Chapter 223



Bria’s brief moment of complacency quickly evaporated. As their car exited the hospital’s underground garage, it was abruptly blocked by two BMWs.

The men who emerged from the vehicles were familiar figures to Bria. She recognized them instantly as the ones who worked for Ewing.

After exchanging a few words with the men, the driver turned to Bria with a look of resignation and informed her, “Miss Nixon, these gentlemen work for Mr. Ewing Nixon. They insist Mr. Nixon wishes to speak with you and requests that you join him in his car.”

Casting a discreet glance at Kallie, who sat beside her, Bria responded in a frosty, decisive tone, “Inform them I’m unwell and wish to return home to rest.”

The driver relayed Bria’s message. However, one of the men approached their car, tapping insistently on the window.

Containing her frustration, Bria rolled down the window and forced a tight smile. “Is my message not clear?”

The man maintained his composure and politely replied, “Miss Nixon, we’re only here to deliver Mr. Nixon’s message. Please, make it easy for us.”

His companion added, “Mr. Nixon is concerned about your well-being. It’s risky for you to be on your own in the city. He’d prefer you stay at his place, where he can ensure your safety.”

Bria’s expression soured. As they had matured, Ewing had grown noticeably distant from her. Without their tenuous link as cousins, it was doubtful they would communicate at all. When had he started caring so much about her?

Fearing Kallie’s existence being exposed, Bria was naturally reluctant. “Living together with Ewing would be awkward. Despite being relatives, the boundaries between a man and a woman remain, so I’d prefer not to,” she said.

The man, having predicted her reluctance, responded promptly, “Don’t fret. Mr. Nixon owns a spacious estate here, complete with top-notch doctors for you. Moreover, Mr. Nixon intends to transfer your medical team from Ferelden here, ensuring your health is monitored at all times. Since Mr. Nixon has to continue searching for your cousin, he’ll need to extend his stay. He would worry if you returned alone.”

The statement was solid, leaving Bria no room to argue.

With a slight clench of her teeth, Bria realized that any further objections might arouse Ewing’s suspicion. She hoped his concerns were genuine.

After a brief pause, Bria finally conceded. “I understand. Please, lead the way.”

With Bria’s agreement, the two men turned to leave.

Taking a deep breath, Bria immediately dialed her assistant.

Bria learned that earlier today, Ewing had spotted Kallie at the hospital, which infuriated her. “Are you incompetent? Is it that hard to manage such a simple task? Ewing is getting suspicious. If he uncovers the truth, it’ll spell trouble for both me and my brother!”

Ewing was the son of Tyrone’s eldest son, whereas Bria and her elder brother were the progeny of Tyrone’s second son.

In their youth, the trio got along well. However, things changed dramatically after Bria’s elder brother went abroad for his studies and came back a different person.

Initially, Bria’s parents showed little interest in the Nixon family’s fortune. But influenced by Bria’s elder brother, they all started to see the value in pursuing it.

It was no secret that Tyrone favored Ewing, which was clear to everyone.

Bria had been frail since her childhood, and her disposition had become increasingly imperious. Although she seemed gentle and innocuous, she harbored a deep jealousy toward those in good health and was desperate to improve her own condition.

While in Ferelden, Bria had been covertly searching for robust individuals, but Ewing invariably caught on to her schemes.

Bria’s actions led to a fierce dispute with her elder brother, who reproached her for her carelessness and the inevitable exposure of their plans. He warned that their family was on the brink of ruin and that once Tyrone passed away, there would be no foothold for their family, and they would all eventually be driven out by Ewing.

The strain between Bria and Ewing only deepened.

Seizing the chance during her return home, Bria resumed her search for robust candidates, assuming Ewing was too entangled in Tyrone’s issues to monitor her.

Yet, Ewing remained vigilant, thwarting Bria at every turn.

Realizing she might be stuck in Avalon longer than anticipated, Bria had planned to expedite the surgery. Now, it seemed impossible to proceed as she had hoped.

Bria turned sharply, her gaze icy as it landed on Kallie.

Kallie caught the intensity of Bria’s stare and momentarily felt a surge of fear, but she quickly regained her composure. She reasoned that if Bria had intended to harm her, Bria would have done so already without displaying such visible distress.

Although Kallie was clueless about the specifics of their conversation, she surmised that someone behind those two men had somehow foiled Bria’s plans.

While Kallie was uncertain of the other party’s identity or his intentions, she made a mental note of the situation.

The driver, cautious in his approach, inquired, “Miss Nixon, should I move this mute woman to another location?”

Bria inhaled deeply, quelling the rising wave of hostility and anger within her. “Move her? She’s already been noticed. The more I try to conceal her, the more suspicious Ewing will become. It’s pointless now. Ewing knows she’s just a pitiful soul I’ve taken under my wing. She’s known as my servant now, which means she should remain close.”

With those words, Bria turned to Kallie, offering the latter a fake smile. “Remember, if you disobey, I will resort to methods beyond your worst nightmares to torture you. Stay in line, and your unborn child might just make it. Understood?”

Kallie didn’t trust Bria’s assurances. Yet, the wisest course of action was to heed Bria’s commands and safeguard her own life.

Noticing Kallie’s compliance, Bria’s expression softened. She commanded, “Drive on.”

At that moment, Ewing had just returned to his manor, only to be greeted with news that someone requested his presence.

It was Jake, the same man Ewing had encountered at the hospital.

Jake had originally planned a visit to Tyrone. However, upon learning that Tyrone had already taken his medication and was now sleeping, Jake chose not to disturb him.

Though there appeared to be no connection between Jake and Ewing, they had actually met before at a banquet where they collaborated and formed a positive opinion of each other.

Uncertain of Jake’s reasons for his unexpected visit, Ewing nevertheless agreed to meet. “Arrange it. I’ll be in the study in ten minutes,” he instructed.

Upon entering the study, Ewing noticed Jake perusing the books on his shelves.

Approaching Jake, Ewing received no immediate response.

It was only after Ewing cleared his throat that Jake seemed to come back to the present. With an embarrassed smile, he explained, “I’m sorry. I was absorbed in these books.”

Ewing gestured politely to Jake and asked, “Do you find these books intriguing, Mr. Reeves?”

Shaking his head, Jake replied, “Not personally. My wi… A friend of mine is quite fond of this genre.”

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