Chapter 12 Turning Hostile

Nanci lowered her eyes, seemingly deep in thought for a few seconds, then suddenly let out a light laugh. She looked up again, her gaze filled with mockery and disdain. "Mr. Clarkson, you really are mental!"

Silence followed.

"Not everything is about you. Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty in front of me? Just because I showed you a little kindness doesn’t mean I’ll keep tolerating you! With your flirtatious ways, even if you chased me naked for two kilometers, I would turn my head!"

With that, Nanci pulled open the taxi door and got in, not giving Edward a chance to respond. The car sped away, leaving the stunned man behind, his expression sour.

Nanci's sharp words not only shocked Edward but also Isaac, who was standing nearby. Isaac watched the taxi drive off into the distance before he finally came to his senses, hesitantly looking at Edward. "Mr. Clarkson, Miss Ross must be furious, speaking out of turn."

Edward gritted his teeth. "Furious? That's an understatement! She must have been crazy!" They had been married for three years, and he had seldom paid her any attention. She was like a pet kept at home, meant to stay quiet and undemanding. Any extra attention to her felt like a waste of his time. His occasional returns home were merely routine, physically enjoying each other in bed. But no matter his attitude, her eyes were always gentle as she looked at him. And what about now? Once she realized things were irreparable, she turned hostile instantly. That haughty demeanor seemed to reveal her true self. It was an eye-opener for him!

Meanwhile, in the taxi.

After the vehicle drove a considerable distance, Nanci looked through the window at Edward's gloomy face, her laughter wild and triumphant, relieved to no longer pretend to be docile. “This arrogant fool must be furious. Serves him right!” she thought.

The taxi driver, observing her laughing reflection in the rearview mirror, glanced at the divorce decree in her hand. "Ma'am, your ex-husband isn't bad-looking. What did he do to make you divorce him so decisively and speak so harshly?"

Nanci paused, tilting her head before saying, "Was I harsh? I had put up with his mother and sister treating me like a servant for three years! And this man, constantly fooling around with women, actually expects me to be at his beck and call. Those sluts even dare come to challenge me. I asked for a divorce, not wanting anything, yet he still had a nerve to complain. He definitely thinks I’m a pushover, does he?"

The driver frowned deeper. "What a scoundrel! How did you ever fall for him?"

Nanci smirked slightly, "My family owed him."

"Your family? Parents' debts should never be paid by their children! Luckily, you divorced him early, or else your entire life's happiness could have been ruined!"

The car fell into silence.

Nanci stopped laughing and gazed out the window. Indeed, it was fortunate she was rational.

Now that her marriage to Edward had ended, all Nanci needed was to pack up her belongings and wait for Amelia’s call so she could leave. However, at the crucial moment, she couldn't get in touch with Amelia.

"Let's not wait anymore. These three years weren't significant. Why do you insist on caring about updating your identity?" Brian advised, puzzled.

Nanci insisted, "Let's wait a bit longer. I'll go to the cafe this afternoon to look for her."

But after two days of not seeing her at the store, Nanci was ready to leave when she finally received a call from Amelia.

"Nanci! I need your help!"

In the car, Nanci sat in the backseat, flipping through a medical record with a stern expression. She had known Amelia for two years and, although aware of her background, never crossed the line. She was the heiress of the Underwood family, and Nanci presented as nominal “Mrs. Clarkson”, with no interference between them.

If there was any trade, it was all about money, not friendship. This was the first time Amelia had sought her help. The case was a complicated one. Amelia’s grandfather had been severely ill for many years, sustained only by medication. He had barely made it through surgery successfully, yet toxins lingered in his body, preventing him from regaining consciousness.

"He's been ill for decades. Do you really think you're so capable of curing him?" Brian muttered discontentedly by her side.

In his view, they should not have gotten involved in this mess. Returning to Woodlands earlier would make things work to Nanci’s advantage.

Nanci didn't look up, focusing on the medical records, "He isn't dead yet, is he? I might not be that great, but I'm confident I can remove the remaining toxins from his body!"

"We only have one week left!"

"That's enough."

The car slowly drove into the Underwood family's residence, and from afar, they saw Amelia coming out to meet them.

Brian stayed in the car, leaning casually on the driver's seat, saying, "I won't go in. They'll recognize my face, and it could cause you trouble."

Nanci nodded. "I'll be out quickly."

The Underwood family lived in a villa nestled by the mountains and waters, decorated in an ancient style, with a small garden in the front yard and a pavilion, the sound of trickling water and the scent of flowers lingering in the early autumn air.

Amelia grabbed her hand, hurrying inside, her voice urgent as she said, "We've consulted many doctors, and they all say there's nothing to be done. I wouldn't have asked you to take this risk otherwise."

"Don't worry. I'll do everything I can to help."

As they spoke, they reached the backyard.

Nanci only understood what Amelia meant by taking a risk when she saw Edward in Grandpa Underwood's bedroom.

Their eyes met.

The atmosphere was tense.

When she met his cold, deep blue eyes, Nanci recalled her reckless words on the day they divorced, her face hot and her ears burned.

Some said to always leave room for reconciliation, and they did have a point.

She had never dreamed they would meet again.

"The Underwood and Clarkson families have been friends for generations. Seeing Grandpa's condition worsening, my family notified friends and relatives to visit," Amelia whispered close, explaining softly.

Nanci pinched Amelia’s hand tightly, silently expressing her displeasure.

Amelia winced in pain but managed not to cry out, smiling as she explained to everyone, "Nanci is my only friend. Grandpa always said he wanted to see her, and today was the perfect opportunity."

The Underwood family members remained silent, giving their tacit consent.

But Edward's gaze upon Nanci was murky and unreadable as he asked, "Are you really just here to visit?"

"What else? Mr. Clarkson, did you think I still harbored feelings for you and came here just to bump into you?" Nanci, without any reservations, let herself speak freely.

Edward furrowed slightly, his gaze dark and profound, emitting a silent warning that typically meant he was truly angry.

Nanci silently shut her mouth.

"Dad! Mom! I've brought Mr. Mills!" a hurried voice called from outside.

As the voice fell, joy flashed across the faces of everyone in the Underwood family.

Two figures hurried out to greet him.

Soon, an elderly man with a distinguished and vigorous demeanor appeared in the bedroom, followed by the excited voice of a middle-aged man. "Mr. Mills, we are profoundly grateful that you could make time to come!"