Chapter 196: The Elderly Woman Suddenly Realized She Was Clutching a White Lab

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.

Elena Ward 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, Elena turned to leave.

The old woman panicked and grabbed Elena’s leg. "You little brat! You must be in cahoots with Dr. Alice Monroe! 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?"

Dr. Alice Monroe rushed forward. "Dr. Ward 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 Paige 30 dollars a month for living expenses. She’s growing up—costs add up," the old woman declared, tightening her grip on Elena’s leg.

Alice paled. Her monthly salary was only 60 dollars—20 went to her parents. If she gave away another 30, she wouldn’t even have enough to feed herself.

Seeing Alice hesitate, the old woman wailed dramatically, pounding Elena’s leg. "No justice in this world! The hospital is bullying the old and the young!"

Elena almost laughed. This woman had even less shame than Agnes Ward.

"If you’re so pitiful, then let me handle this," Elena said loudly. "Dr. Monroe 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. Monroe, and your son can pay 30 dollars a month in child support. Dr. Monroe 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 dollars 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 Elena. "None of your damn business! Why should my son pay?"

The crowd burst into laughter.

"So it’s fine for Dr. Monroe to pay, but not your son?"

"Using your granddaughter as an excuse to extort money?"

"Disgusting! Call security to throw her out!"

Elena turned to Alice. "Dr. Monroe, 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."

Alice hung her head in shame. Why had she never been able to say these simple truths herself?