CHAPTER 1: CHAPTER 1: THE REAL ONE IS COMING BACK SOON

Juliana had just been transferred from the ICU to a regular ward when she received a text message.

"Look, who was your husband holding last night?"

Immediately, there was a photo of Evan Grant arm in arm with a woman at a party.

The woman was gazing at her husband with affection, and her husband...

That burning gaze that could only hold one person, she once thought it was exclusively hers.

Juliana closed her eyes, her mind in turmoil.

After four years of marriage, Evan Grant always held her in the palm of his hand.

Even if she sneezed, he would halt his meeting and rush home, only being at ease after personally watching her take her cold medicine.

But this time, he went to Aldoria for five whole days with no news, even the two critical illness notices were signed by his assistant.

She thought he was busy with something important, choosing to endure the pain herself rather than disturb him, little did she know he was busy accompanying another woman.

And this woman was his so-called sister!

The other party estimated she finished looking and sent another message:

"This woman is protected by your husband like an endangered species, I’m really curious, once she returns to the country, where will you rank in your husband’s heart?"

Ignoring her former best friend’s ridicule, Juliana endured the discomfort from the wound and enlarged the photo for a closer look.

Stella Grant, the "little sister-in-law" who was sent abroad on the third day after her marriage, barely having met a few times.

Juliana was more familiar with the necklace around her neck.

It looked exactly like the one Evan Grant bought at a sky-high price three weeks ago, personally saying it was meant to be their fourth wedding anniversary gift.

Could it be that for these four years, he had been deceiving her?

"Madam, President Grant’s work is almost finished over there, he should be back soon."

Ethan Carter’s voice pulled her back from her thoughts.

Juliana’s fingertips hovered over Evan Grant’s number for a long time but eventually couldn’t move away.

When she looked at Ethan Carter, her expression was already placid.

"I remember his stepsister is also over there, after business is done, won’t he go see her?"

Ethan’s eyes flashed, "President Grant went to handle urgent business this time, he shouldn’t have any personal itinerary."

He was Evan Grant’s confidant, naturally, his words were flawless.

Juliana gave up the idea of prying the truth from him.

"I understand, you can leave now."

Ethan was momentarily stunned.

Usually, when the madam heard about President Grant’s imminent return from a business trip, she’d be very happy, but her attitude was different this time.

"Uh... there’s one more thing..."

Ethan was hesitating over how to say it when the housekeeper came in prattling, interrupting him.

"Dr. Shaw is a friend of President Grant and such a good doctor, how can he be transferred just like that? Aren’t patients in the general ward also patients?"

Ethan quickly laughed, "Dr. Shaw takes care of severe patients. Changing doctors means the madam’s injuries aren’t serious anymore. Besides, Dr. Lewis is also good, the hospital wouldn’t be negligent."

Seeing his reaction, Juliana suddenly understood.

"Was this Evan Grant’s idea?"

A slight crack appeared in Ethan’s composure, but he quickly steadied himself.

"Of course not, don’t overthink it."

Then that must be it.

Juliana smiled faintly, "Mrs. Lu, call the health department to file a complaint against Mercy Hospital for unauthorized changes of attending physician without the patient’s consent; report Dr. Caleb Shaw for abandoning critical patients during treatment."

Ethan’s mouth twitched, "Madam, there’s no need for this."

Juliana said icily, "It’s none of your business anymore. From now on, there’s no need to update me on his whereabouts, and you don’t need to come here again."

Ethan: "..."

Juliana knew Ethan would relay her words.

As long as Evan Grant hurried back, she was willing to give him a chance to explain.

But the next day, it wasn’t Evan Grant who kicked open the door, but his meticulously made-up stepmother.

Lily Windsor barged into the ward with a group of people, ignoring the fact that Juliana was undergoing therapy with her clothes open.

Juliana quickly buttoned up her shirt, feeling a surge of humiliation and anger.

Almost simultaneously, the housekeeper stepped forward in front of the bed, blocking the intruder’s view.

"Madam, didn’t you see the ’Do Not Disturb’ sign at the door?"

Lily sneered arrogantly, "There’s no private ward in this hospital anymore, discharge her immediately and give this ward to my friend."

Juliana maintained a calm face, not responding immediately.

She wasn’t scared by Lily’s display, but was pondering:

Normally, Lily also didn’t get along with her, but it was just verbal posturing. As a stepmother, she had no standing in the Grant Family, not daring to cross boundaries in behavior. But this sudden confrontation...

What on earth made her brave enough to challenge her?

The female companion who came with Lily tugged at her sleeve.

"Mrs. Grant, it’s alright if there’s no ward, another hospital will do, my father’s illness isn’t urgent, let Mrs. Grant recuperate nicely."

In high society, everyone knew Evan Grant loved his wife fervently, but Lily dragged her along, and she couldn’t refuse.

However, Lily was full of disdain, "Mrs. Miller, don’t be afraid, once Evan divorces her in a few days, she will be nothing. To take a ward from her is nothing, even her life will be at my disposal."

Then she turned to Juliana, her tone becoming increasingly arrogant, "Without Evan here, who are you pretending to be on the verge of death for? Hurry up and get out."

Juliana, neither angry nor scared, buttoned up her shirt one by one before speaking, "There are plenty of private rooms in the morgue, take your friend there to choose."

Lily was choked by her words, her face turning livid.

But immediately, a twisted pleasure crept onto her mouth.

"Don’t think just because Evan spoils you, he likes you! Think about why you got hurt this time! You are just his scapegoat, the real one is coming back, and you’ll soon lose favor as the sacrificial lamb."

Scapegoat? Sacrificial lamb?

Juliana’s eyes were deeply focused, a faint smile appearing on her face, "Then who is the real one?"

Lily snorted, "That’s not something you should be asking, be wise and vacate the ward, otherwise..."

Juliana slowly interrupted her, "You also said this is a hospital ward, not a massage parlor’s suite, it can’t be changed at will."

Lily was previously a masseuse, later remarried, with George Grant marrying her against opposition. The old lady of the Grant Family was very unwelcoming towards her, so her past profession became the most embarrassing stain she wished to erase after marrying into the Grant Family.

She immediately flew into a rage, rushing forward to attack, but the housekeeper firmly blocked her way.

"Madam, you can’t touch the madam!"

"You old hag, you’re ungrateful! Someone, get her out of here!"

Two burly men immediately stepped up, easily carrying the housekeeper who was over fifty to the side.

No one else to stop her, Lily sneered viciously, lunging forward to grab Juliana’s collar, her crimson nails dug into Juliana’s skin.

"You think you’re more dignified than me?" I’ll rip your clothes right now and toss you into the crowd like a plucked stray dog, we’ll see how dignified you are then!"