**Chapter 44: Repudiation** Concern flickered in Janet's mind as she quickly typed a message, anxiety gnawing at her. “I’ll finish the design. I promise! I’ve brought my laptop to the hospital. You don’t need to give me an extra day. I’ll get it done today, I assure you!” The rhythm of her heart quickened when Rich Party A replied almost instantly, alleviating her worries. “I don’t need it for the time being. Don’t stress. You’ll still get the payment.” A wave of relief surged over her, and she clapped her hands in excitement, a grin stretching across her face. “I’m so grateful! You’re the best client in the world!” Ethan, oblivious to her elation, strolled into the bathroom, carrying his clothes with a relaxed demeanor. A subtle smile danced on his lips as he reminisced about the earlier events in the living room. The sweltering Friday afternoon enveloped the city like a heated embrace, the humidity thick enough to cut through. Residents sought refuge from the blaze, each droplet of sweat a testament to the day’s intensity, and the air was heavy with the scent of sunscreen. Later, as Janet boarded the bus home, she let herself be carried away by the soothing melodies in her headphones while watching the scenery fly by outside the window. Suddenly, her music was shattered by the intrusive ring of her phone. She glanced at the screen, her heart lurching—it was an incoming call from the hospital. “Hello, Miss Lind. This is the municipal hospital calling. Hannah Stone is at the top of the waiting list for a liver transplant. Please arrange for the expenses of the operation as soon as possible. We can proceed once we find a suitable liver.” The words washed over her like a revitalizing wave. This was the glimmer of hope she had been yearning for, and an eruption of jubilation bubbled inside her. “Okay! Thank you! Thank you so much!” she exclaimed, her voice barely containing her excitement. As she hung up, relief washed over her—Hannah had been on this waiting list for what felt like an eternity, and now, they were finally making progress. Bubbles of prayer ascended in her heart, urging for a worthy donor to be found swiftly. But now, a new challenge loomed before her: the finances. Fiona owed her a substantial amount after pulling the strings for Janet’s marriage to Ethan. The next morning, fueled by determination, Janet made her way to the Lind family’s opulent villa once more. As she approached the grand entrance, a shrill voice cut through the air. “What on earth do you think you’re doing? If you try to break in here again, I’ll call the police!” The maid stood guard, her expression a whirlwind of disdain and urgency. “I need to see Fiona! Let me in!” Janet demanded, her brow furrowing with desperation. “They aren’t even here! Get out of here, or I will call the authorities!” The maid planted herself firmly in the doorway, a barricade of defiance. Janet’s patience thinned, and her lips curled into a sneer as she gestured toward the upper floor. “Don’t play innocent with me! I can see her moving around through the window right there! Fiona’s in there, and she isn’t even trying to hide!” Fiona didn’t bother concealing herself, clearly underestimating Janet’s resolve. Her laughter, mingled with Bernie’s voice, drifted from within the house—a cacophony of mockery. The maid averted her gaze, her guilt palpable as she fumbled for the door, attempting to shut it entirely. “They are NOT here. Are your ears faulty? If you don’t leave now, I’ll summon security to escort you out!” Driven by her fraying spirit, Janet moved closer, a sinking sensation puncturing her heart. Fiona's blatant audacity left her speechless. With her marriage to Ethan completed, it seemed Fiona had abandoned any pretense of obligation to make amends. “Absolutely not. I’m waiting right here. You go inside and inform them—if I don’t receive my money today, I’ll make sure Ethan finds out the truth: that Fiona deceived him into marrying me instead of her daughter, Jocelyn. This whole wedding was a sham—Jocelyn was the original bride-to-be. Once he knows, he won’t let Fiona off easy for this betrayal. If my money isn’t secured, I will ensure she experiences no tranquility in her life either.” Janet stood firm, ready for whatever storm was about to unfold.