Under the Heiress' Facade
Chapter 361

Wayne earned a living by helping villagers with transportation using an old truck, and he had selflessly financed Everly's education.

Wayne and Everly lived modestly, so Hera was deeply moved when they offered their hard-earned savings.

She gently rejected the money.

"Thank you, but there's no need. Don't worry about the money. I can handle it. You two should head back and rest."

They both knew about Hera being taken away by wealthy city dwellers last year. But five million dollars was beyond their grasp. They couldn't fathom a family wealthy enough to casually come up with such a sum.

However, Hera was so resolute that Wayne had no choice but to pocket the money again.

After a sleepless night at the hospital and a morning of borrowing money, Wayne decided to return home to rest, while Everly insisted on staying to help.

Everly and Hera were of the same age. Everly had studied medicine with Catherine since childhood. Although less adept in medical skills, she excelled in preparing medicinal meals.

After Hera administered acupuncture to Catherine to disperse the blood clot, she prescribed an herbal formula and sent Everly to the pharmacy to purchase the necessary herbs.

Afterward, Everly borrowed the kitchen to brew the medicine.

By evening, Catherine woke up, looking much better after drinking the herbal concoction Hera had prescribed.

However, Hera was still worried and insisted Catherine stay in the hospital for observation another day before allowing her to return home the following day.

Early the next morning, Wayne drove over to pick them up.

Upon arriving home, Catherine asked before Hera could exit the vehicle, "Wayne, could you take Hera to the airport?"

The deadline set by loan sharks was that day, and Catherine didn't want Hera involved in this matter.

Those loan sharks were clearly sent by someone, and their true aim was not money but Catherine's life.

Hera's face immediately fell when she understood Catherine's intention.

But Wayne was oblivious to their tense exchange.

"Oh? Is it that urgent? Can't we have lunch together before you go?"

"Yeah, it's New Year's. Let's have a meal together. I'll start cooking now," Everly chimed in.

Everly understood Catherine's

motives, but she thought it would be

best for Hera to stay. She had. always admired Hera's wisdom since she was young and believed she could handle the situation.

"I'm not leaving!"

Hera got out of the car and walked straight into the yard. She casually retrieved the key hidden under the flowerpot by the gate and unlocked the door.

Inside, the living room was still a

mess from the loan sharks' recent visit in attempting to collect the

debts. Catherine hadn't had

a

chance to tidy up.

Catherine couldn't stop Hera in time, so she said sternly, "What are you staying here for? This isn't the place for you. Go back to the Everetts!"

"Where's Giselle?"

Hera turned sharply. Her expression was cold as she looked at Catherine.

Catherine pursed her lips, and the two locked gazes tensely.

"That's none of your concern," Catherine replied, righting an overturned chair and sitting on it with her back to Hera.

At the sight of Catherine's weathered figure, Hera suddenly felt a mix of bitterness and affection.

When Hera was young and upset

with Catherine, Catherine could never bring herself to scold her. She would always turn away as she was doing at that moment and be angry with herself.

Hera walked up and hugged her from behind.

"Giselle's life may not be my business, but she hurt you, and I can't ignore that!"

Catherine shivered, and her eyes grew slightly moist.

"Hera, you never listen!"

Suddenly, a loud noise reverberated from outside, and several men in black rushed into the yard, brandishing knives.

Catherine quickly pushed Hera away when she spotted them.

"Quick! Hide!"

A burly man entered the living room.

"And where do you think you're going to hide?"