Rebecca paced back and forth in the ward, clad in a hospital gown. Erick was taken to a place she didnât know, possibly a prison. The Miller family wouldnât let him go after what he had done. She was worried about his safety and also feared being implicated herself.
At that moment, her phone rang. It was her mother, Salome Lloyd, calling from their hometown. âRebecca, what happened to Erick? I called him these past two days, but he hasnât answered.â
âItâs nothing, Mom.â
âErick isnât young anymore. Itâs time for him to settle down. You two shouldnât rely on Adrian for everything. Erick should find a job to support himself.â
Salome rambled on, oblivious to the anxiety gnawing at Rebecca. Every call from her seemed to focus on trivial matters. Rebecca was desperate to end the call. âMom, I really need to go. I have other things to handle.â
âJust wait, I have more to tell you!â
Rebecca knew it would just be more family small talkânothing urgent. With her anxiety mounting, she couldnât indulge in a lengthy conversation. She quickly ended the call, but as she did, the door to her ward burst open. Several imposing figures entered with clear bad intentions.
âWho are you?â Rebecca demanded.
âAre you Rebecca? Irene Miller wants to see you.â
Every journey starts at gαâηÏνððsâ¤cðð âIrene Miller?â Rebeccaâs voice quivered with trepidation. âAdrianâs grandmother?â
âYes.â
Rebecca instinctively stepped back, forcing a nervous smile. âMay I ask what she requires of me?â
âThat depends on what you have done. We are merely executing her orders. Would you prefer to come with us voluntarily, or should we ensure your cooperation?â Rebecca eyed the thick hempen rope in their hands, her decision swift. âI can walk on my own.â
However, after merely a couple of steps, she collapsed to the floor.
âShe fainted?â one of the men queried.
âIt appears sheâs quite ill. Iâve heard rumors of a brain tumor. Whatâs our next move? Should we get her medical help or just carry her back as instructed?â
âMrs. Miller was clearâif she dies, sheâs to be brought back regardless! We carry her.â
âIâll fetch a doctor to accompany us.â
Just then, Rebeccaâs eyes fluttered open, and she clutched her head, looking around in confusion. âExcuse me, who are you?â
The men exchanged startled glances, their initial resolve shaken by her disoriented state. âStop pretending. Come with us!â
Rebecca sat on the floor, scrambling backward with her feet. âWho are you? Donât come any closer! Iâll call the police if you take another step!â
The man with the thick rope moved to restrain her, but his companion halted him. âI heard she has a rare condition that affects her memory periodically.â
Noticing the genuine confusion in her eyes, he approached more cautiously. âWe were sent by Irene Miller. Sheâs requested to see you.â
Rebecca clutched at her chest, her anxiety palpable. âIrene Miller? Adrianâs grandmother?â
âYes. Will you come willingly, or must we compel you?â
Rebecca avoided their gazes, her voice barely a whisper. âIâll go by myself.â
The car halted at the villaâs entrance. The driver opened the back door for Adrian as Joelle sat waiting inside. The ride to the Miller Mansion was silent, filled with unspoken tension. It was dark when they arrived.
Upon entering, Joelle immediately noticed Rebeccaâs absence. The living room was deserted, not a servant in sight. Amara emerged from a door, her eyes briefly meeting Joelleâs before she moved decisively toward Adrian. âYour grandmother is still upset. Tread carefully with your words.â
âOkay. Where are Uncle Quincy and the others?â
âTheyâve been sent away by your grandmother. Even if she hadnât, I would have driven them out myself. They think they can mock us? No chance!â
âHow has Grandma handled Spencerâs situation?â Amara replied, âSheâs ordered him locked up and forbidden anyone from pleading for him. Adrian, your grandmother still supports you.â
âAlright, Iâll go see her first.â
Adrian grasped Joelleâs hand, noting her sweaty palm. It was clear she was on edge. Joelle sneered inwardly. Despite the tension, Adrian seemed determined to maintain the facade of a caring husband before his grandmother. But she couldnât keep up the pretense any longer.
When they reached the door to Ireneâs bedroom, the guarding servant stepped inside to announce their arrival. Irene allowed only Adrian to enter initially. Joelle waited outside, her anxiety mounting.
Inside the room, Adrian bowed his head respectfully. âGrandma, Iâm sorry.â
Irene lay in the bed, her hands resting on her chest, her gaze distant and unfocused. Adrian adjusted her quilt gently, while she stared blankly at the ceiling and began to speak slowly. âWas it really you who took Joelle for the abortion?â After a brief pause, Adrian responded, âYes.â
Irene inhaled sharply. âThereâs a lot of conflicting information coming from Quincyâs family, and your motherâs opinions donât help. Adrian, youâre a good boy. I trust only what you tell me. What exactly happened?â
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