Chapter 1744

Karina felt the need to clarify. “It’s not because of what they’re saying about me. It’s… something else.”
She left the rest unsaid, but Wilfred had already pieced it together. He had seen the trending posts online, and after hearing the truth from her a few days ago, everything made sense.
The online rumors didn’t just accuse her of secretly taking photos. They delved into her past, exposing videos and photos of her working multiple part-time jobs day and night. The posts claimed she came from a poor background and insinuated that her position at the hospital was only secured by leveraging a powerful benefactor.
It didn’t take much to infer that the “benefactor” in question was him.
Karina’s past wasn’t common knowledge in the hospital. Even Wilfred only learned about it through her explanation. The only people who could expose such private details were her own family.
Wilfred’s gaze softened with an almost imperceptible hint of pity. She had sacrificed her youth working herself to the bone for the Stone family, yet they repaid her by exploiting her and, when there was nothing left to take, mercilessly turning against her. She had become like a ball-kicked around by anyone who pleased.
His voice was calm but firm. “Don’t concern yourself with what’s being said online. Just focus on what you need to do. And if you’re worried about my opinion, let me be clear: I don’t care about those rumors. This isn’t your fault.”
Karina stared at him, her eyes wide and glassy. The tears she had just fought back surged again.
“Really?”
“Really.” Wilfred sighed, his tone tinged with resignation.
He couldn’t help but wonder-how difficult must her life have been for her to be so moved by a single sentence?
Unbidden, memories of his own past began to surface. Back when he was under the Pharaoh’s control, powerless and desperate, he had yearned for someone to understand him. Even a simple word of acknowledgment would have meant the world. Instead, he had been treated like a tool-discarded when not in use, less valued than a pet.
Wilfred’s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening as those unpleasant memories took hold.
Karina, noticing the shift in his demeanor, hesitated. “Dr. Wilfred… are you okay? What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing.” Wilfred’s voice was distant as he pushed the memories aside and composed himself.
Seeing him return to his usual calm Karina chose not to press further
ra moment of silence, both of themopened their mouths to speak simultaneously.
“You first,” she said, yielding to him.
Wilfred’s gaze flickered. “What do you plan to do now?”
He wasn’t sure why he asked. Perhaps it was the similarity he saw between their experiences, or maybe it was a growing desire to intervene. For so long, he had remained
detached, observing vene
world
around him without involving himself.
But now, he wanted to help her.
Karina thought for a moment, her expression shifting from uncertainty to determination. “I’m going back to the Stone family.”
Wilfred raised a brow. “Back to the Stone family? After everything, I thought you’d want nothing to do with them.”
Karina’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “I do. But it’s still the place I once called home. And I have questions for them.” Questions about why they treated her this way. Why nothing she ever did seemed to be enough.
More importantly, she understood Kieran too well. He wasn’t capable of orchestrating this on his own Someone must have been working with him.
And Karina was determined to find out who it was.