?<strong>Chapter 276:</strong>


    Although Joelle had a gentle nature, her even temperament was something others often praised. When she learned of the secret exchanges between Gina and Adrian, her first instinct wasn’t tosh out but to understand what had driven Gina to such actions. If Joelle ever suspected someone, she would make her suspicions known without hesitation.


    As fate would have it, before Joelle could even confront her, Gina confessed.


    “I’m sorry, Joelle.”


    Out of nowhere, Gina broke into tears, her head hanging low.


    “I’ve never told you this, butst year I was scammed. That liar drained all my savings and left me drowning in debt. I’ve been working tirelessly to pay it off for two years now, but the more I pay, the deeper the hole gets. I just can’t handle it anymore!”


    It was the first time Joelle had heard any of this. Her heart twisted with a mixture of anger and sympathy. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”


    Gina sniffled, wiping her tears. “I was too ashamed. How could I admit to being so easily tricked? Me, a top graduate, taken in by a con artist! You and Shawn helped me through college, and here I am, still relying on you. I couldn’t bring myself to tell you.”


    And…


    Gina hesitated, casting a guilty nce at Joelle.


    “Back then, both you and Shawn were overseas. I knew you had your own struggles. I thought if I just kept my head down and pushed through, I could manage. But I never imagined the interest would be this steep. I’ve been paying for over a year, and it’s like all I’ve done is cover the interest!”


    Joelle’s heart ached for her friend. She wiped away Gina’s tears before asking, “Is that why you agreed to work for Adrian?”


    Gina stood frozen, unable to find words. Joelle’s earlier anger had ebbed away, though her tone was still far from warm. She wasn’t furious anymore, but the hurt lingered.


    “How long were you nning to keep this from me? If I hadn’t asked, would you have said anything at all?”


    “No, Joelle! No! I was going to tell you everything today. I swear, I’m so sorry. Every time I see you or Aurora, I feel this crushing guilt. I really do!”


    Joelle had been quietly convincing herself during this brief silence. Gina had truly been through the wringer. She hadn’t meant for any of this to happen. What choice did she have? Buried under such a mountain of debt, what else could she do but work herself to the bone to try and dig out?


    Gina could feel Joelle’s eyes on her, and the guilt gnawed at her insides. She knew her actions had tarnished Joelle’s trust, but she hoped this honesty could salvage what was left. “Joelle? Are you angry with me?”


    “No.” Joelle reached out and gently pinched Gina’s cheeks, making her pout like a scolded child. “Tell me something first. How much is Adrian paying you?”


    “Five hundred thousand.”


    “Five hundred thousand?” Joelle’s temper red once more. “Does he think his daughter is only worth five hundred thousand?”


    Gina quickly added, “It’s five hundred thousand a month.”


    Joelle blinked, momentarily thrown off. She recovered quickly, her voiceced with frustration. “It doesn’t matter. My daughter’s worth isn’t something that can be measured in money! He wants to see his child, but instead of being a father, he hires someone to sneak pictures of her? Is he so busy he can’t make time? Or is he bedridden, too sick toe himself? Does he believe throwing money at problems will make everything right?”


    Joelle was undeniably unhappy, but after understanding Gina’s situation, she became more grounded in reality. “Gina, have you managed to pay off all your debt?”


    “Yes, I have. And I don’t want to take pictures for Mr. Miller anymore. I felt it was only right to tell you the truth. Joelle, I’m really sorry.”


    “Enough.” Joelle took Gina’s hand. “I get it. You don’t have to keep apologizing. It’s over. If you’re ever short on cash, I’ve got a few shops running pretty smoothly. They don’t make a fortune, but they’re stable, and you won’t lose out.”


    Gina forced a smile. Deep down, the thought of walking away from an easy five hundred thousand a month gnawed at her. Investing in a shop? Could that really rece the kind of money she was earning now?


    “Let’s be honest, Joelle. I don’t have the funds to invest at the moment.”


    “I can lend you the money. And you don’t have to worry about paying me back anytime soon.”


    “Joelle, I can’t take that much from you. I’ve already leaned on your family more than enough.”


    “Gina, what are you talking about?” Joelle’s tone became more serious. “My family? You’re talking about us like we’re strangers. You’ve been by my side for years, like a sister. We’re family.”


    Overwhelmed, Gina couldn’t hold back. “Sister!”


    “Yes, my silly sister!”


    When they parted, Gina’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Even after she got into the taxi, she nced back at Joelle, who stood on the sidewalk, watching her leave.


    Envy and bitterness twisted inside her. Joelle seemed to embody everything Gina wished she had—graceful, generous, poised, and effortlessly beautiful, all wrapped in an air of calm confidence. It wasn’t just her demeanor; Joelle’s biggest advantage was being a daughter of a rich family, a privilege Gina could never touch.


    Back at the sanatorium, Gina entered Austin’s room, her movements slow and methodical as she began massaging his limbs. “Do you know who I saw today? Your precious daughter, Joelle! I even called her ‘sister.’ She’s so good, you know? Even after everything, she still treated me like family, like her own flesh and blood.”


    Gina’s gaze darkened as she looked at Austin’s hollow face. Her voice turned cold, dripping with resentment as she muttered, “Better than you ever were. You—heartless, cruel father!”


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