Chapter 114 Hailey's Plan (Part One)
Chapter 114 Hailey's Plan (Part One)
"No, I refuse!" No one had expected Harper to be the first one to refuse outright as soon as Charles finished his words. As per the common perception of Harper, she was a nice person who would agree on almost everything. One thing that Charles had already forgotten was how sensitive Harper was when it came to her biological mother.
In an instant, there was a displeased look on Charles' face. "Harper, behave yourself. Think twice before you speak!"
"No way. I will not allow this," Harper said stubbornly. She turned her head away to avoid looking at Charles.
"Harper, why are you refusing it so strongly? Now that you're taking charge of everything in the mansion, you already own everything. I only want to be registered as the daughter of your mother. Are you so narrow-minded to refuse even such a small favor?" Hailey said in an aggrieved voice. Her eyes turned red as if Harper had bullied her.
Harper pouted, threw herself into the arms of Mavis, and started crying. "Grandma, look at how Father and Hailey are bullying me. There is almost nothing left in my life. My fiance was stolen. I was expelled from the Imperial Academy of Medicine. The only thing I am left with is my identity as the daughter of my mother. But Hailey wants me to give this identity to her as well. Grandma, how could they do this to me? Hailey even alleges me of bullying her. The truth is that it is the other way round. It is Hailey who has been bullying me. She is simply taking advantage of Father's favoritism towards her!"
"Harper, what nonsense are you talking about?" Charles rebuked back. However, at the same time, he found himself unable to refute what Harper said. What wrong did Harper say? She was supposed to marry into Prince Kevin's mansion. But later, Hansen called off their engagement because of Felicia. Even her job as a physician in the Imperial Academy of Medicine was taken away by Hailey. Now, Hailey even wanted to be registered as Kelly's daughter.
"Harper is absolutely right," Mavis said as she patted Harper's back to comfort her. "I won't agree to this, either."
"Grandma, I didn't intend to steal anything from Harper at all. The reason why I made such a proposal is that I often work outside and my status is just too low. In this regard, I think that being Lady Kelly's daughter would be a little helpful. I never mean to steal Harper's identity. Harper will still be Lady Kelly's daughter. That will not make any difference to her!" Hailey worded her side of the story very tactfully. Mavis' words made her worried. She knew that Mavis had a lot of power. If she could not convince Mavis, her request would not be met.
Harper, on the other hand, did not retaliate to Hailey's words. She just buried her head in Mavis' arms, crying sadly. Harper knew that Mavis would not let her put up with it. She should be superior to Charles' children as she was his wife's only daughter. She was supposed to marry Hansen, and used to be the only female imperial physician. But now, she had lost everything except the identity as the only daughter of Charles' wife. But now Hailey even wanted to steal away this identity from her!
"Hailey is right, Mother. She has made this proposal, keeping in mind the betterment of our Chu Clan. If Hailey is registered as Kelly's daughter, then she could find a good husband and bring more benefits to our clan. People would laugh at her when she's only a concubine's daughter!" Charles coaxed.
"Grandma, I swear I didn't mean to steal anything from Harper. I am grateful to Father for being kind enough to let me work as a physician. I didn't steal Harper's position. I knew that Harper has been angry with me because I took her place at the Imperial Academy of Medicine, but I had no choice. I can't just disobey His Majesty's orders!" Hailey sobbed in a sad tone. She then turned to Harper. "Harper, I'm sorry but I can't just quit my job. I can't decide it for myself unless I am asked to quit by His Majesty. If you are unhappy with that, you can beat me or scold me as much as you want. I will not stop you."
Mavis did not speak. She remained thoughtful with a stern frown set on her brows for a long time. The atmosphere inside the room remained tense. There was absolute silence in the room except for Harper's sobbing. Charles started feeling uneasy with every passing moment. When he was about to say something, Mavis finally opened her mouth and said, "Well, what you want is not all that impossible."
Hailey almost jumped with joy at once. Her eyes lit up. "Thank you, Grandma."
"But I have a request," Mavis continued in a calm voice, still holding Harper in her arms. "I want you to write a letter to His Majesty to recommend Harper to be recruited once again as a physician at the Imperial Academy of Medicine. She has incredible medical skills. Everyone knows that. If you agree to help her, I will allow you to be registered as Kelly's daughter." Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
"What?" It had been so difficult for Hailey to kick Harper out of the Imperial Academy of Medicine. The last thing she wanted was to help Harper go back there once again. Hailey always felt insecure about being overshadowed by Harper's popularity in the Imperial Academy of Medicine. She was aware that Harper was more capable than her. Although Harper was not a very sophisticated person, her medical skills were beyond any question. Many people in the Imperial Academy of Medicine held her with high regard. If Harper happened to get back to the Imperial Academy of Medicine, the entire hard work put in by Hailey to get a stronghold in the Imperial Academy of Medicine would be in vain.
"What? You don't agree to do even such a small favor?" Mavis asked as she glared angrily at Hailey.
"No, Grandma, that's not the case. It's just that I am staying at home to take care of my mother for the time being. Besides, what happened to Felicia is still a hot topic of gossip for the people. In this kind of situation, if I send the recommendation letter to His Majesty, he will be reminded of what happened between our clan and Prince Kevin's mansion, which would only end up making him more upset. Don't you think it may cause greater trouble for us?" Hailey applied her presence of mind and refused Mavis'
request euphemistically. She would rather give up her life than introduce Harper to the Imperial Academy of Medicine! Never!
"Well, now that you don't want to do this, just forget getting registered as Kelly's daughter," Mavis said in a stern tone and turned her face. It was the end of the discussion from her side. She had made her point straight and clear. If Charles wanted to have Hailey registered as Kelly's daughter, then Hailey must help Harper get into the Imperial Academy of Medicine. Otherwise, she would never allow it.