?Chapter 271:


    Elena stood from the sofa and turned to Jolie. “Mom, I’ll go next door to check on Grandma.”


    Upon learning of Bertha’s illness, Jolie’s expression filled with concern. She got up swiftly. “I’lle with you!”


    Bertha had struggled with long-term health issues, leading to many visits to the ICU throughout the years. Since receiving acupuncture from Elena, Bertha’s health had significantly improved, eliminating the need for frequent medical attention. This unexpected illness caused concern within the Harper family.


    Samira and Elyse considered calling the family doctor, but Javier believed Elena could evaluate the situation faster than the doctor could arrive.


    Moreover, Elena’s medical expertise was superior to that of many professionals. For this reason, Javier sought her assistance. He hadn’t anticipated running into Benjamin, which nearly caused him to lose focus on his more pressing concern.


    They hurried to Bertha’s room. Samira and Elyse were already there, attentively tending to Bertha. Upon Jolie’s arrival, Elyse, who had been seated, quickly stood up. She seemed hesitant, extending her arms as if to embrace Jolie, but then her hands froze midway. Elyse gazed at Jolie with longing yet kept her distance, offering a quiet greeting. “Jolie.”


    Jolie caught the longing in Elyse’s eyes. Under different circumstances, she might have offeredfort, but this time, she simply nodded briefly and turned her attention to Bertha.


    Anxiously, Jolie asked, “Why is Bertha suddenly feeling unwell?”


    Samira’s brow furrowed as she shook her head. “I’m not sure. She just had some porridge this morning and then went upstairs to rest. It’s surprising she suddenly felt ill.”


    Elena carefully checked Bertha’s abdomen and examined her tongue. The dark color of Bertha’s tongue and her purplish lips were unmistakable indicators of poisoning. Elena’s expression grew stern.


    “What else did Grandma eat today, besides the porridge?”


    “Nothing else,” Samira quickly replied. “We all ate the same porridge, and everyone else is okay.”


    Given Bertha’s delicate health, any poisoning would show its effects almost immediately. She had been well in the morning, which suggested the poisoning happened today.


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    Elena swiftly directed Javier, “Grandma has been poisoned. Please call all the household staff together right now and check if anyone gave her something different to eat.”


    “Poisoned?!” Javier looked shocked. “How can that be? Our staff has been with us for so long. Who would poison Grandma?!”


    Samira’s lips tightened, her face showing displeasure. “Don’t jump to conclusions. Why would any of our staff want to poison Bertha?”


    Elena stood firm. “I’m not ming anyone for doing it on purpose, but to handle this properly, we need to determine the cause quickly. She must have eaten something besides the porridge.”


    Although Samira was skeptical of Elena’s ims, Javier had already left to assemble the staff. Samira was caught off guard. Since when had Javier started taking Elena’s words so seriously?


    Vince had employed four servants, along with a butler and a driver. Freda Watts, the eldest among them, was responsible for Bertha’s day-to-day care.


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