When the Dead Still Call novel Chapter 341

Chapter 341: The Accident

Emery remained mostly silent, but inside, a wave of satisfaction surged through her at all the compliments she received. A proud, contented smile—one she hadn’t worn in quite some time—slowly spread across her face, brightening her features.

Watching the other wealthy ladies cast envious glances her way only fueled her ego further, making her feel triumphant.

Her gaze then settled on Gianna, and though some bitterness lingered, her expression had softened considerably compared to a few days earlier.

She had to admit—this adopted daughter of hers was quite skilled at flattery. Gianna knew just when to be warm or distant, and her words were always sweet and well-measured.

When these affluent women gathered, it was often for card games, sipping tea, and endless chatter filled with subtle displays of status and wealth.

After a while of eating, drinking, and showing off their finery, Emery decided it was time to leave. She turned to Gianna and suggested they head home together.

As they stepped outside, the two walked side by side, exchanging casual conversation.

“Gianna, you’ve been doing well these past few days,” Emery began, her tone firm but caring. “But don’t forget what I told you: keep your distance from your brothers. You’re all adults now, and there are boundaries between men and women.”

She glanced at Gianna with a serious look. “Your brothers will get married one day, and you already have a fiancé. The Desters have tried to call off your engagement several times. I’ve managed to talk them out of it more than once, so you need to treasure it. Next time, I might not be able to help.”

Now that they were alone with no one else around, Emery felt free to speak candidly. She began to nag, reminding Gianna to know her place and avoid unnecessary games or provocations.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll listen to you,” Gianna replied, feigning obedience and careful not to argue, which pleased Emery greatly.

Yet inside, Gianna was boiling with frustration. How dare this woman—who had no real standing, just the luck of being born into wealth and marrying into the Nygard family—lecture her like this?

If it weren’t part of her carefully crafted plan, Gianna wouldn’t have bothered pretending at all.

“Good, as long as you listen. Now, you’re coming with me to—” Emery’s words were suddenly cut off.

Out of nowhere, a car came hurtling toward them at a dangerous speed.

“Mom! Watch out!” Gianna shouted without hesitation.

Without a second thought, she lunged forward and shoved Emery out of the path of the speeding vehicle, taking the full force of the impact herself.

The collision sent Gianna flying through the air before she crashed hard onto the pavement. Her pristine white dress was instantly stained with bright red blood.

Emery’s face drained of color, shock rendering her legs weak and trembling.

“Gianna! Gianna, are you okay?!” she screamed, her voice trembling with panic.

Nearby onlookers gasped in horror at the scene and hurried over to help.

This injury was a costly move, but sometimes, a small loss was necessary for a greater victory.

If a bit of pain was what it took to make this foolish woman truly loyal to her, then it was worth every moment.

Gianna already imagined the future—Emery completely under her influence, doing whatever she desired.

Perhaps, one day, she could even use Emery to finally bring down Amelia. How wonderful that would be.

Then, darkness claimed her.

When Gianna next opened her eyes, she found herself in a hospital room filled with the sterile scent of disinfectant.

Her brothers were gathered closely around her bed.

“Gianna, you’re awake! You scared me half to death!” Miguel exclaimed, relief flooding his voice.

“Yeah! Mom called and said you’d been hit by a car. I was about to lose it!” another brother added anxiously.

Gianna blinked slowly, feeling the dull ache in her body but comforted by the familiar faces surrounding her.