Chapter 641
“I don’t need to go to the hospital. There’s nothing wrong with me.”
Kelly leaned against the headboard, brushing off Caitlin’s concern.
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Caitlin sat beside her, gently insisting. “Ever since you came back, I’ve been meaning to get you a full checkup. Today I finally have time.”
“There’s no need to trouble yourself.”
“It’s no trouble at all. You’re my mother. Your health is the most important thing. I already booked the doctor, so don’t make me cancel.”
With Caitlin pressing the matter, Kelly had no choice but to go with her.
At the hospital, Caitlin asked Simon to examine her mother. After a preliminary check, Simon shook his head.
“Everything looks normal. If she feels unwell, it might just be a bit of acclimation–maybe the water or the climate.”
Whether Kelly was really unwell, only she knew. But since Simon found no illness, Caitlin suspected her complaints were nothing more than an act.
“Come on, let’s get the full physical done,” Caitlin said, not exposing her doubts.
Kelly underwent the full round of tests Caitlin had scheduled. When it was over, Caitlin took her to visit Molly’s ward. Eliza was there, as well as Blake, who had dropped by to deliver food on behalf of his mother Octavia.
Blake greeted Caitlin briefly before leaving. Kelly sat with Eliza and exchanged polite conversation. Eliza brought up Caitlin and Sebastian’s wedding, chatting happily, while Kelly simply listened quietly.
Caitlin turned to her cousin. “Molly, are you feeling better?”
“Much better. Don’t worry about me. Now that your mother is back, you must feel relieved. How’s your brother?”
“He hasn’t woken yet. We’re still trying.”
“I hope he pulls through.”
After spending some time there, Caitlin brought her mother home. As they walked out of the hospital, Caitlin noticed that Kelly’s expression seemed more relaxed–perhaps the act of socializing had worn on her.
On the drive back, Caitlin quietly sent Quincy instructions to obtain a sample from Kelly’s blood test and have it analyzed.
As they continued home, Caitlin smiled at her mother. “Feeling better now? You look healthier than before.”
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“I told you, I’m fine. I feel better already.”
“Good. Since you’re alright and it’s still early, let me take you to see Xavian.”
Kelly said nothing. Caitlin stopped at a flower shop, bought a bouquet, and drove straight to the
At Xavian’s grave, Caitlin said, “Mom, this is where he rests.”
cemetery.
Kelly placed the flowers before the stone, her face calm, and sighed. “So many years have passed, and old friends are gone. He wasn’t that old either. Such a pity.”
“Yes. You and Xavian were close. He was the one you trusted most. Do you know if he left anyone behind?” Caitlin’s tone was casual, but her questions were deliberate. She wanted to see if Kelly would trip up.
“I don’t know. Did he?”
“You don’t remember who lived with him back then?”
Kelly furrowed her brows. “My memory’s terrible these days. So many things slip away. I really can’t recall.”
“It was his son, Blake. You must have known him.”
“Oh, yes, Blake. He must be grown by now.”
“He was already grown. Four years doesn’t change much. He’s just more mature now. We saw him earlier in Molly’s ward–you didn’t notice?”
Caitlin’s smile was faint but sharp. Kelly blinked, then forced a look of realization. “Oh! I didn’t notice. Blake’s a young man now, very handsome. Looks just like his father did.”
To cover her awkwardness, Kelly fussed over the bouquet, arranging it neatly in front of the stone.
Caitlin maintained her gentle demeanor, acting close and warm, but in her heart she felt nothing but cold certainty. The more time she spent with this version of Kelly, the more she sensed an act.
A fake was still a fake. No matter how well someone imitated, they could never replace the real thing.
Once the test results came back, Caitlin would know for sure.
That night, she stayed at DanCa Estate. When she offered to help her mother bathe, Kelly refused.
“No need. I can wash myself. You go rest.”
“Then can I at least sleep with you tonight?” Caitlin teased.
Kelly laughed. “You’re too old for that. Go home to The Vanderbilt Family. Don’t keep Sebastian waiting.”
“Alright then. Sleep well, Mom. Good night.”
The moment Kelly closed the door, Caitlin’s smile vanished. A chill radiated from her as she turned away and headed to her brother’s room.
nished & chill
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She sat at his bedside, clasped his hand, and gazed at his peaceful, unconscious face. James’s life was sustained only by nutrients and injections. He wouldn’t die, but if this continued, it would consume him.
“Harrison,” she whispered, her voice trembling, “I’m sorry. I was careless, and now you’re suffering for it. Please hold on. I swear I’ll find a cure.”
She removed the protective amulet Beatrice had given her and placed it around his neck. “This was a gift from Beatrice. I’m giving it to you now. May it keep you safe.”
She tucked the blanket around him and rose with
w determinatio
There had to be another way. Beyond searching for the Shard of Life, there was still Quarta, the woman who had created Scentbane. If Caitlin could find her, maybe she could cure James completely.
Only Aurelius knew about Quarta. No one else even knew her name. Caitlin needed to press him for answers.
That night, she made arrangements for Aurelius to come the next morning to reexamine James.
By midmorning, Zeke arrived, bringing Aurelius and Alicia with him to DanCa Estate.
15:41 Mon, Sep 15