Chapter 10: Counterattack
Julia found it intriguing.
Yasmin was truly adept at spinning lies, as was her usual nature.
Conrad turned his head to look at Julia and pondered her recent statement. She had claimed to be an apprentice of the Divine Doctor, while Yasmin boasted about finding the Divine Doctor’s Holy Hand. It left him puzzled.
“Conrad, even though Yasmin isn’t biologically related to you, she still cares more about you than your own sister does. Shouldn’t you prioritize Yasmin?” Philip’s heartfelt plea portrayed Yasmin as his actual daughter, despite the lack of a blood bond.
Julia coldly observed as Philip manipulated the situation, encouraging Conrad to disregard her and embrace Yasmin.
‘My, oh my, how skilled my dear father is at this!‘ she mused sarcastically.
“Dad! How could you be so unfair!” Conrad’s voice trembled with anger, defending Julia and feeling deep sorrow for her.
He could imagine how hurtful it must be for his sister to hear her biological father
utter such callous words!
“Fine, fine! Conrad, are you really continuing to defend this wicked girl?” Philip’s tone dripped with anger, his finger accusingly pointing at Julia.
“She is my sister.” Conrad’s response was firm and unwavering as he declared his allegiance.
Witnessing Conrad standing up for her and hearing his resolute words, Julia felt a swell of gratitude.
“Very well, very well! You two are bonded by blood, and Yasmin and I are not. Very well, from today onwards, I won’t give you a single penny! And you, Conrad, find your own way to cover the hospitalization and treatment expenses!” Philip believed that this injunction would intimidate Julia and Conrad into submission.
However, contrary to his expectations, Julia retorted with icy resolve, “Don’t worry, we won’t ask you for a dime again!”
In fact, Julia had already planned to transfer Conrad to the best ward in the hospital and arrange for dedicated care.
“Remember your words. You might regret your stubbornness when you’re penniless. But keep this in mind, even if you kneel before me, I won’t deign to spare you a glance!” Philip fumed before storming out, leaving his robe trailing behind him.
“What, already regretting?” Philip’s face displayed a mocking expression.
Julia didn’t spare a glance at Philip, but her gaze shifted to Yasmin.
“You claimed to have found the Divine Doctor. So where is she?”
Caught off guard by Julia’s sudden question, Yasmin hesitated for a moment before responding, “Do you think I’d casually reveal the whereabouts of such a big shot?”
A glint of coldness flickered in Julia’s eyes, her voice icy. “Yasmin, if you’re referring to the Divine Doctor as a ‘big shot,‘ then you must be aware that such prominent figures aren’t subject to idle rumors. Do you believe I could make a statement that you claim to know the Divine Doctor, potentially earning her disfavor? Are you truly ready to face the consequences?”
Fear drained the color from Yasmin’s face. Her lie about locating the Divine Doctor was an attempt to garner more affection and attention from Philip, and in this regard, it worked like a charm. Philip even generously bestowed upon her a sum of money to splurge on luxury goods.
However, Philip wasn’t naive. Sensing the gravity of the situation, he demanded sternly, “Yasmin, have you really found the Divine Doctor?”
“I, I–” Yasmin stumbled over her words, her anxiety palpable.
In that tense moment, Julia tapped her phone, playing back a recording of their previous conversation. Then, she challenged Yasmin, “Yasmin, I suggest you carefully think before you answer. Can you truly afford to offend someone as influential as the Divine Doctor?”
Yasmin’s heart raced; panic clouded her eyes.
“Yasmin! Tell us the truth!” Philip’s voice nearly thundered.
Fearfully, Yasmin hesitated before she squeaked out a meek, “I, I…”
Philip, who had always favored her, was now raising his voice at her. This stark departure from his usual demeanor underscored the seriousness of the situation. “Dad! I’m sorry! I was wrong! I shouldn’t have lied! Please forgive me,” Yasmin pleaded tearfully, her voice filled with genuine remorse.
Philip stood there, dumbfounded by the revelation of his beloved daughter’s massive lie.
“Dad, please forgive me. I didn’t mean to. I just wanted more love from you to make you happy. I really didn’t mean to.”
Julia’s expression turned sardonic as she glanced at Philip. “You accused me of not having the sense of offending Carter. Yet here, your obedient daughter has managed to offend the Divine Doctor! Tsk tsk! Isn’t Carter a mere nobody compared to the Divine Doctor?”
Yasmin’s fear grew, and she implored Julia, “Sister, I admit I was wrong. I shouldn’t have lied like that. Please, delete the recording.”
Now, Yasmin displayed none of her previous arrogance toward Julia. She seemed almost ready to kneel and beg.
Natalia followed suit, pleading, “Julia, please erase it. I’ve been kind to you. I…”
“Kind to me? You dare say that shamelessly?” Julia cut off Natalia.
o How much torment
have I endured at your hands since you and your daughter came into our lives? If not for my brother’s protection, I doubt I’d still be alive.”
“Enough!” Philip’s voice rose in frustration. He pressed his temples and looked at Julia, ordering sternly, “Delete the recording! This isn’t a matter to play around with. It’s the Divine Doctor! If you truly offend that influential figure, our Watson family will crumble in an instant.”
Julia’s patience had worn thin. “Leave the room. My brother is recovering, and your commotion is unsettling him.”
Philip’s fists clenched, a part of him yearning to strike Julia. “Will you delete it now?” “Out! Can’t you hear me? I’ll give you a count of three. If you don’t leave, I won’t hesitate to make this recording public,” Julia retorted icily, fixing her gaze on Philip and the others.
Frustrated and fearful of Julia’s potentially rash actions, Philip reluctantly suppressed his anger and left the hospital room.
Afterward, Julia returned her gaze to her brother. Seeing him still out of bed, she approached him and said, “Brother, what are you doing? Lie back down.” She then gently assisted Conrad to recline on the bed.
“Julia, what you said just now… is it true? Are you really the apprentice of the Divine Doctor?” Conrad’s eyes bore Julia, awaiting her response.