Chapter 193 Two prison guards heard Malfoy confess to instructing Grace Bet to poison Andrew , Moreover , the entire meeting between Asher and Malfoy had been under police surveince As a detained suspect , Malfoy''s confession to directing Grace''s poisoning constituted criminal evidence . With this crucial testimony , the police investigation could proceed much more efficiently .


    Simultaneously , Asher had assigned his people to assist the investigation , uncovering that a servant at the ckwood residence had witnessed Grace adding something suspicious to Andrew''s health tonic Following the principle that less trouble is better than more , the servant had kept quiet at the time . Now that everything hade to light , and since Grace had long been expelled from the ckwood family , the servant provided a detailed ount when questioned by the police .


    When this news reached Lady ckwood , she was ovee with anguish . " What a travesty ! Truly a travesty ! " Lady ckwood beat her chest in despair . " I thought she was merely confused and manipted by viins . I believed she wasn''t inherently wicked . Never did I imagine she would poison her own adoptive father ! " Tears streamed from her clouded eyes . " How could this happen ? How could she be so vicious ? " the elderly woman wailed .


    Catherine sat by Lady ckwood''s hospital bed , her expression contemptuous . " Mother , I warned you ages ago that Grace harbored impure intentions , but you dismissed my concerns . " From the moment Grace had begun targeting Thalia , asionally whispering disparaging remarks about her to Lady ckwood , Catherine had cautioned the old woman about Grace''s dubious character . Lady ckwood hadpletely disregarded these warnings .


    In truth , Lady ckwood had never particrly liked Catherine as a daughter - in -w . Mother - in -w conflicts were as old as time , and aristocratic families were no exception . Years ago , when Andrew had his affair , the olddy detested his mistress but simultaneously med Catherine . In her view , Fiona was morally corrupt for seducing a married man - certainly no decent woman . But equally , Catherine was inadequate for failing to keep her husband in line .


    During Andrew''s affair , Lady ckwood had actually med Catherine more than Andrew . As the saying goes , " There''s no cat that doesn''t steal fish . " In Lady ckwood''s eyes , Andrew had merelymitted an error that all men were prone to . Nairose 99.0 % Chapter 193 When Fiona had appeared heavily pregnant to confront the family , Catherine had be suicidal , even threatening to jump from a window .


    In Lady ckwood''s opinion , thispletelycked the dignity expected of a ckwood wife - showing no skill in managing the situation , only resorting to threats of self - harm . She looked down on Catherine and despised Fiona even more . Catherine had long sensed her mother - in -w''s disdain . Over the years , she and Lady ckwood had maintained only a veneer of civility .


    Now , with the old woman hospitalized after a heart attack triggered by anger , Catherine made perfunctory visits , keeping up appearances while internally indifferent to her mother - in -w''s fate . If Lady ckwood died , Catherine could finally enjoy a life unburdened . This wasn''t malice - simply human nature . That''s why Catherine herself had personally informed Lady ckwood about Grace poisoning Andrew .


    After a bout of cursing and crying , Lady ckwood eventually shifted the me onto Catherine . " Look at the daughter you''ve raised ! " Lady ckwood '' contorted with bitterness as she berated Catherine . " What have you turned her into all these years ? " " Hah . " Catherineughed with incredulity . " You certainly excel at deflecting me . Wasn''t Grace by your side more often ? Wasn''t she your precious granddaughter ?


    " At this point , Catherine no longer cared to maintain pretenses and confronted the old woman directly . " Are you suggesting I turned her into this ? " Lady ckwood was furious . " You''re so skilled with children , aren''t you ? " Catherine remarked with venomous sarcasm . " First Andrew , now Grace - each more impressive than thest . " " You , you , you … " Lady ckwood nearly choked on her rage . At that moment , there was a knock at the door .


    It was mealtime , likely the caretaker bringing food . Catherineposed herself and said , " Come in . " The caretaker entered with a thermal container , set up a small table , andid out the food . " My Lady , I''ve slow - simmered this cordyceps chicken soup for five hours . Please try it … " " Take it away ! I won''t eat ! " Lady ckwood snapped . 99.1 % Chapter 193 Though her words were directed at the caretaker , her eyes remained fixed on Catherine , burning with fury .


    Catherine''s lips curled into a slight smile as she picked up her handbag and walked out . Rupert brought Lena to visit Thalia . Opening the hospital room door , they found quite a lively gathering inside . Charlotte and Victoria had arrived together just minutes earlier . Victoria was yfully showing Thalia a Hermès handbag . " Darling , I flew specially to France to get this for you - it''s not even avable here yet ! It''s guaranteed to cure all ailments .


    ept this bag , and you''ll recover in no time . " Charlotte stood nearby , holding a Cartier box , smiling as she said , " Thalia , I bought this bracelet for you . " Thalia smiled . " You didn''t need to bring gifts - it''s not a holiday or anything . " " We''re looking forward to your speedy recovery so we can all have fun together again , " Victoria exined with a grin . " Without you , even the male models I hire don''t seem as appealing anymore .


    " Sebastian''s expression darkened at this remark . He gave Victoria a light tap on the back of her head . " You''re still hiring male models ? " " Ow , ow , ow , " Victoria rubbed her head , turning to re yfully at Sebastian . " I was just joking with Thalia to lighten the mood . Why are you taking it so seriously ? " " Why do you always say things specifically to wind me up ? " Sebastian retorted . Thalia smiled , then caught sight of Rupert and Lena in the doorway .


    Her voice softened as she said , " Mr. Lysander and Lena are here . " Rupert led Lena toward the bed . Lena handed Thalia a bouquet of fresh flowers . " Miss Thalia , get well soon . " Thalia epted the flowers with a smile , gently patting Lena''s head . " Thank you , Lena . " " This is for you , " Rupert extended his hand toward Thalia . In his palmy something small and golden . It was a delicate pendant . It appeared to be a Guardian Angel Charm . 99.2 % .


    Chapter 193 Rupert''s expression remained neutral . " A Guardian Angel Charm from St. Paul''s Cathedral . " " St. Paul''s ? " Lucy looked at the charm in Rupert''s hand with surprise . " My mum got one exactly like thatst month . " Rupert''s lips pressed together slightly , saying nothing . Lucy nced up at Rupert , her expression somewhat perplexed . " These charms are incredibly difficult to obtain properly .


    Mum told me you have to arrive at the crack of dawn , have a doll blessed by the priest , then go up to the Whispering Gallery . So many people believe that if you whisper your wish there , it''s more likely to be heard - they even call it the '' Echo Wall of Wishes . " " She paused briefly before continuing . " And then you''re supposed to pray under the great dome .


    Many worshippers choose to pray silently directly beneath the dome - they say it''s the most effective way to have your prayers reach heaven . You can sit on the bench with your eyes closed in prayer , or light a candle to offer your wish . " She hadn''t expected Mr. Lysander would go to such lengths for Thalia . Even as the staunch leader of the " Thalia and Asher " fan club , Lucy found her conviction wavering slightly at this moment .


    Hearing Lucy''s exnation , Thalia raised her eyes to look at Rupert . The man maintained his gentle , refined demeanor . Behind his gold - rimmed sses , his handsome eyes contained emotions she couldn''t quite decipher . Hadn''t he said he only considered her a good friend ? If they were merely friends , why would he go to such extraordinary lengths ? Rupert remained silent , simply meeting Thalia''s gaze steadily . ? ( 0 ) ( 0 )