,

"That woman, riding on Conrad's coattails, thinks she can wade deeper into our lives with impunity, like a kid jumping into puddles. Well, I'll make her regret it,

" Jacqueline seethed with anger.,

"Jacqueline, we should first find out what she actually said to Herschel,

" I tried to calm her down.,

"What else could she have said? She just wants to waltz through our door and be accepted as one of us, clear as day,

" Jacqueline's words made it evident that Haley had made her intentions known.,

"She's dreaming if she thinks I'd ever let her into this family. Even if every other woman on the pl vanished, I'd rather see Conrad turn into a bachelor than let her cross our doorstep,

" Jacqueline spat out with finality., I knew she was just venting because she was upset about Herschel, so I didn't try to stop her tirade., After a while, Jacqueline's voice softened,

"Felicia, just you wait and see how I deal with that woman.

", Her words reminded me of a time, maybe in my second or third year with the Wagner family, when Jacqueline and Herschel nearly split up., Once, I overheard her on the phone, vowing to teach someone a lesson, making sure they knew her man was off-limits., Herschel and Jacqueline had a huge fight afterward. He couldn't believe how spiteful she could be. Jacqueline cried, saying she was pushed to her limits, ready to defend her family at all costs., Though I wasn't privy to all the details, it was clear Jacqueline had her ways of fiercely protecting her family and loved ones., The anger in Jacqueline's voice today hinted she might take drastic actions., Now that I was aware of the situation, I felt obligated to intervene. If I didn't and something terrible happened, I couldn't face Herschel.,

"Jacqueline, let me talk to Haley first, see what she's up to, before you make any moves,

" I suggested., After a brief silence, Jacqueline agreed,

"Fine, but make it clear to her. If anything happens to Herschel, she'll pay with her life.

", Her words sent a chill down my spine.,

"Jacqueline, I'll talk to her and get back to you. Please, try to calm down,

" I said before ending the call., After hanging up, I stood there in silence for a moment before turning to give Conrad back his phone.,

"Did... did my mom mention Haley?

" Conrad asked, not entirely clueless., Jacqueline hadn't told him, likely fearing he'd defend Haley., But knowing what I did, it seemed crucial for Conrad to be in the loop.,

"Yes,

" I paused, then decided to, him the truth,

"Herschel, blood right after getting a, Haley.

" FindNovel.net, Conrad's expression tightened, clearly putting the pieces together.,

"Conrad, you understand why your mom spoke to me instead of you, right? And with you being away, Haley showed up at our door. You know Herschel's condition. It's up to you to decide what to do,

" I said, calmly., My outer calm mirrored my inner peace., Discussing how to deal with the woman who stole him from me, I realized I had truly moved on from Conrad., He didn't respond, and knowing there was nothing more for me to say, I turned back to Susie's room.,

"Are you even disgusted by my concern now?

" His low voice stopped me in my tracks., He was referring to the pear I had bought for Susie, which I had given away.,

"Do you eat things that are past their expiration date?

" I retorted, then pushed the door open and entered the room., Instead of moving further inside, I, paused at the door to catch my breath. That's when I heard Susie whisper,

"Bro, is that guy who was looking for Licia, her ex?

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