Chapter 484

Emily sighed deeply, still grappling with disbelief as she woke up to a world where people seemed to change overnight. Right under their noses, things shifted at lightning speed.

"Gramps, why do I get the feeling you're suspicious of Lena?" she asked.

Grandpa Robert didn't bother hiding his doubts. "Yeah, I am. I even suspect she might've been the one who pushed you down the stairs."

"What!" Emily exclaimed, her shock renewed.

Grandpa Robert helped her to her feet, and they settled into a couple of chairs, soaking up the sunshine.

"I have my reasons," Grandpa Robert continued. "You were safe at home, so why on earth would you go downstairs in the middle of the night and take the stairs, no less? You've always preferred the elevator, scared of falling on the stairs."

Emily nodded. "It's been bugging me too. I thought maybe I was sleepwalking, and that's how I fell."

"Do you think I don't know your habits? If you've never sleepwalked before, it's unlikely you'd start now," Grandpa Robert pressed on. "Your fall was no accident, Emmy. Someone did this to you on purpose. Think back-before you fell, did you overhear any secrets or see anything unusual?"

Emily racked her brain, but the dull ache in her head provided no clarity.

"If you can't remember, don't strain yourself. Whoever did this must have left some clue behind."

Suddenly, Emily thought of someone. "Is Guifen still at home?"

"Not long after your accident, Paula claimed she was unwell from not taking good care of you and went back to her hometown," Grandpa Robert informed her.

A look of alarm crossed Grandpa Robert's face as a thought struck him. He scanned their surroundings and whispered, "That's right! Paula left shortly after you were hospitalized. It's possible she saw something, got bribed, and fled because of it."

Considering this possibility, Grandpa Robert grabbed his phone and sent a text to Garrett. A phone call could be overheard, but a text would go unnoticed.

Garrett received the message and quickly replied. He discreetly relayed the information in the car.

Hattie and Josefina were both in the vehicle; Garrett, wary of the driver overhearing, forwarded the screenshot of Grandpa Robert's message to them.

Their phones pinged in unison. They glanced at Garrett after reading the message.

Garrett nodded and created a group chat for the three of them. "It's definitely possible."

Josefina typed, "If Grandpa suspects it, there's got to be some truth to it."

Hattie suggested they investigate quietly, determined to uncover the culprit. Without a word, Josefina informed Luke and urged him to start an investigation immediately. Time was of the essence; Paula might be hard to find if they delayed. Once they coordinated their plan, Josefina's company came into view.

She had the driver stop nearby to avoid drawing attention.

"Mom, Dad, I'm off to work. See you later."

"Don't eat out at lunch, Josie," Hattie advised. "I'll have Annika bring you something, your favorite pulled pork."

Garrett chimed in, "I'll ask Annika to pack some extra, along with some fruit for a balanced meal."

"It's not necessary; I'll just grab something outside," Josefina replied.

"Outside food lacks nutrition. Home cooking is the best," Hattie insisted. "That's

final, Josie. Don't overwork yourself. And if possible, I still wish you wouldn't work at all."

Garrett added, "Your mother's New Year's wish is for her darling Josie to quit her job."

Josefina couldn't help but smile at her mother's endearing words.

"See you tonight, Mom and Dad." She stepped out of the car and waved goodbye.