Chapter 415 No One to Blame
The hospital hallways were buzzing with noise, drawing irritated looks from everyone around.
The doctor sighed, "Mr. Weaver, don't you trust me? We've known each other for a decade."
Mike was floored by the news. He'd always been in good health, and now they were telling him he had late-stage cancer? "No way, I don't buy it. Luann must be behind this. She probably paid you off to mess with me and break me down. This is her revenge!"
Wilber slipped out and called Juliet, "Juliet, your dad's really losing it. Can you come over?"
Juliet's voice was calm. "Send me the address, I'll be there soon."
When Juliet showed up, Mike was still going nuts in the room. He was leaning over the doctor's desk, eyes bloodshot, face twisted, veins popping out on his forehead and neck, making him look pretty scary.
Juliet stepped in, "Dad, stop it. Just stay with Luann and get the treatment you need."
Hearing Juliet, Mike froze, then spun around, wheeling himself over and grabbing her shoulders. "This is all your fault! You knew I was sick and set me up!"
Juliet wobbled, and Wilber quickly pulled her away.
"Dad, what are you doing?" Juliet cried, tears streaming down her face. "It's okay, Wilber. Let him vent. I'm fine."
This scene was all too familiar. Every time Juliet and Luann had a fight, Juliet would play the victim and cry. Mike saw through it but still defended her.
Mike slumped in his wheelchair like a deflated balloon. His chest heaved, and a hoarse laugh escaped his throat. "No wonder you're the daughter I raised."
He'd taught Juliet to be selfish and cold. He'd been ruthless enough to kill Shirley, and Juliet had learned well, using every opportunity to her advantage.
Mike realized that from the moment he got so mad at Luann that he vomited blood, he must've already been diagnosed. But Juliet kept it from him, using him to get more money.
He remembered Brianna saying Juliet didn't want to spend a dime on his medical bills. But Juliet showed up when he fought with Luann, pushing him to sue her for the money.
Regret hit Mike hard. He started coughing violently, unable to stop. His vision blurred, and the sounds around him faded. His throat and stomach burned with pain. Then he blacked out.
Late at night, Mike groggily opened his eyes and heard the faint sound of pages turning.
"Awake?" Luann looked up from her magazine with a smile. In his daze, her face blurred with memories of Shirley from years ago.
"Got what you wanted?" Luann's words snapped him back to reality.
Mike turned his head away, eyes filled with despair.
Luann got up, tucked him in, and picked up a few strands of hair from the pillow. The meds and IVs were helping, but they were also taking a toll on his body.
"You've schemed your whole life. Bet you never thought your own kid would outsmart you," Luann said.
Mike's voice was raspy. "You're no better. Who are you to judge?"
"If you hadn't killed my mom, maybe we could've been happy," Luann said, her voice tinged with meaning.
Mike gave a bitter smile. "What's the point of saying that now?"
Luann hummed softly, a cold glint in her eyes. "Yeah, it's pointless. Just rest and get better. The doctor said with proper treatment, you might have another three or four months. Isn't that great? When you die, I'll put you in the new cemetery I bought. You don't deserve the Wright family plot. But don't worry, I'll visit you every year."
Mike curled up under the blanket, trembling, probably from anger. He had no one left to rely on.
Over at the Gilbert Villa, Juliet sat at the dining table, waiting for Wilber to serve her. Micah and Madeline sat across from them.
"It's surprising your dad's really that sick. Luckily, Luann's taking care of him, so you don't have to worry too much," Madeline said gently.
Even though she and Micah didn't like Juliet, the marriage agreement was signed, and there was a child on the way. They couldn't say much anymore. After all, Wilber had to marry someone he liked.
Juliet said, "Yeah, Dad's in a tough spot. If it weren't for Wilber and you, I wouldn't know what to do."
Madeline smiled. "This is your home now. Just stay here and don't overthink things."
Juliet nodded. "Thanks, Mom. Can I stay here for a while?"
Madeline and Wilber exchanged a glance.
Wilber was thrilled. "Juliet, you want to stay? Didn't you say Dawn Talent Agency..."
Juliet cut in, "I thought about it and decided the baby is more important. Work can wait."
Madeline beamed. "It's good you're thinking that way. Of course, I'm not stopping you from working, just worried you might not take care of yourself. Pregnant women can be picky with food. If you want anything, just tell me, I'll make it for you."
