Confrontation

In the hospital.

Keira grabbed Isla's hand.

Isla turned to look at her, "What's wrong?"

Keira lowered her head, her expression obscured, but her helplessness and misery were palpable.

It was as if her emotional defenses had crumbled.

Yet the words she uttered next stunned Isla. "I won't do as you say."

Isla frowned.

Poppy, consumed by anger, hit Keira hard on the back several times. "You ungrateful creature, what are you saying? How dare you say no to Miss Isla?! I'll beat you to death!"

After enduring a few blows, Keira suddenly pushed her away with force.

Poppy staggered several steps backward and fell to the ground, then immediately jumped up. "Good heavens, you dare to lay a hand on me? I'm your mother!!"

Her shrill voice finally got a reaction from Taylor.