"Yes. He asked that we keep it a secret from you for a while as he looked for ways of talking to you. All this while, he hasn't said a thing, just like he didn't say anything when you told him that you would close down his business and merge it with Cheryl's."
"What exactly do you do as his assistant?" Jim asked.
"I deal with the finances," Serena answered.
"Can you explain why the business is making losses? You're in charge of the finances, right? What do you think the problem is?" Jim asked.
"I don't know," Serena said after a long silence.
"That's news to us. But the business hasn't been doing well, and we can't be making losses and just watch," Jael interrupted.
"I understand that, but I can't be a housewife. Not again."
"What are you talking about? You have been working in my hotel for over a year, making losses and not being able to explain the reasons for the losses, and you expect me to let you still work there?"
"I'm not the only one involved in the business. I'm not going to take the blame for it. Am not letting Eric make me a housewife again," Serena said with determination.
"What is it with you and Eric making you a housewife?" Jael asked, confused.
"So you don't know? After the birth of Betty and Katrina, Eric asked that I take some time off work and take care of our children. As a mother who was willing to do everything for her children, I did that. But I could never get back into the job market because of many illogical reasons, so he got me into your business."
"Can we think about this and talk to you tomorrow? It's too much to digest. I can't believe Eric would do such things," Jael said.
"You think I am lying?" Serena asked in defense.
"It's just too much to take in," Jael explained.
~
Evans walked out of the hospital like his parents and brothers. He was so excited to finally leave the crutches, and he couldn't wait to see Angie.
He had called her minutes before, and she had said she was back to work, but feeling really drained.
"I have to see Angie. She isn't feeling so well. Her dad is really sick," Evans told the parents, so they dropped him at Angie's place and asked that he passes their regards, which he promised to do.
Angie opened the door and saw Evans standing before her like he used to before the accident.
The happiness on Evans' face was contagious, but Angie didn't even smile. She left the door wide open and got back into the house, and Evans followed her in quietly.
"How is your dad?" he asked cautiously.
"How do you expect him to be? He has cancer, Evans, and that doesn't go away in a day or two!" Angie snapped.
"Yes, sure. I meant, how is his treatment?"
"He is going for surgery in two days," Angie answered without interest.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through this," Evans said in good faith.
"Yes. I only expected a sorry from you," Angie said with spite.
"I don't get it."
"We're talking about surgery and cancer treatment here. That means money. I thought you would offer to help in the treatment, but you're just saying sorry," Angie screamed.
"I know. I haven't been at work, and I have used virtually everything I had on my surgery. I understand you're stressed, but I thought you would be happy to see me, but it seems I am just causing you more distress," Evans said in a low voice, seeking that Angie understands.
"You had said your parents would support you. You have some money, so if you really care about me as you claim, help me with this. It means a lot to me," Angie pressed on.
Evans looked down.
"Just like I thought. Get out of my house. Get out!" Angie screamed, and Evans stood up and walked out, and Angie slammed the door right after he left.
He stayed there for hours, begging her to open the door and promising that they could find ways to work through it, but Angie didn't relent.
~
"Excuse me. Is Val in?" Karen asked Faithline.
"No. She called in sick today. I think she has been sick for a while," Faithline answered.
"Oh," Karen said, surprised that she had been too blind to see that her friend was unwell. She had wanted to talk to Val and to ask for her opinion on how to deal with Carey. "I will just call her. Thank you."
She tried Val's number three times, but there was no answer.
Desperate for attention, she called Sam, who said that he had just been about to call her.