Chapter 498
Chapter 498:
In the next breath, she shot to her feet, her expression crumbling into something wounded. “Helena, are you serious right now? Are you actually accusing me of trying to poison Mom p>
Tears filled her eyes, and with dramatic force, she tossed her head back and swallowed the pills herself before anyone could stop her.
Gasping for breath after forcing them down, she turned to Kareem, her voice cracking. “Dad, why would I ever try to harm Mom? Since I learned Helena is your biological daughter, I’ve stepped aside. I’ve tried so hard not to get in the way. If she hates me, I’ll leave. But I won’t let her smear me like this p>
“Liliana, come on… Helena didn’t mean it like that,” Kareem said, his voice weak and uncertain as he faltered, glancing between the two young women.
But the more Liliana wept, the more firmly Helena’s doubts settled in her mind.
Deep down, Helena remembered too well how Liliana dropped the act whenever their parents were not around. That mask of kindness had already cracked in private, and Helena wasn’t about to forget it.
Trying to ease the tension, she softened her voice, aiming for reason. “Dad, Mom, I’m not doubting Liliana’s devotion and respect for you. But Mom’s condition isn’t normal. I just think it’s safer if we take her to the hospital. We can go together p>
“So now you’re calling me a liar to my face?” Liliana’s voice sharpened instantly. Her eyes locked onto Kareem as she begged, “You have to believe me, Dad. I would never do anything to hurt Mom p>
Liliana might not have been tied to Kareem by blood, but she was Natalie’s niece, and she was family in every way that counted. They had raised her like a daughter. What reason could she possibly have to hurt Natalie?
Kareem didn’t hesitate. He nodded and said, “I know you wouldn’t do anything like that. I trust you p>
“Then can you please ask Helena to leave?” Liliana said, her voice cracking. “Every time she looks at me, it’s like she’s accusing me all over again. I can’t take it anymore p>
Tears kept rolling down Liliana’s face. When Kareem stayed quiet, she reached for the bottle of pills on the table. Her hands trembled as she unscrewed the cap, clearly threatening to swallow them all just to prove her innocence.
That was enough to snap Kareem out of his daze. He sprang from his seat and rushed over, pulling the bottle from her grasp. He turned toward Helena with visible distress and said, “Helena, maybe you should p>
Discover fresh chapters gαlnσνe𝓁s․com
Helena caught on quickly. If she kept pushing, Liliana would only spiral further.
Without another word, she picked up her purse and walked to the door.
“Dad, don’t blame her!” Liliana called from behind, her voice still shaky. “I’m not trying to chase her out. I just p>
Kareem followed Helena into the courtyard, guilt weighing heavy on his steps. “Sweetheart, I didn’t mean to take sides p>
“It’s alright, Dad. I get it. Really. I wasn’t planning on staying long anyway. Go back and check on Mom,” said Helena, turning to face him as she reached out to lightly pat his hand.
As Kareem paused, unsure whether to go or stay, Henrik appeared at the doorway. “Kareem, don’t worry. I’ll drive Helena home p>