Chapter 196
The elderly woman suddenly realized she was clutching a white lab coat in her hand.
"Fine, I'll let go! How dare you disrespect your elders like this?" the old woman snapped preemptively, afraid the doctor might call her out for wiping her nose on the coat.
Luna White turned and gave her a cold glance. "Respect? For someone like you? I don’t even know where to begin. Shouldn’t you be ashamed, throwing a tantrum at your age?"
Her gaze shifted to the cowering little girl beside the woman. "And you dragged your twelve-year-old granddaughter into this? Anyone would think she’s your enemy, not your flesh and blood. Screaming at her own mother like that—I suppose you taught her that too?"
With that, Luna turned to leave.
The old woman panicked and grabbed Luna’s leg. "You little brat! You must be in cahoots with Lily Collins! What’s wrong with me raising my own granddaughter? You’re not going anywhere until you explain yourself!"
The crowd murmured disapprovingly.
"Apologize, young doctor!"
"Why meddle in family matters?"
Lily Collins rushed forward. "Dr. White has nothing to do with this. Grandma, if it’s money you want, I’ll give it to you."
The old woman smirked in triumph. Her former daughter-in-law was still so easy to manipulate.
"From now on, you’ll give Phoenix 30 yuan a month for living expenses. She’s growing up—costs add up," the old woman declared, tightening her grip on Luna’s leg.
Lily paled. Her monthly salary was only 60 yuan—20 went to her parents. If she gave away another 30, she wouldn’t even have enough to feed herself.
Seeing Lily hesitate, the old woman wailed dramatically, pounding Luna’s leg. "No justice in this world! The hospital is bullying the old and the young!"
Luna almost laughed. This woman had even less shame than Clara White.
"If you’re so pitiful, then let me handle this," Luna said loudly. "Dr. Collins is struggling, and we all understand if your son can’t afford to raise his daughter. So here’s a better idea—"
She paused deliberately. "Send the girl back to Dr. Collins, and your son can pay 30 yuan a month in child support. Dr. Collins will make sure she’s well-fed and properly clothed—unlike now, with her sleeves practically up to her elbows."
The crowd erupted.
"Raising a child takes two people!"
"60 yuan a month? That’s what a whole working-class family lives on!"
"Where’s all the money going? Look how short her clothes are!"
The old woman scrambled to her feet and jabbed a finger at Luna. "None of your damn business! Why should my son pay?"
The crowd burst into laughter.
"So it’s fine for Dr. Collins to pay, but not your son?"
"Using your granddaughter as an excuse to extort money?"
"Disgusting! Call security to throw her out!"
Luna turned to Lily. "Dr. Collins, your ex-husband is still living in your house, isn’t he? He keeps asking for money in your daughter’s name, and now he wants child support too..."
She drew out her words. "You’re not just raising a daughter—you’re supporting your ex-husband’s entire family. What a—saintly woman you are."
Lily hung her head in shame. Why had she never been able to say these simple truths herself?