Chapter 142 That's Not What I Meant
Riley's expression of gratitude lingered unspoken as tensions rose.
Dalton, equally taken aback, scowled at his sister, his voice cutting through the air, "Mia, what nonsense are you spouting?"
Mia shrugged with a nonchalant air, her tone unwavering. "I'm not talking nonsense. I'm stating facts. She clearly broke up with Donovan back then and vanished without a word. Now, she's shamelessly entangling herself with him again. Does she not realize Donovan is with Hollis now? She is just a mistress now."
Mia shot a disdainful glance at Riley, her contempt palpable, even after Riley had cured their grandfather. Despite not naming names, her target was evident.
Riley's face hardened, her expression cold and detached. "Ms. Benedict," she said icily, "instead of wasting your breath on snide remarks, perhaps you should learn some manners and etiquette before presuming to teach others how to behave."
Mia's expression darkened, and she glared at Riley, clearly incensed. "How dare you say I have no manners!"
Unflinching, Riley met Mia's stare. "What does my business with Donovan have to do with you? Ms. Benedict? Being so nosy about others' affairs is, in itself, quite ill-mannered, wouldn't you agree?"
Mia was left speechless by Riley's words, her words trapped by the threat of further accusations of impropriety.
Riley, her gaze steely, cautioned, "To me, you are simply a stranger, perhaps a relative of my patient at best. It's best for you not to meddle in my private affairs."
With that, she turned away, briefly acknowledging Dalton with a nod before leaving, unperturbed by Mia’s simmering anger.
Watching Riley’s composed departure, Mia seethed, grinding her teeth. Over the years, she had watched Hollis stand steadfast by Donovan’s side. If not for Riley’s departure, Hollis would surely have married Donovan. Now Riley had returned, capturing Donovan’s attention once more, behaving with unwarranted arrogance. What made her so special?
Anguish gnawed at Mia as she reflected on Hollis’s unwavering devotion to their grandfather, always surpassing Riley in every way. Yet here was Riley, with the audacity to accuse Mia of lacking manners while doing something only a mistress would have done.
Seeing Dalton glare at her before darting after Riley only fueled Mia’s ire.
"Dr. Monroe," Dalton called out, hastening to catch up with Riley.
Riley paused, turning to face Dalton, a question in her eyes. "Is there something you need?"
Dalton’s expression softened with regret. "I'm here to apologize on behalf of my sister. I don't know what's gotten into her lately. She's been like a firecracker, saying unpleasant things. Please don't take her words to heart."
Riley smiled calmly. "Don't worry, I won't take it to heart. Her words won't affect my treatment of Daniel."
"That's not what I meant..." Dalton replied, a touch of helplessness in his tone. He genuinely admired Riley and felt she was worth befriending, but no matter what he said, Riley always redirected the conversation to her professional duties.
"Is there anything else?" Riley asked politely, not in the mood for small talk.
Dalton, sensing the futility of lingering, nodded. "Nothing else, take care."
Riley nodded and then got into her car.
