The True Heiress's Return

Shakira agreed to the job and sent a message to Walter before heading out.

She couldn't exactly say she was going to a TV recording, so she mentioned picking up a winter break gig with a show crew. Walter didn't mind but reminded her to stay safe.

The variety show Mending Hearts was being shot at Haruca Hospital, styled as a documentary capturing a day in the life of doctors across various departments.

Before signing the contract, Shakira confirmed the filming approach with Kevin, and with Matthew's help, she agreed to work in the traditional medicine clinic of Haruca Hospital for three days to meet filming needs.

Today, Shakira was just scoping out her office for the upcoming days. Since it wasn't an official shoot day, she didn't have to meet with the crew and came as she was.

Even on a weekday, Haruca Hospital, the top-rated facility in Crescentville, was bustling. Cars queued to get in, so Shakira got out early and strolled toward the hospital. Suddenly, she noticed something, squinting slightly. In one of the queued cars was Jaslene and Fiona in a black BMW.

As traffic stalled, Fiona checked the time on her phone repeatedly. Then, as if struck by an idea, she rolled down her window and signaled to a traffic cop nearby. "What's up, sweetheart?" Jaslene asked, concerned.

"Just hold on a sec, Grandma." Fiona winked playfully.

When the cop approached, Fiona clutched her chest, panting slightly, with a convincingly pained expression. "Officer, can you help me? My heart's racing so fast, I feel terrible."

Seeing her distress, the cop didn't hesitate. "Hang in there, ma'am. I'll clear a path for you now."

With that, he rushed ahead, blowing his whistle and gesturing for the cars to make their way along the crowded three-lane road. The Banks family driver hit the gas, zooming into the hospital. Once the window was up, Fiona showed no trace of being unwell. Instead, she turned to Jaslene with a proud smile. "Am I smart or what, Grandma?"

Jaslene chuckled, surprisingly pleased with Fiona's antics. She tapped her beloved granddaughter's nose, not holding back her praise, "Truly clever, just like my granddaughter should be!" Fiona said, "Of course!"

Shakira watched the whole scene unfold, clearly displeased with Fiona.

She thought, 'Fiona is a doctor herself; how could she do something so unethical? Everyone waiting in line is in a hurry to get medical attention-there could be critically ill patients among them.

'By cutting in line for convenience, Fiona disrupts the order, potentially delaying care for others. In a way, she is putting lives at risk! And it isn't her first time doing it.

'Moreover, as the matriarch of the Banks family, Jaslene not only failed to correct her granddaughter but encouraged her instead.

Recalling Jaslene's carefree smile as the car passed by, Shakira thought about how natural it all seemed to Fiona and Jaslene. For people like them,

s behavior was simply routine.

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Shakira's expression darkened, lips pressed tightly together, as she silently walked into the hospital. After asking the security guard for directions, she headed straight to the traditional medicine department.

In an era where technology was more dominant, the traditional inedicine department was quieter, with only a few visitors. Crew members were busy setting up without disturbing the ongoing work.

Approaching a crew member, Shakira asked, "Hi, can you tell me where Lonely Bird's office is supposed to be?"

The crew guy was shocked, almost biting his tongue, as he looked at the youthful Shakira. "You-you're Lonely Bird?"

Before Shakira could respond, a mocking laugh came from behind. "If she's Lonely Bird, then Felix must be Mr. Goodman."

Shakira thought, 'What a coincidence' She turned to see Yvette and Felix approaching.

The crew guy gave Shakira an awkward look.

Shakira calmly explained, "I'm not Lonely Bird. I'm here to set up the office as instructed."

Yvette blurted out, "Who told

you to

do that?"

Shakira glanced at her. "Do I owe you an explanation?"

Yvette was taken aback, a flash of malice in her eyes. But she quickly masked it with a practiced display of innocence. "Shakira, can't we even talk nicely now?" Ignoring her, Shakira again asked the crew guy her question.

He pointed to the office on the left, but before Shakira could move, Felix blocked her, his face showing disdain. "Lonely Bird's office doesn't need you to set it up."

Seeing Felix's expression-as if her mere presence would taint his idol's office-Shakira almost laughed.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

She remembered her past life, trying hard to please the Nelson family and cater to everyone's likes.

Knowing Felix admired her, she "accidentally" exchanged email contacts with him.

She would stay up late, poring over medical texts she wasn't familiar with, meticulously helping Felix with his medical queries and even assisting him in overcoming a research bottleneck on a patent. Yet, until her untimely death, Felix never knew she was Lonely Bird.

Instead, he remained grateful to Yvette, thinking it was Yvette who helped him connect with Lonely Bird. Shakira thought, 'I was a complete fool back then, making way for someone else to bask in the glory!" Shakira looked at Felix, her expression icy. "What's your connection to Lonely Bird that you get to boss people around?"

Felix was taken aback, disbelief in his eyes.

Unbothered by the siblings' madness, Shakira headed straight to the office.

Felix snapped out of it, fuming, and followed her.

Yvette, internally thrilled at Shakira crossing Felix, tagged along as well.

As Shakira opened the door, a few chubby shadows darted past, leaping out the window.

She paused, momentarily stunned, noticing the desk was a mess with scattered medical files. Two tiny, scruffy newborn kittens were tugging at the papers, arching their fuzzy little backs and hissing at her. 2/3

w.

Blinking in disbelief, Shakira thought, 'How adorable!'

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