Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 146

"I don't have time. I can't go."

Mrs. Garrison's tone shifted, grinding her words out through gritted teeth as her hatred bled through.

"Fine, you're really something, Hazel. Do you even realize why your brother ended up in the hospital last time? It was all for you. He begged me not to tell you, and what do you do? You leave him to rot. You are a complete failure of a sister."

"Gideon's poor health is entirely your fault because you stole his nutrients in the womb! Now that you're finally asked to give something back, you act like we're killing you. If you don't show up tonight, I'll pretend I never gave birth to you."

The line abruptly went dead.

Hazel lowered her phone, the dial tone ringing hollowly in her ear.

She remained completely still by the window, her faint reflection merging with the dark night outside the glass.

Hazel rubbed her temples, squeezing her eyes shut as she let out a heavy sigh.

Memories of Gideon surfaced in her mind. She remembered him trailing behind her as a kid, calling her name. She remembered him secretly slipping her candy whenever their mother berated her.

Despite feeling detached from the Garrison family and dreading every visit, she had to admit that her brother—the supposed golden child—had actually offered her moments of genuine warmth.

Hazel lowered her head with a self-deprecating smile. Maybe she was just pathetic, unable to let go of the tiniest scraps of affection.

She pressed her lips together, grabbed her jacket, and headed downstairs.

Halfway down the stairs, she spotted Julian walking out of the kitchen with a plate of sliced fruit, bending down to set it on the coffee table in front of Beatrice.

He turned and noticed Hazel dressed to go out, her purse in hand. A slight frown formed on his face.

"Where are you going? Beatrice is here, shouldn't you keep her company? Besides, it's late, and I don't feel comfortable letting you go out alone. But if I go with you, I'd have to leave Beatrice here by herself."

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