Rosalie walked out of the hospital room, ignoring Laila’s frantic shouts.
Rosalie, come back! Come back now! You can’t leave!
Laila tried to get out of bed to chase after her, but her legs wouldn’t cooperate. All she could do was watch helplessly as Rosalie’s figure disappeared down the hallway.
Once outside, Rosalie immediately called Rebecca. The phone rang only once before Rebecca’s kind and patient voice answered.
Rose, is that you? What’s the matter?
Grandma, I need to ask you something, and I need you to be honest with me.
Rebecca chuckled softly. Of course, dear. What is it?
Rosalie took a deep breath. Did Aunt Laila ever come to see you?
There was a sudden silence on the other end.
After a moment, Rebecca replied, Why are you asking about this now?
Grandma, please just answer my question. She did come to see you, didn’t she?
Rebecca sighed. Yes, she did, but it was many years ago.
Rosalie frowned. Why didn’t you tell me? I had no idea.
Because you were still in school then, and I didn’t want to upset you. I knew your aunt hadn’t treated you well, so I handled it myself. Grandma, you should have told me.
I know, but it’s all in the past now. If I had told you back then, it would have only caused you more stress. You were busy with your studies, and I didn’t want to affect your mood. I’m sorry.
Rosalie sighed softly. I’m not angry with you, Grandma. I understand you didn’t tell me because you were trying to protect me. But when she came to see you, it wasn’t out of concern for me, was it? Did she ask you for money?
Rebecca hesitated before admitting, Yes, she did. She asked for fifty thousand.
Fifty thousand? Rosalie was stunned. She actually asked for that much? Did you give it to her?
I did, Rebecca replied.
Grandma, you shouldn’t have given her that much! She’s a gambler; she would have blown through it in no time.
I know, Rebecca said. When I saw
her, I knew exactly what kind of person she was. But I did it for you. I was worried she’d keep bothering you. I told her very clearly that I would only give her money once. 1 said t that if she ever came to the Spencers again, I would make sure she regretted it. She hasn’t appeared since then. But now that you’re asking about it, I assume she’s been bothering you again. Tell me where she is, and I’ll handle it.
I ran into her by accident, Grandma. She was injured, so I paid her medical bills.
I see. It might not have been an accident. She could have been trying to find you.
Rosalie sighed. I’m not sure.
Running into Laila could only mean trouble.
Rose, don’t worry about her. She’s a bottomless pit. Which hospital is she in? I’ll go talk to her myself and make sure she never bothers you again. Grandma, I’ll try to handle this myself. Please don’t worry.
Rosalie didn’t want to burden her grandmother with her family issues. The Spencers had already been more than generous. Rebecca didn’t have to give Laila anything. Fifty thousand dollars was a huge sum, and Rebecca had given it for her sake.
Alright, but if anything happens, remember to tell me. I’ll always be here for you. Don’t keep things to yourself. We’re family. No matter what happens between you and Theo, the Spencers will always be your family. I believe he feels the same way, Rebecca said,
Alright. I understand, Grandma.
After hanging up, Rosalie let out a deep sigh.