Cold Refusals and Hostile Negotiations

Back in the hospital ward, the dead tone humming from the phone set Judith's temper off instantly.

She had looked down on the Hale family from day one. Even after years as in-laws, their financial ruin only deepened her disdain, and she had never once shown Helen or Raymond genuine respect.

Expecting her to swallow her pride now and call them personally was out of the question. She tried holding