Chapter 549

Lucas's unexpected arrival startled Claire and Evelyn in the hospital room.

Isabella was completely unprepared when he forced her to her knees.

Never in her life had she endured such disgrace.

Tears pooled in her eyes as she struggled to rise, but Lucas kept an iron grip on the back of her head.

Outmatched by his strength, Isabella could only bow her head in submission.

Frustrated sobs wracked her body.

Today had been nothing but misfortune - everyone seemed to be targeting her.

If only the Morgan family hadn't lost their status, she wouldn't be suffering this humiliation!

She'd been the cherished princess of her household! How dare they treat her this way?

Was it because she no longer had powerful backing?

Isabella bit her lip until it nearly bled. "Claire, I'm sorry for hitting you with my car. It wasn't intentional! You appeared so suddenly I couldn't brake in time!"

She'd already given her statement at the police station.

According to their investigation, the accident wasn't entirely her fault - Claire shared partial responsibility.

"I'll cover all your medical expenses. Just please don't press charges."

Claire hadn't realized it was Isabella who'd struck her.

After her heated argument with Lucas at the Maple Leaf Café, she'd stormed out blindly, not seeing the approaching vehicle.

Isabella had panicked behind the wheel - seeing Claire, she'd mistakenly hit the accelerator instead of the brake. That's why Claire's legs were broken. They were lucky neither she nor the baby suffered worse injuries.

Having just given birth to a beautiful girl, Claire wanted to accumulate good karma.

But before speaking, she glanced at Evelyn for guidance.

After all, Isabella's shameless behavior had caused Evelyn so much pain.

This was Claire's chance to make Isabella pay.

Evelyn gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head.

Her grievances with Isabella would be settled in due time - no need for Claire to complicate matters. Different issues required separate handling.

Besides, Alexander had publicly declared he wouldn't interfere with Isabella's affairs, which reassured Evelyn.

Yet he hadn't abandoned her completely. If Evelyn made a scene now, she'd only lose his respect.

Their years of friendship allowed Claire to immediately understand Evelyn's silent message.

"Pay all medical bills for me and my daughter," she said coldly, "plus compensation for emotional distress. Every penny, no exceptions."

The total sum would likely give Isabella sleepless nights.

Added together, it amounted to a staggering figure.

Isabella nodded eagerly in agreement.

Claire continued, "Now get up. There's no need for such dramatic begging."

But Isabella remained kneeling.

Only when Lucas finally released her did she rise.

Tear tracks stained her cheeks as she turned to leave, not even brushing the dust from her dress.

Alexander, waiting in the corridor, immediately noticed Isabella's tear-streaked face and bruised knees.

He instantly understood she'd been humiliated inside.

"Alexander, I'm fine," Isabella forced a trembling smile. "If kneeling helped Evelyn vent her anger, it was worth it."

Alexander's brow furrowed. "Evelyn made you kneel?"