Avery could not stay silent any longer to avoid her. He finally looked up and spoke in a stiff voice.
"You do not have to pity me, nor do you have to feel sorry. Greyson is Vivian's uncle, and I ultimately caused the hatred he bears toward me. What happened that day was my own fault. I paid for what I had done before. You don't owe me anything. Rather, I dragged you down."
Darlene looked at him coldly and indifferently. "You're overthinking. I've never felt sorry for you. You're right. Whether Greyson wanted to kill me or you that day, it was all your doing. I don't think I should feel apologetic to you after you end up like this."
Avery lowered her gaze and remained silent.
As if to express herself clearly, Darlene continued, "Even if you'll be in a wheelchair for the rest of your life, it's still your own choice.