Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 132

Franklin Ford had initially intended to have the chauffeur take her to the hospital, but upon hearing his wife's words, his expression darkened. "What exactly did you get up to today? How did you end up like this?"

"Dad, I didn't do anything! I just went shopping with Ms. Lowell! I feel terrible, please, just have the driver take me to the ER!"

Laura scoffed. "What hospital? Go back to your room and put some cream on it. Do you have any idea what time it is? The driver is a human being; doesn't he deserve to sleep? He has to drive your father to the office bright and early tomorrow!"

She simply couldn't stand the sight of this illegitimate daughter living under her roof. Rhoda was an eyesore.

But the old man living in the nursing home had insisted she return to the Ford family, preaching about how an illegitimate child was still Ford blood and shouldn't be left out on the streets.

Bullshit!

The only true Ford bloodline was the one flowing through the children she gave birth to.

"Your stepmother is right. Go back to your room and put some ointment on it. It's too late to bother the driver."

Franklin didn't particularly care for Rhoda either; she was a walking, breathing reminder of his infidelity.

Every time he looked at her, he was reminded of how he had been manipulated by her biological mother.

If that wretched woman hadn't gone crying to the family patriarch—who then insisted Rhoda be formally acknowledged and brought into the fold—he would never have claimed her.

Having delivered his verdict, Franklin ignored her and sent her back to her room.

Left with no other option, Rhoda had to retreat.

She took a shower and dug up some anti-itch cream to slather on, but it was completely useless.

Two agonizing hours passed. The itching grew more intense, the swelling worsened, and the angry red hives multiplied across her skin.

Seeing the message from Rhoda, she realized that Rhoda had ended up in the hospital just like her.

After replying to Rhoda's text, Una carefully retraced her steps from the previous day, mentally reviewing every place they'd gone and everyone they'd interacted with. Nothing seemed overtly suspicious.

Unable to figure it out, she simply texted Rhoda back, saying she was heading to the hospital to see her.

By the time Una arrived at Rhoda's room, the doctor had just finished examining her and walked out.

"Rhoda, how is yours so much worse than mine? Once I got the IV last night, the itching and swelling stopped, and the hives went away completely."

Rhoda sighed miserably. "Don't even mention it. The doctor said if I'd waited any longer, I would've been permanently scarred. I had to take a cab here by myself last night. My dad didn't care at all."

Una looked completely perplexed. "What exactly is going on here? How could we both suddenly come down with this bizarre condition at the exact same time?"