On the other side, I followed Tessa into a secluded courtyard. The air was still, the surroundings calm, and it was an ideal place for recovery.
As we pushed open the door, a slender figure came into view. Medical equipment surrounded him, and several private nurses moved quietly around the room.
Rigel’s skin was so pale that the blue of his veins peeked through, undoubtedly from years spent away from sunlight. His features were striking and sharp, like a sculpture chiseled in silence. With his eyes closed, the sharpness of his brows and the intensity of his gaze had softened into peace.
At an age when he should have been vibrant and alive, he had instead spent years trapped in a silent slumber.
“I’ve searched for every renowned doctor I could find, but nothing worked. He still hasn’t woken up,” Tessa said, her voice thick with sorrow. She clutched my hand, desperation in her grip. “Liora, you once saved me. I believe in you.”
I stepped closer to examine Rigel’s condition. I had already reviewed his case; ten years ago, he had slipped into a coma after a high fever. The doctors concluded it was nerve damage caused by the fever, leading to brain trauma.
Ten years ago, the very year Callum had that car accident and “died.”
I shook my head. It couldn’t have been a coincidence. My task wasn’t finished; there was no way the system would hand over the reward so soon.
I pulled out my traditional medicine kit and began examining Rigel.
Meanwhile, back at the villa, Ella’s condition only eased for a short while after taking the pills Arabelle gave her. By midnight, the pain returned, and she woke crying out for Jaxon.
Jaxon had just wrapped up work, drained from endless company troubles. Hearing his mother’s cries, he immediately sent someone to find Arabelle, but she didn’t answer.
The housekeeper approached, holding the empty pill bottle, her expression heavy with worry.
“Before, it was always Miss Liora who personally prepared the medicine for Madam. The relapse maybe because she’s run out. Ever since Miss Liora left, there hasn’t been any more.”
Jaxon’s patience frayed. “Just because she’s gone doesn’t mean no one else can take care of my mom.”
“But Miss Liora truly looked after her very well…”
He rubbed his temples, frustrated, and told them to call a private doctor. After a flurry of panic, the villa finally settled down. He looked up, it was already 3 a.m. Loosening his tie, he called out on instinct.
“Liora, make me a late-night snack.”
No one answered. Only then did Jaxon realize the woman who had always been there was gone.
He hadn’t even touched the last bowl of soup she made before going to prison. He had only watched as she was dragged into the police car.
He used to believe she did everything willingly for him. But now, she had broken free… and walked straight into the Montgomery family’s world.
Jaxon frowned, a dull ache blooming in his stomach.
It had been years since that pain returned, thanks to Liora’s careful care. Whenever he was exhausted, she would bring soup she had simmered for hours. He often complained about the bitter herbal taste, yet the pain never once came back.
Thinking about those ten years with Liora, everything in his life had been seamless. His mother had never once suffered.
Now that she was gone, why did everything feel like it was unraveling?
He glanced at his phone. Arabelle hadn’t replied since 9 p.m. A flicker of frustration rose in him. Still, Arabelle had healed his legs. He couldn’t forget that. As for Liora, he could only try to make up for what he had done.
Last time, she stole Arabelle’s ring. He hadn’t broken her hand, wasn’t that enough mercy?
And she didn’t even return to say thank you. Had she really grown that bold?
At some point, Jaxon dozed off on the sofa. He didn’t know how long had passed, but he vaguely heard a whisper. When he opened his eyes, someone was covering him with a blanket. Instinctively, he grabbed the hand.
“Liora!”
But Arabelle’s voice cut through the silence. “Jaxon, who are you calling?”
Seeing Arabelle’s stunned face, Jaxon realized he had let his guard down; he had just dreamed of that damned woman, Liora.
He hurried to explain. “Sorry, Arabelle. She was by my side for so many years. It’s just a habit.”
Tears shimmered in Arabelle’s eyes. “You called out Liora’s name. Have you fallen for her now?”
“No. I haven’t. I only love you. You know that.”
Noticing the trace of impatience flash across Jaxon’s face, Arabelle quickly changed the subject.
“Alright, I understand. I must’ve fallen asleep last night and missed your calls. That’s why I came early today.”
Jaxon nodded slightly, then turned and headed to his room to rest.
Arabelle followed close behind; her fists clenched tightly. Deep down, a storm of jealousy brewed. Jaxon’s heart was starting to shift toward that woman. She had to act fast.
She thought of the dinner from the night before, how the head of the Montgomery family had assured her father they would drive Liora out completely. That memory finally calmed her racing thoughts.
“Liora, you filthy bitch. I’ll ruin you soon.”
