Chapter 17 Hidden Poison
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“Look into it for me. See if Harold Wyndham from HighPoint Construction has any dealings with Auster Sharpe.”
“Got it, boss. I’ll take care of it right away!”
Auster’s earlier threat had reminded Evelyn of Cosmo’s situation, and she thought the issue wasn’t as simple as the surface had let on–almost as if someone had deliberately pushed Callum into doing it.
Meanwhile, the Cirruses and the Sharpes were still having dinner when Auster and Alba returned together.
“Where did you two go?” Avril asked.
“Just stepped outside to say a few words with Mr. Sharpe.” Alba lowered her head, her steps slightly awkward. She had been doing her best to keep it hidden. The pain from her first time was still fresh, and Auster hadn’t exactly been gentle.
“Good. It’s good for you and Auster to spend time together. Once you’ve built a bond, we’ll arrange the wedding.”
Rosella shot the mother and daughter a cold look, her heart full of disdain.
After the meal, back in the car, Avril’s temper finally flared. “Hmph! Who do the Sharpes think they are? Especially that Rosella Quinton, throwing me an attitude. Back then, they practically begged us for the marriage before we finally agreed. Now, when it’s time to actually wed, they keep stalling with excuses!”
Marshall sighed. “Maybe it’s because they know we no longer have Titan Group’s backing. But this marriage was one they begged us to arrange. If they want to back out now, it won’t be that easy.”
“That’s right. I won’t let it go! The Sharpes must marry our daughter!” Avril’s tone turned sharp. No one was going to trample over her family.
“Alba, make sure you get closer to the Sharpe heir. Once real feelings grow between you, Rosella will have no excuse. And if she dares to break off the engagement, I’ll make sure
everyone in Crownpoint knows the Sharpe family went back on their word. Let’s see if they can still hold their heads high in this city!”
Alba nodded obediently. “Yes, Mom, I understand.”
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Having tasted the forbidden fruit that day, Alba was more determined than ever to claim Auster as hers. And with Evelyn still trying to steal her fiance, she had no intention of letting her win.
Meanwhile, with the Sharpes, Douglas glanced at his son. “Where did you go just now?”
“Nowhere, just needed some air,” Auster answered carelessly.
Rosella glared at him. “Save it. I’m your mother; I know exactly what kind of person you are. A woman like Alba, loose as she is, really shows her country roots. No class at all. First meeting, and she’s already given herself away–hardly a decent woman.
“She’s nothing compared to Evelyn. That girl has a backbone. I actually like her, though it’s a pity she’s not actually the Cirruses‘ daughter. Otherwise, she’d make a fine daughter–in–law.”
Auster hadn’t expected his mother to see through him so easily. “If you two hadn’t rushed into the marriage with the Cirruses back then, we wouldn’t be stuck with this heiress–switched–at- birth mess and end up with Alba that fool!”
Rosella snorted. “I only agreed back then because of Titan Group. They were tied to Cirrus Inc., and the Cirruses built their fortune on Titan Group’s back. If our family had married into theirs, it would’ve been ideal.
“Who could have foreseen Titan Group suddenly pulling their investment and cutting ties? Now, thanks to that, we’re stuck in a humiliating position.”
“Why didn’t you just cancel the marriage outright today?” Auster asked in confusion.
“We can’t cancel it outright. Not yet. We have to wait and see. If Titan Group decides to work with Cirrus Inc. again, we’d regret cutting it off too quickly.” Rosella’s eyes gleamed with shrewd
calculation.
“You’re right, Mom. You always know best!” Auster said, fawning.
Rosella smacked him across the head. “Stop wasting your time womanizing and causing trouble. Put your focus on the company for once, and I wouldn’t have to worry so much!”
At Breeze Medical Center, Evelyn unpacked the food and personally fed Stellan,
Watching as she spooned it to his lips, pausing to fetch him water, worried he might choke, running back and forth as she tended to him, something unfamiliar stirred in his chest.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?” Evelyn asked,
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“No. I was just thinking… no one has ever treated me this well. Did you save me only because I’m your fiance?”
“Yes and no. But for now, don’t overthink it. Just focus on getting better. Oh, and I stopped by the lab earlier. They found something else in your blood. Another kind of poison.
“Regular tests wouldn’t detect it–I don’t even know what it’s called. It must have been made through illegal research. It’s in your body, numbing you bit by bit, making you lose feeling in your limbs. Even with broken bones, you should have sensed it, but you didn’t. That’s the poison’s work.
“Give it another three to five years, and the longer it stays in your system, the stiffer your muscles will get. Eventually, you’ll lose all feeling… and end up a vegetable.”
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