Chapter 243 Elliot’s Too–Late Apology
Finished
Elaine didn’t even flinch. Her voice stayed icy cold, “Why would I lie to you, Elliot? You’re already locked up. I’ve got nothing to gain. I came here to give you the truth–because after everything you did to Lauren, someone needs to make sure you hear it.”
She didn’t blink and continued, “You threw your own sister under the bus for Willow. So tell me… do you regret it now?”
Regret wasn’t strong enough.
It was agony.
Elliot felt like his chest was collapsing. Like every breath cut him open from the inside.
He used to believe it had just been a mistake. Willow panicked and that the push was an accident.
But this?
This was evil. Nothing had prepared him for this truth.
Willow and David had planned to harvest Lauren’s kidney. Use her body. Give the rest of her to a medical school like she was just a pile of spare parts.
If Elaine hadn’t overheard them, Lauren would be dead.
And even though she survived, she was the one punished.
Five years of prison.
Five years of beatings, pain, and permanent damage.
Because of him.
Because he picked the wrong side.
And now he had to live with it.
“This can’t be true! No–no way. I don’t believe it! You’re lying, Elaine. You’re just trying to get back at me. You want me to suffer!” Elliot’s voice cracked, eyes burning red.
He was unraveling fast.
His fists pounded against the glass, his face wild and twisted in disbelief. He looked like a caged animal about to snap.
Elaine didn’t even blink. She sat quietly in her chair, watching it all play out like she’d expected this exact
moment.
Then he snapped completely.
“Ah-”
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Chapter 243 Elliot’s Too Late Apology
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“Let me go! I need to see Lauren! I want to ask her myself–I need to hear it from her!”
Elaine’s voice cut through the chaos, sharp and cold.
“Lauren’s not going to see you, Elliot. And you know what? Maybe while you’re rotting in here, you’ll finally understand what she went through.”
She didn’t wait for a response.
She hung up the phone, spun her wheelchair, and rolled away without a backward glance.
Elliot’s pupils shrank in panic. He shouted, “Elaine–wait! Please don’t go! I need to see Lauren!”
But Elaine didn’t stop.
She didn’t turn around.
Not once.
She just kept rolling forward until she was out of sight.
And then… Elliot collapsed.
His knees hit the floor hard as the words kept tumbling from his lips, “No… no. This isn’t real. She’s lying. She has to be lying…”
Tears streamed down his face as he broke apart right there in the visitor’s booth.
“Laurie… I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Just give me one more chance. When I get out of here, I swear I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you…”
His voice cracked under the weight of his guilt.
But what Elliot couldn’t know–what he refused to believe–was that by the time he got out…Lauren would
be gone.
Not just from prison. But from his life.
Forever.
Maybe it was the closure.
Maybe it was finally letting go of the years of bitterness.
Whatever it was, Lauren slept better that night than she had in eight years.
No nightmares. No restlessness.
Just warmth. Quiet. Stillness.
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Chapter 243 Elliot’s Too–Late Apology
She got dressed, freshened up, and padded downstairs with surprising energy.
Finished
When she stepped into the kitchen, she found Marilyn already up, wearing an apron and bustling between the stove and counter.
Marilyn glanced over her shoulder at the sound and blinked in surprise, “Ms. Bennett? You’re up early today! Are you hungry? I was just about to make you some breakfast.”
Lauren smiled and shook her head.
She said, “No, I’m okay. I actually wanted to cook something for Mr. Brooker and Madam Kate. I don’t have much to offer around here, but at least I can help out with breakfast.
Marilyn chuckled and waved her hands, “Oh sweetie, you don’t need to do that. I’ve got it covered. Go on now–this kitchen’s full of grease and smoke.”
She started gently herding Lauren toward the door.
But Lauren clung to Marilyn’s arm with a playful pout, swaying it back and forth.
“Marilyn, Mr. Brooker and Madam Kate have been so good to me. I don’t have much to give back, but at least let me do this. Will you teach me how to make your chicken and rice soup–the one with the fresh cilantro on top? It always smells so warm and comforting.”
She rested her head on Marilyn’s shoulder, giving her a soft, affectionate nudge.
That was it. Marilyn’s heart turned to mush.
“Okay, okay, you win,” she said with a grin. “I’ll show you how to make it. And I guarantee–Mr. Brooker’s gonna love it. Nothing warms a man up faster than something made just for him.”
Lauren’s cheeks turned pink, “I knew you’d say yes. You’re the best, Marilyn.”
Between the sweet words and the cuddly charm, Lauren had Marilyn smiling so hard she couldn’t even hide it. Her heart felt full just being around her.
And just like that, the two of them were side by side, busy in the kitchen.
About thirty minutes later, they had five bowls of steaming hot chicken and rice soup on the counter.
The rice was fluffy and perfectly cooked, nestled in smooth white bowls. On top sat a golden fried egg, the yolk still slightly soft in the middle. Each bowl was finished with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and chopped cilantro, plus a few drops of toasted sesame oil that made the whole kitchen smell amazing.
It looked so good, your stomach couldn’t help but growl.
Right around then, Felix, Kate, and Anna strolled into the dining room.
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