Chapter 6
Chapter 6 Like a Child with Deep Grievances
“This young lady has a 104 F fever! How did none of you notice? Another few hours and she could’ve suffered brain damage. I’ll start an IV now. When her fever breaks, give her something light to eat p>
The doctor sighed, staring at Zora’s flushed face in the quiet room.
What has this poor girl been through? Coming home to a family where no one cares-not her father, not her mother, not her brothers.
She’s such a sweet kid. Why can’t the Knoxs see that?
“Y-yes, we understand p>
Holden stared at Zora with a complicated expression.
She’d collapsed right outside the hospital. He’d carried her back immediately.
She’d had a 104 F fever and said nothing. She could’ve damaged her brain.
The doctor said she’d been feverish since last night-she was strong to have stayed conscious this long.
The doctor left quickly.
Mae, who had rushed over from the Knox Villa, held a cotton swab and a cup of water. She dipped the swab and gently moistened Zora’s dry, peeling lips, her eyes reddening with heartache.
What did Miss Zora Knox do to deserve this?
“How did she get a fever p>
Holden’s voice was sharp as he looked at Mae.
Now he understood why her hand had felt like ice that morning.
“Miss Zora Knox fell in the pool last night and caught a cold. When you pulled Miss Jolie Knox out, Miss Zora Knox couldn’t swim-she was stuck in the water until we pulled her out. She was freezing. I asked if she wanted to go to the hospital, but she said no. I tried to call the family doctor, but she refused. That’s why
she’s sick p>
Mae thought of Zora last night, shivering, watching her family rush Jolie away. She must have been devastated.
She’d wrapped a blanket around Zora, who’d stared blankly after Holden and the others for a long time.
Then she’d given a small, bitter smile, sent them away, refused a doctor, and gone to her room alone.
That sad, empty smile broke Mae’s heart.
“Zora fell in too p>
Holden froze, his eyes dropping to the girl on the bed.
Chapter 6 Like a Child with Deep Grievances
He’d jumped in to save Jolie and never even noticed Zora was still in the water.
Nights were cold, and the pool water was freezing. Jolie had been in for seconds and was still shaking—he couldn’t imagine how cold Zora must have been.
A sharp ache twisted his chest.
Jolie got two days in the hospital for a splash. Zora soaked in cold water and wouldn’t even see a doctor.
Does she care nothing for her own body? Even if she wants to hold a grudge against us, she shouldn’t neglect her health like this.
Anger burned in him.
“Mr. Knox, Miss Zora Knox is really kind. Please, just look at her with your heart for once. When you hurt your leg and thought you’d never race again-the medicine that healed you p>
Mae couldn’t bear it. Zora was good, but no one saw it.
“What?” Holden was too focused on Zora to catch the rest. He only heard something about his leg.
Mae opened her mouth-then Zora coughed.
“Miss Knox! You’re awake p>
Mae forgot everything, relief flooding her.
“Mae p>
Zora’s eyes were foggy. She called out instinctively at the familiar voice.
Her whole body felt weak.
She knew this feeling-high fever, really bad.
Zora sighed inwardly.
Another fever. Her mentor would be furious if he found out.
He’d tug her ear, glare coldly, and snap, “Zora, what did I tell you? Take care of yourself! Do I have to carry you in my pocket to keep you safe p>
He had such a cold, beautiful face, yet he would always blow a fuse whenever she got sick.
Thinking of him made her nose burn.
Stupid mentor.
Always leaving me alone.
Zora pouted, upset.
When he came back, she was definitely going to hit him! How dare he leave her all alone!
24
14:46 Mon, May 25 M
Chapter 6 Like a Child with Deep Grievances
“I’m here, Miss Knox. I’m right here p>
Mae’s heart broke at her hurt expression. She stood up quickly.
Holden saw Zora’s teary eyes too, and his chest stung.
Why did she look so devastated?
She looked like a child who had suffered a massive injustice but had no one to turn to for comfort.
Fiered
“Would you like some water, Miss Knox?” Mae asked softly, looking at Zora as if she were her own child.
“…Yeah p>
Her voice was rough and weak.
Before Mae could move, a glass with a straw appeared.
Mae glanced at Holden.
He lifted his chin sharply, telling her to hurry.
He couldn’t stand seeing Zora look so pitiful.
Mae leaned over and fed her.
Zora felt terrible, her eyes too heavy to open. She didn’t even notice Holden was there.
“Mae, thanks for staying. I’ll sleep a little more p>
Zora drank a few sips, then closed her eyes again, her voice hoarse.
With Mae here, she felt safe.
Without her mentor, no one would have cared for her when she was sick.
She was scared something would happen with the IV if no one watched.
But Mae was here-she could relax.
“Sleep, Miss Knox. I won’t leave you p>
Mae’s chest ached. Zora was so loving, yet no one wanted her.
Jolie fell in and the whole family hovered. Zora soaked in cold water, burned with a 104 F fever, and only Holden brought her here. No one else had even checked on her.
The more she thought about it, the more Mae hurt for Zora, and she wiped the corner of her eye.
Holden stood there, completely ignored. She’d rather rely on Mae than him.
How much did she distrust this family?
It left a bitter taste.
14:46 Mon, May 25 M
Chapter 6 Like a Child with Deep Grievances
He’d only ever seen her stubborn, sharp side-never this fragile, broken one.
“Mae, stay with Zora. I’ll go upstairs and tell Mom and Dad she’s in the hospital p>
Holden sighed and left.
He hadn’t told them yet.
Zora had a 104 F fever-she’d need to stay a few days.
Mae watched him go, saying nothing. He was only informing her, not asking.
She knew Zora probably didn’t want to see any of the Knoxs anyway.
20
14:46 Mon, May 25 M
The Real Heiress’s New Family Adored by All
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