Chapter 717

"Josie, just lay it on me. I can handle it. Is there any hope for me?" Evan asked, his voice steady, but inside he was a bundle of nerves.

It was such a beautiful day, and he wanted many more just like it.

Alivia sat next to him, eyes wide with worry, staring at Josefina. "Josie, just give it to us straight. Whatever it is, we can handle it together."

Alivia was clearly shaken, her gaze fixed on Josefina, waiting for her to respond.

Hattie, though silent, had a look of concern that was hard to miss.

Josefina finally spoke, "Don't worry, Uncle Evan has just been poisoned. I asked if he'd been around any strangers to try and figure out who could have done it."

Evan was stunned. "Poisoned? How could I possibly have been poisoned?"

Alivia, deeply worried, pressed him, "Evan, since you came to Westwood, who have you been in contact with? You better be straight with Josie, and don't you dare hold anything back."

Feeling cornered by Alivia's intense stare, Evan protested, "Mom, stop looking at me like that. I haven't done anything wrong. I've been faithful to my wife, and I haven't been messing around with any other women!"

Alivia's gaze only made Evan more nervous.

"Listen, kiddo, I'm not asking about that. I'm asking if you've met any strangers. Just talk to Josie," Alivia said, clearly exasperated.

"I really haven't met any strangers; just my friends, and you guys," Evan explained. Josefina took out a silver needle from her bag. "Uncle Evan, roll up your pant leg." The sight of the silver needle scared Evan, but he did as his niece instructed.

When Josefina inserted the needle into Evan's leg and then removed it, the needle had turned black.

Evan was shocked.

Alivia, seeing her only son in danger, was naturally filled with dread.

Hattie, shocked, asked, "Evan, have you offended someone?"

"I haven't offended anyone. I was fine before I came to Westwood. It's only been since arriving here these past couple of days that I've felt off. If it was poison, wouldn't it act faster?"

Josefina replied, "Not necessarily. Some poisons are slow-acting, some have

specific triggers. Here, Uncle, carry this with you."

Evan held out his hand. "Josie, thank you. You're a lifesaver!"

When Josefina placed the item in Evan's hand, he yelped in surprise.

Alivia, catching a glimpse, also jumped.

Hattie was startled too, but she didn't question it.

Josie must have her reasons.

Josefina closed Evan's hand around the item. "Uncle, go meet the friends you've seen in Westwood again f you come across the person who poisoned you, you'll feel a sharp pain. Don't alert them, no matter who it is. Understand?"

Evan nodded vigorously. "Got it. I'll do exactly as you say."

Evan then had no choice but to leave the hospital and start visiting the people he'd met.

Alivia was fraught with worry. "I just don't understand who Evan could have upset. Josie, is he really going to be okay?"

Hattie tried to comfort her. "Mom, don't overthink it. If Josie says i going to

it's

fine okay then Evan will be

I trust Josie's skills."

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Alivia had no choice but to put her faith in Josefina, despite her concerns.

...

Josefina and Hattie left the hospital together, settling into the car.

"Mom, you don't have to worry. Uncle Evan will be fine."

"Josie, I trust you. If you say it's going to be okay, then he will be okay."