Chapter291


    Cecilia felt utterly helpless.


    For the next two weeks, Cecilia still couldn’t reach Corrine.


    Rainshed against the windows on an autumn night when the phone’s ringing startled Cecilia awake.


    Wesley’s voice soon came from beside her.


    “Understood.”


    “On my way.”


    She felt Wesley carefully slipping out of bed.


    Soon came his footsteps emerging from the walk–in closet.


    Cecilia sat up. “Where are you going?”


    Normally, she’d never ask about his whereabouts–she didn’t care.


    But tonight, the question escaped her inexplicably.


    Wesley felt a warmth in his chest. He approached and kissed Cecilia’s hair.


    “You’re awake?”


    “Where are you going?” she persisted.


    Wesley hesitated for two seconds. “Larissa and Johan had a fight. She’s run off.”


    0.00%


    09.52


    Chapter291


    288 Vouchers


    Thunder thundered outside, rain pouring down heavily.


    Cecilia grabbed his arm from behind. “Do you really have to go?”


    After all these days, it was rare to see her show this vulnerable side to keep him.


    Yet, Wesley squeezed her hand before letting go. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.


    “Wesley.”


    Cecilia called out again.


    Wesley paused at the door, then turned and left decisively.


    ??Thunder rattled the windows.


    Cecilia snapped back to reality, an inexplicable tightness gripping her chest.


    Even lying down, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep.


    After what felt like an eternity, she drifted into a fitful sleep, only to be jolted awake by thunder again/


    Her eyes flew open. She checked the time–5:00 AM.


    The sky was still dark.


    She turned off her phone and was about to lie back down when it rang.


    It was Corrine’s number.


    Cecilia froze for a second, then quickly answered.


    “Corrine.”


    Chapter291


    “Ci, listen to me–Wesley’s been in a car ident.”


    Cecilia’s mind went nk.


    “Car ident?”


    “We’re at the hospital now. He’s still in surgery.”


    “Got it.”


    The anxiety that had gued her all night suddenly settled.


    11 288 Vouchers


    She clearly remembered: Wesley had gone to find Larissa. So the ident… Larissa was involved.


    At the hospital.


    Wesley had already woken up, surrounded by a crowd.


    But no matter how he scanned the room, she wasn’t there.


    Cecilia hadn’te.


    Larissa stood nearby with red–rimmed eyes, radiating guilt and unease.


    Johan leaned against the window, twirling an unlit cigarette between his fingers, his expression stormy and unreadable.


    Elijah entered with medical reports, apanied by another person.


    “Mr. Carlton, Mrs. Carlton is here.”


    Cecilia walked in carrying only her everyday purse–nothing else.


    Not like someone who came to care for a patient.


    Nor did she ask about Wesley’s injuries or whether he was in pain.


    37.48%


    09:52 O


    Chapter291


    <b>288 </b>Vouchers


    The air grew thick with tension.


    Elijah hurriedly interjected, “The results are in. Sir has a hairline fracture in his left arm requiring rest. Other injuries are minor abrasions.”


    Tears immediately spilled down Larissa’s cheeks. “This is all my fault. I’m so sorry… brother.”


    Cecilia studied the report intently before asking Elijah, “Will surgery be necessary?”


    Elijah said, “The doctor suggested we observe for a few days.”


    Cecilia nodded. “That’s good.”


    Then silence fell.


    Larissa wiped her tears, ring at Cecilia. “Cecilia, he’s lying in a hospital bed. Not a single word of concern?”


    “Did you know he kept waiting for you?”


    “You don’t care about him at all.”


    Cecilia lifted her gaze. “He got hurt because of you. Not me.”


    Larissa fell speechless, reduced to sobbing.


    Cecilia’s voice turned icy. “I suppose Ms. Wilburn would want to stay and care for him.”


    “I…”


    “And Mr. Carlton would agree, no doubt?”


    Cecilia’s tone dripped with sarcasm as she addressed Wesley.


    59.09%


    09:52


    Chapter291


    288 Vouchers


    He’d insisted on going out to find Larissa in that torrential downpour- proof enough of how much he cared for his sister.


    Cecilia spoke bluntly.


    Larissa’s tears streamed down as she retorted defiantly, “You’re right. He got hurt because of me. I should take care of him. You can leave now.”


    “Cut it out.”


    Wesley’s voice cut through the room like ice. “This isn’t your ce to speak.”


    Larissa’s voice trembled with hurt. “Brother…”


    Wesley ignored her, his dark eyes fixed solely on Cecilia. “Ci,e here.”


    Cecilia remained motionless.


    Wesley turned to Johan. “Take Larissa away.”


    Johan approached, nced at Cecilia, then pulled Larissa toward the door.


    Larissa struggled briefly, shooting Cecilia a sharp look. “I’m his sister! Him helping me is only natural. No need to pull a face like we’ve wronged you-”