Chapter 7
548words
"We really don't know what else to do. Our daughter is still in the hospital. If she doesn't make it, we won't have any reason to live either!"
I let out a deep sigh and helped the sobbing couple to their feet.
"Your daughter is going to be fine. I already paid for the medical expenses this morning."
The moment those words left my mouth, everyone fell silent.
It was no surprise they were shocked. Although I worked at the bank, I kept a low profile and barely made my presence known.
Even Madison, the person closest to me, had no idea that I was actually a rich heiress.
I had only taken this job to pass the time.
In my previous life, if Alfie and Demi's daughter had survived, I could have covered her surgery costs and investigated the truth at my own pace.
But tragically, because the surgery had been delayed, their daughter had passed away that very afternoon.
Amidst the gasps, Evan's face was filled with shock as he immediately retorted, "Stop lying. You don't even have that money! You ride a shared bike to work every day.
"You think you're some kind of rich heiress? And if you were rich, why would you live in some run-down apartment instead of enjoying your life?"
I fell silent for a moment.
Back when Evan and I had first started dating, he had visited my place under the excuse of helping me clean.
Worried that our differences in wealth might make him feel inferior, I had deliberately rented a small apartment to use as a temporary home.
I never expected this to become evidence for Evan to use against me.
Reaching into my bag, I pulled out a black card and slammed it onto the table.
"This should be proof enough of my identity. Mr. and Mrs. Austin, if you're still worried about your daughter, you can call the hospital right now and ask if the bill has been paid."
All eyes turned to the couple. Without wasting another second, they pulled out their phones and made the call.
The moment the doctor reassured them that a kind-hearted person had already covered the cost, they collapsed onto their knees in front of me.
"You're a saint, truly sent by the heavens! We don't know how to thank you enough!"
Startled, I quickly reached out to help them up, but Madison sneered from the side.
"You sure are good at hiding, Caitlin. You think a grand gesture like this will clear your name and pin the blame on me just because I'm wearing the same bracelet? It won't work!"
Pressing my lips together, I helped the couple to their feet and shot a cold glance at Madison, who wore a mocking expression.
"My parents' money is enough for me to live comfortably for several lifetimes. So tell me—why would I bother using such cheap tricks to frame you?"
Madison's jaw clenched, and hatred burned in her eyes.
"You paid for their hospital bill yesterday. That means you knew the money would go missing today. But how could you possibly have known in advance that their savings would disappear?"
Her words made me freeze on the spot.
