Chapter 4
Chapter 4:
“What?” Connor was taken aback. “Aiden Green? What in the world is happening?”
The butler shook his head, his own confusion evident. “Mr. Green’s timing was suspicious. He only appeared after Janice’s outburst. Maybe there’s something going on between them.” A cold realization dawned on Connor as he pieced the events together. Janice’s boldness probably stemmed from her association with Aiden. “She thinks she’s untouchable with Aiden in her corner. Does she think that worthless man’s support allows her to act however she pleases?”
At that moment, Bartley Carter, the family doctor, descended the staircase.
Connor and Laurie, momentarily setting aside their brewing anger, turned to him with concern. “Bartley, how is Delilah doing right now?”
“Miss Edwards merely had a scare, nothing of grave concern.”
“What? That doesn’t make sense!” Laurie frowned, her face a mixture of shock and concern. “She ate an entire mango pudding.”
Bartley hesitated for a moment, his brows furrowing in bewilderment. “What’s so bad about eating a whole mango pudding?”
“She has a mango allergy.”
“That’s not the case. Miss Edwards has no such allergy.”
Stunned, Connor and Laurie exchanged bewildered looks. Delilah wasn’t allergic to mango? Did Delilah really throw an unfounded accusation at Janice? “Bartley, are you absolutely certain about Delilah’s lack of allergy?” Laurie pressed on, seeking confirmation once more.
“Absolutely. If she were truly allergic, consuming such an amount would have necessitated an emergency hospital visit,” Bartley affirmed with professional confidence.
Recognizing Bartley’s expertise and dedication, Connor and Laurie nodded in acceptance of his diagnosis.
“Thank you, Bartley,” Connor remarked gratefully. “I’ll ensure the consultation fee is transferred to you later.”
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Bartley acknowledged with a nod. “If there’s nothing further, I shall take my leave now.”
Connor asked the butler to see Bartley out. Turning around, he found Laurie immersed in contemplation, her gaze distant and unfocused.
“Could it be that Delilah faked her allergy just to set Janice up?”
Shaking her head slightly, Laurie responded, “I’m just relieved Delilah isn’t truly allergic to mango. By the way, now that Janice is with Aiden, what do you think we should do?”
“Ha! As if Aiden would protect her without our backing. She’ll be crawling back soon enough, begging to be forgiven!” Connor predicted with a sneer.
Laurie nodded in agreement. Janice had been cruel, but at the end of the day, she was nothing more than an ungrateful girl, not worth wasting another moment on.
With these thoughts stirring in her mind, she ascended the stairs to Delilah’s room.
“Mrs. Edwards, you need to stand up for Delilah.”
As Laurie stepped through the doorway, a middle-aged woman dressed in a maid’s uniform grasped her hand.
It was Daryl Quimby, the devoted servant of the Edwards family. As soon as she saw Laurie, Daryl began to complain, “I’ve looked after Delilah since she was a child, treating her like my own daughter. To see her endure such pain cuts me deeply. Although Janice is your own flesh and blood, she is ungrateful. Despite all the love the Edwards family has showered upon her, she struck you and nearly took Delilah’s life. It’s utterly reprehensible.”
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