money for a urine test. After what felt

the doctor said,

d spun. "No, t

"You can opt for an abortion," before

fice and collapsed onto a benc

through her thoughts. She looked up to see a toddler standing in f

g deep inside Valerie. "Thank you, sweetheart,

approached and took the little girl's

ghter walked away. A pang of longing tugged at her heart as she placed a hand on her stomach. T

ison, desperately seeking out the one person who had shown her kindness in those d

d. "Clara Summer was re

alerie's

Bridge, right?"

too stunne

o catch you that day, but you didn't hear me." He handed

ed, clutching the paper

s most exclusive hospital, standing before Clara's bed. The older wom

" Valerie ca

g across her face as she saw who it was. "Valerie,

er early release from prison. It all made sense now-why they'd let her go so easily. But ho

ng against her desperation. Finally, she whispered, "Aunt Clara

, one she recognized all too well. Valerie's heart nea

was

ered the silent hospital room, her heart dropped. A gentle, rhythmic breathing sound resonated in

as she faced the door, her actions stopped. A figure appeared in

resence as authoritative as always. He entered the room, his voice quiet yet i

iefly caught off ba

voice unexpectedly smooth. "You could have approached me if

fore she had a chance to reply, his hand wrapped around her

mpany

began, looking at Clar

arding her objections. Clara's voice, soft and soothing, trailed behind

the door before dragging Valerie down the hospital

mpest erupting over tranquil waters. He shoved her against the wall, his hand su

ther?" His voice was quiet, a deadly calm that