Chapter 84 Cutting Ties with Kenneth

"Set up a run-in with Helen and give her a good beating," Shirley's voice was ice-cold.

"Helen giving you trouble again?" Sophie asked, puzzled.

Shirley spilled the whole story to Sophie.

"That Helen is such a pain! I'll find a way to teach her a lesson right now." Sophie fumed. "How's Wade doing? Is he awake yet?"

Sophie knew Shirley too well. If Wade didn't wake up or had any lasting effects, Shirley would be wracked with guilt forever. Despite her tough exterior, deep down, Shirley was kind and caring.

Sophie remembered the second year after Kevin vanished. Shirley was cold to everyone, ready to fight anyone, even Sophie. Their friendship had become distant for a while after a huge argument over Shirley's sudden change in behavior.

One time, Sophie saw Helen bullying a classmate. Shirley couldn't step in, so she asked Sophie to handle Helen. That was when Sophie realized Shirley's tough act was just a shield to protect herself. Since then, they had become a perfect team at school. Whenever Shirley couldn't act, Sophie would step in.

But now, Helen had gotten even nastier.

"He's out of danger, but I'm unsure when he'll wake up," Shirley sighed. She hoped Wade would wake up soon and worried about any aftereffects from his fall.

Sophie heard the disappointment in Shirley's voice and quickly tried to cheer her up. "Shirley, aren't you the Evil Doctor? If you want to know when Wade will wake up, just go check on him at the hospital."

Shirley got what Sophie meant. "I know, but Wade just got out of the emergency room, and his family is probably watching him like hawks. I can't even get into his room, let alone check on him. Plus, I can't let more people know I'm the Evil Doctor right now. Olivia's going to help me open my mom's box soon. I can't risk any slip-ups now."

"Got it. How about hacking into the cameras in Wade's hospital room? When his family leaves or changes shifts, you can check on him then," Sophie suggested. Her hacking skills had really come in handy, making her a lot of money and helping Shirley.

"With your medical skills, even if Wade doesn't wake up, your treatment could keep him going until he's old and gray," Sophie joked.

Shirley couldn't help but smile at Sophie's joke.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you, Sophie!" Shirley said with a hint of a grin.

Shirley put down her phone and tidied up the messy living room. She changed into her pajamas and lay in bed, tossing and turning. Then she got up and went to the study to work on her treatment plan.

By dawn, she finally felt a bit sleepy. After lying in bed for just an hour, a loud knocking erupted at the door.

Shirley, exhausted, dragged herself to open the door, stunned to see Anna and Michael standing there.

"Anna, you're here," Shirley instantly switched up her attitude.

Anna sighed, ignoring Shirley. She and Michael walked into the house and plopped down on the couch.

Shirley eyed them, knowing they had something to say. She raised an eyebrow and shut the door.

Even though they hadn't said a word, their faces screamed that this was about Wade.

Shirley walked over to Anna, looking all pitiful. "Anna, I messed up. I know I caused a huge problem this time."

Anna just shot her a cold look. "When did you start messing around with Kenneth?"

"About a year ago. I was at a bar and saw him drinking alone. He looked like he had money, so I took advantage of him being drunk and slept with him," Shirley lied without missing a beat.

"Enough. How can you talk about such shameless things so casually?" Michael cut in. "Knowing Kenneth is Helen's fiancé, why did you still get involved with him?"

Shirley suddenly dropped to her knees in front of them.

"I didn't want to, but I needed money badly," Shirley choked out, tears streaming down her face. "I found a way to open that box. It was made by a reverend from Black Tortoise Peak. If we build a golden statue for Reverend Aaron from Black Tortoise Peak, she'll come down and help us find the key."

"But I don't have that kind of money. I had to turn to these rich guys for help. Kenneth was the one who could give me the most money. I wanted to surprise you with the golden statue, but I didn't expect..." Shirley broke down, crying uncontrollably, "Dad, you already slapped me in front of everyone at the hospital. Isn't that enough?"

"If you want, slap me a few more times. If it makes you feel better, I'll do anything." Shirley was now a mess, tears and snot everywhere, perfectly masking her true feelings.

"Enough." Michael frowned, clearly disgusted. He glanced at Anna, thinking, 'How did I end up with such a shameless daughter?'

Anna forced a smile. "Alright, Shirley, get up. Since Kenneth is Helen's fiancé, you two need to stay away from each other. You have to cut off all contact with him, okay?"

"Okay." Shirley nodded quickly. She grabbed a tissue from the table, wiped her nose, and held Anna's hand with the tissue. "But, Anna, what about the golden statue? I don't have any money now."

"Don't worry about that. Your dad and I will handle it." Anna smiled.

"Okay!" Shirley nodded eagerly.

Anna and Michael exchanged a look.

Anna smiled and stood up. "Remember, you must not have any contact with Kenneth in the future. Otherwise, neither your dad nor I can save you. Kenneth is not someone you can mess with."

Shirley kept nodding.

"Alright, we're leaving. Remember what we said," Anna reminded, worried Shirley might backtrack.

"Got it!" Shirley replied quickly.

As Anna and Michael reached the door, Shirley suddenly called out, "Dad, Anna!"

Anna and Michael both paused.