Chapter 642

“ So it really was you ,” Gary said , the last bit of hope draining from his voice . “ You told Hayden everything . ”
Jennifer stared coldly at him . “ I’m part of the Lynn family now . Donald’s my husband . His parents got divorced , and he couldn’t bring himself to say it . Isaid it for him . Is that a problem ? ”
“ Why now ? Why’d you have to pick now ? ” Gary’s voice rose . “ You know Grandpa’s health is fragile with high blood pressure . Why bring this up to him now of all times ?
“ So you tried to give him a stroke on purpose , huh ? You did it . How can you wear that white coat and be so completely shameless ? ”
Jennifer’s pen hit the floor with a sharp click . She picked it up without a word , snapped the cap on , and stood to face Gary .
She said calmly , “ Hayden was here for a checkup . I bumped into him and told him the truth . At least he was already in the hospital if something went wrong . ”
“ And what if he didn’t make it ? ” Gary shot back , his gaze burning into her . “ Did that thought ever cross your mind ? ”
He took a step closer . “ You pulled this stunt to keep Teresa from telling Jonathan about their kid . You’re terrified of losing your job and Donald , so you roll the dice with an old man’s life ? When the hell did you become this twisted ? ”
“ Are you done ? ” Jennifer’s composure finally cracked . “ This is my office , and we are in the hospital . You and I are nothing to each other . Who do you think you are , storming in here and questioning me ? ”
“ Nothing to each other … ” Gary echoed .
Gary let out a bitter laugh . “ I’m Werner’s son . Donald’s brother . Does our friendship over all these years mean nothing you now ? Did you just erase it all ? I thought we were best friends , Jennifer . ”
“ If you were my best friend , ” she sneered , “ you’d be on my side , not standing there waiting for my world to implode . I don’t want Teresa to tell Jonathan everything , but it’s not just about me .
“ I’m trying to protect Teresa from making a huge mistake , one that would ruin her life . ”
To Gary , her words weren’t an explanation . They e just pathetic , twisted excuses .
Sanford snapped , “ So the whole world’s gotta play by your rules ? You were never this twisted . Or maybe … ” He choked on the words . “ Maybe this is who you’ve always been , and I was just too stupid to see it . ”
“ Twisted ? You don’t get to judge me . None of you do . ” Jennifer’s voice stayed flat . “ You have no clue what my life has been like .
“ The number of people who have ever genuinely cared about me ? I can count them on one hand . My only goal is to protect the very few people who matter to me . ”
“ But all you do is hurt people . Again and again . ” Gary’s voice shook , “ Is your crappy childhood your only excuse ? I’ve been through hell , too . Lots of people had messed – up childhoods , but they don’t use it as an excuse to cross lines like you do . ”
“ You were wrong , Jennifer . Just admit it . You gambled with a man’s life . You … ” he said , tears in his eyes . “ Y
“ Sanford- ” Jennifer started
disgrace to your white coat , ”
“ Don’t , ” he snapped . “ Don’t call me that . That name is dead . I’m Gary now . And you need to understand something , Jennifer . You’re gonna pay for what you did . ” He turned on his heel and walked away .
Jennifer stood there , stunned . Gary had never gone at her like that . Snapping out of it , she ran after him , grabbing his arm and dragging him to an empty
end of the hall .
1/2
20 Sun , 27 JUI D
A
641
“ Where are you going ? Are you going to tell Jonathan everything ? ” She was in his face now .
AD