Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 471

The police wrapped up their investigation pretty quickly. Since the security cameras at the scene were busted and missed most of the accident, and the dashcam only caught a blurry shot of Joan falling, they pinned the whole thing on Stephen.

Lying in her hospital bed, Joan shot a triumphant look at Liam. “See? I told you I was the victim here. Even if you don’t trust my word, you have to trust the police report. Call Stephen and tell him to come see me. If he doesn’t show up, I’m not agreeing to any settlement.”

She had only planned to use this accident as an excuse to let Stephen know she was back. She never expected him to accuse her of faking it for money, or worse, to actually call the cops to investigate.

His coldness hit her hard, cutting deeper than she’d ever admit.

Liam pushed his glasses up his nose, looking perfectly calm. “I’ve already sent the police report to Mr. Duncan. We’ll wait for his instructions. And Ms. Knotts, even if Mr. Duncan is found fully at fault, your consent isn’t needed for a settlement. I’ll work with you on the compensation.”

Joan’s patience snapped. She grabbed her pillow and flung it onto the floor. “I said call him and tell him to come see me! Do you not understand what I’m saying?”

Liam lowered his gaze. “You can contact Mr. Duncan yourself.”

“If I could reach him, do you think I’d still be talking to you?”

She’d tried everything over the last few days—calls, texts, every number she had. Nothing. Not one response. It was obvious. Stephen was dodging her on purpose.

Joan clenched her fists tight, nails digging into her palms.

No matter how much she pushed, Liam wouldn’t budge. “Ms. Knotts, please get some rest. I’ll check in on you again this afternoon.”

He turned, closed the door behind him, and left her alone in the room.

“Get out! Get out, all of you!” Joan screamed at the closed door, her whole body shaking with frustration she couldn’t control.

Outside, Liam shook his head, thinking to himself that Ms. Knotts was completely out of her mind.

Joan wasn’t sure how long it was before the door finally opened again.

A flash of cold calculation flickered in Joan’s eyes, but when she looked up again, her face was all soft and vulnerable.

“Brett, I appreciate your kindness, really, but I can’t go to the Duncan hospital. I only came back to visit my dad. He’s been showing up in my dreams, telling me I’m a terrible daughter. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t come see him. But I know what my father did to your family. No matter how much time passes, I can never make up for what happened. I don’t deserve to go to your hospital, and I definitely can’t face anyone from your family. You should just… stay away from me.”

Her eyes shimmered, and she dropped her gaze, looking lost and small.

Brett’s heart twisted. He pulled her into his arms. “Joan, I’ve told you before. You’re not your father. What happened back then was an accident. No one wanted it. You can’t keep blaming yourself for it.”

Joan frowned, annoyed. She’d only said all that to get him to leave, but instead he was finding reasons to stay by her side.

This guy, she thought, almost amused, is really good at convincing himself.

Brett kept holding her, asking over and over where she was hurt, if it was serious, how it happened. He kept going until she wanted to scream. She definitely couldn’t tell him that it was Stephen who hit her, or this fool would go straight to Stephen and pick a fight.