?<strong>Chapter 1033:</strong>


    She clung to Brook’s arm, a gesture meant to amplify her concern.


    “But the story seems to differ from what Ms. rke is saying,” Nova continued, her toneden with insinuation. “By pure coincidence, I ran into Dr. Swain from the nursing home today. I had nned to ask him to check on Kinslee, but it turns out, he told me something else. He mentioned that Ms. rke had done something inappropriate at the nursing home.”


    Nova’s expression shifted into one of feigned concern.


    “Ken, I know you care about Ms. rke, but you shouldn’t cover for her,” she said, turning her gaze to Allison with a hint of triumph. “The nursing home incident is in the past, Ms. rke. There’s no need to keep hiding the truth. Just apologize, and we’ll consider it an ident.” Though Nova’s smile was sweet, her words were sharp, aimed to manipte and provoke.


    She subtly implied that Ken’s defense of Allison was nothing more than the actions of someone smitten by her, thus undermining whatever he had to say.


    Most importantly, she had already tampered with the surveince footage to suit her narrative.


    “Bring Barton in,” Brookmanded, his voice icy andmanding. He would not stand for anyone trying to take advantage of the Lloyd family.


    “Yes, sir,” the servant replied, bowing before quickly exiting. Momentster, Barton Swain entered the room, his nervous energy barely concealed.


    “Good day, Mr. Brook Lloyd. I’m one of the physicians at the nursing home,” he introduced himself, his ID card hanging prominently around his neck.


    Upon entering, Barton discreetly surveyed the room.


    “May I ask why I’ve been called here?” Barton’s anxiety was palpable. After all, Nova had promised him wealth and security if he yed his part today.


    “Dr. Swain, you should recognize thisdy. She’s Ms. rke,” Nova said sweetly, her voice almost syrupy. “We need you to rify what happened when she broke into the nursing home.”


    Ken shot her a withering nce.


    “I wasn’t aware your reach extended so far,” he said, his voice cold.


    He remembered Barton, but never expected him to betray them.


    Nova yed with her nails, her expression one of feigned innocence. “Ken, please don’t misunderstand. I just ran into him and we had a casual chat. Besides, the nursing home is under your supervision, so even if I wanted to go in, you wouldn’t allow it.”


    Her voice dripped with false hurt as she looked to Brook for sympathy. “Brook, darling, I’ve never asked for anything; I only care about Kinslee, just as much as you do,” she said, making sure the words were soaked in emotional maniption.


    Only Brook seemed to buy it.


    Ken, however, wasn’t fooled. “Enough with the theatrics,” he said, his toneced with contempt. “It’s repulsive.”


    Allison turned to Barton with a piercing look.


    .


    .


    .