Chapter 20
978 Words
Sheila had come with Isabel as her escort to visit the Knight family. As Natalia was ill, she'd seen someone lingering near the main gate from afar.
But never thought it'd be Ruby.
Isabel glanced at the tightly shut gates of the Knight Estate.
Ruby, are you here to bother Mr. Knight again?
The words were barely out of her mouth when Sheila roared.
You shameless little brat.
Do you have any idea what day this is? Get lost. If you ruin this for Izzie, I swear to God, you'll regret it.
Ruby was completely disgusted with them.
But with Matilda sitting right there, she didn't want to make a scene.
Swallowing her anger, she explained.
I was taking Grandma home.
I think we're lost.
Isabel looked at the old woman and snapped.
Isn't that your husband's grandmother? There's no way she lives around here. Stop lying, Ruby.
Why not? Do you own this place? Ruby shot back.
Isabel fell silent, but Sheila spat.
You've got to be kidding me. As if your penniless husband's grandmother could afford to live here.
She whirled on the old woman.
Hey, you old woman. Point to your house. Which one is it?
Ruby frowned, ready to intervene, but Matilda suddenly pushed herself to her feet.
I remember now. This is my home.
She grabbed Ruby's hand and started tugging her toward the Knight Estate's gate.
Come, darling, let's go inside.
They were still a good hundred yards away when Isabel called out.
Tell whatever story you want, Ruby, but everyone can see you're just using this old lady to get close to the Knights.
Ruby froze.
Eyes locked on the gate.
The Knights.
A tiny suspicion had sparked earlier when she saw the ornate entrance.
But she just couldn't connect the sweet, polite grandson texting her with the infamously ruthless Owen Knight.
Maybe the old lady's mistaken, Ruby thought.
But before she could ask Matilda, Sheila lunged at the trembling woman.
You liar, making up stories for a handout.
Don't you dare start your beggar act at the Knights' gate. Go scam someone else.
Matilda shrieked in terror, too scared to even move.
Ruby's blood ran cold.
She threw one arm around Matilda to shield her and used the other to shove Sheila hard.
What is wrong with you? She snapped.
Sheila stumbled back, catching her balance before screeching.
You ungrateful brat.
Hitting your own mother for some old woman. I'm calling the police. I'll tell them you assaulted me.
Ruby ignored the insult, but Matilda snapped back.
Don't you dare speak to my granddaughter like that. You're the one talking nonsense.
Sheila sneered.
Oh, please. You must be desperate, you old fool, parading your granddaughter-in-law around like this.
What's the plan? She charms a Knight and you get a cut. Or is that just the family business? I bet you were a real piece of work in your day.
Shut up.
Ruby shouted, whipping toward Matilda.
But it was too late.
Matilda Knight had clearly never been spoken to like that in her life.
She trembled violently, her face contorting in pain.
She clutched her chest as her knees gave out.
Ruby lunged forward, catching her before she hit the ground.
Grandma, what's wrong? Please stay with me.
Matilda gasped for air, unable to form a single word.
Ruby frantically tore open Matilda's coat and dug out the nitroglycerin bottle.
But when she twisted off the cap, her stomach dropped.
It was empty.
Her pulse spiked.
CPR would be too dangerous.
Matilda needed medication immediately.
No. What do I do?
Ruby choked out.
Her eyes shot to the massive gates ahead.
The Knights.
They had to have emergency supplies.
Even if Matilda didn't live there, she was a neighbor.
They wouldn't let an elderly woman die on their doorstep.
Ruby scooped the frail woman into her arms.
Grandma, hold on. I'll get you medicine.
But Isabel grabbed her arm, digging her nails in.
Stop it, Ruby.
Pulling a stunt for discounts is one thing, but you can't fake a medical emergency to scam the Knights.
They won't let you pass the gate anyway.
A glint of malice crossed her expression as she glanced at Matilda's ghost-white face.
She truly looked moments from death.
Good, Isabel thought.
If this old woman dies here, Ruby's husband will hate her.
Let's see if she still dares chase other men after that.
At that moment, Ruby saw red.
Her eyes blazed as she lifted her foot to kick Isabel away.
Get out of my way, Isabel! She yelled.
But before her foot connected, her leg was grabbed.
Sheila had thrown herself to the ground, latching onto Ruby's ankle like a rabid dog.
Oh, you think you can fake an injury for sympathy? Two can play at that game.
She shrieked.
I'm dying too. My own daughter is killing me.
My chest. I can't breathe.
I'll die right here before I let this old con artist scam the Knights.
Shaking with fury, Ruby kicked her leg free and thrust herself forward.
In her desperation, her elbow connected sharply with Isabel's side as she pushed past.
Isabel gasped and doubled over, breaking out in a cold sweat.
But Sheila, ignoring Isabel's pain, lunged again.
Grabbing Ruby's legs and screaming hysterically.
Help! Murder!
Ruby, struggling to hold the half-conscious Matilda in her arms, couldn't break free.
Just then, a sleek black Bentley glided to a silent stop.
Owen stepped out, growling.
What in the world is going on here?
Isabel immediately straightened up.
Mr. Knight, Ruby insisted on bringing this dying woman here to try and scam your family.
It's my fault. I couldn't stop her.
At the sound of his voice, Ruby slowly turned.
When Owen's eyes landed on the old woman in her arms, the color drained from his face.
Grandma!
He shouted in horror.
- Writer
