The Coma Prince’s Fiancée novel Chapter 53

Cabinda, the Russell family home.

As soon as Rebecca and the others stepped out of the car, Madonna and Jennifer hurried out to meet them. Madonna had been standing by the door like she always did, waiting to welcome her children home.

Paulina spotted her mother first and started to smile, ready to go up and say hello. But Madonna’s eyes went straight past her, landing on Rebecca.

“Rebecca, you’re finally back,” Madonna said, her voice full of relief. “Come here, let your mom get a good look at you. Did you lose weight while you were away?”

The smile slipped from Paulina’s face, leaving her frozen for a moment. All her life, her mom had always greeted her before anyone else. Now, she could only watch as Madonna fussed over Rebecca.

Rebecca hadn’t been gone for that long, and when she had stayed away in the past, Harriet and Jackson never cared much. Hearing Madonna’s worried voice sent a little warmth through her. Her serious, cool features softened just a bit. “No, I’m fine. I actually got plenty of rest,” she answered quietly.

Madonna studied Rebecca up and down, searching for any hint of change. Seeing that her daughter really did look the same, she finally relaxed. Then she turned to Paulina, her voice gentle again. “Paulina, I know it’s been a long trip for you too. Come on in and get some rest.”

Paulina forced a smile and nodded. “Alright.” She followed her mom and Rebecca inside, her heart feeling heavy.

Jennifer and Sophia came in behind them. Sophia looked upset and started venting the second they crossed the threshold.

“Mom, we were honestly so close to getting that Ambrosia Vitae. If it hadn’t been for someone raising the price from fifteen to twenty million, we could have bought it. Even Mr. White couldn’t figure out who it was. It makes me so mad. If I ever find out who took the medicine that could have saved your life, I swear I’ll make them regret it.”

“You still want to talk tough after all the trouble you caused?”

A deep, icy voice broke the tense moment.

Fabian’s face darkened. He could barely contain his frustration. He knew trying to reason with Jennifer when she was worked up was hopeless. She always found a way to blame anyone but herself. Still, Paulina hadn’t acted perfectly either.

Turning to Paulina, he said sternly, “Jennifer’s right. Sophia’s still young. But you’re older, Paulina. Why did you go along with all this? Did you forget everything your mother and I have taught you all these years?”

Paulina had never been scolded like this before. Her face went pale, and she lowered her voice to explain, “Dad, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have given Sophia that idea. We were just so worried about Jennifer’s health, and we were desperate. We thought, if there was any way to help, we should try. I never thought things would get out of control like this…”

“You didn’t think, that’s the problem,” Fabian shot back. “If you’d just picked up the phone and called your mother or me before deciding anything, none of this would have happened.”

He looked at Paulina with disappointment, but when his eyes shifted to Rebecca, his tone softened a little.

“Thank goodness Mr. White managed to keep this quiet. And Rebecca, thank you for getting that check back. Otherwise, I would’ve sent you all to the family hall to reflect on your actions.”