Chapter 43
Adeline turned her phone around to show a trending news story: [Leo Reedshaw, a renowned traditional medicine master and heir to a famous family, passed away this afternoon at 3 PM].
The name… it sounded so familiar.
Josie clicked on the article and quickly saw a photo of Leo. “I know him. He’s David’s mentor!”
In her previous life, she had seen a photo of them together at David’s house.
“He’s not just David’s mentor,” Zoey said as she stepped out of the bathroom. “I was going to tell you this after my shower, but it seems you already know. Still, I want to mention it: Leo is not only Professor Wilcourt’s father, but also Sean’s grandfather. His wife, Patti, was once our school’s vice president. She was also David’s mentor in cytology. You could say that David’s success is largely thanks to Patti, and even more so to the Reedshaw family.”
Josie gasped. “But everyone says that Delilah and David are bitter rivals?”
“That’s a later development,” Zoey frowned. “I don’t know all the details, but I remember hearing some of the older generation talk about it. It seems that David was very close to the Reedshaw family in the past. If it weren’t for an accident, he might have become a son-in-law of the Reedshaw family.”
“Wait—are you saying their rivalry started because of love turned to hate?” Allison looked nervously at Josie. “Josie, this is a bit creepy, don’t you think?”
Josie shook her head. “It’s definitely not what you’re thinking. I believe there’s no connection between Delilah and David.” Although she hadn’t interacted much with Delilah, she could tell that someone with his personality would never be interested in David.
So it was true that Sean and Claire hadn’t been at school these past few days because of a family loss. Even though Josie had just joined the team, she still wanted to pay her respects to Leo.
“Zoey, do you know where Leo’s funeral is being held? I’d like to go pay my respects.” Josie lost her appetite after hearing the news.
Zoey nodded. “I know. I was planning to go tomorrow anyway, so you can come with me.”
The Harding family, like the Reedshaw family, was a prominent family in Aloville with deep roots. They were part of the same social circle. Other well-known families like the Kinbergs, Browns, and Clems didn’t have the same level of closeness as the Harding and Reedshaw families, and their children didn’t interact much. It was the same with Zoey, who wasn’t especially close with people like Sean and the others.
The next morning, Josie put on a black outfit, tied her hair up simply, and went with Zoey to the Reedshaw family residence. As they neared the house, Josie stopped at a flower shop and bought a bouquet of gardenias.
“When we get there, I might need to head to the Harding family to join them for the memorial. Will you be alright on your own?” Zoey asked, glancing at Josie.
Josie nodded. “I’ll be fine. I won’t stay long—just a quick visit, then I’ll leave. If I can see Delilah and Sean, great, but if not, it’s fine. Don’t worry about me.”
The Reedshaw family estate was massive, and once inside, they parted ways. As a famous figure, Leo had many people from all walks of life coming to pay their respects. The courtyard and halls were filled with guests. The main memorial place was set up in the front courtyard, with people lining up to offer their respects. Josie took a deep breath, holding the flowers as she walked to the end of the line.
“How did you end up here?” A stern voice suddenly interrupted.
Josie looked up and saw David standing in front of her. He frowned, giving her a cold, disapproving glare, clearly displeased to see her.
“I’m here to pay my respects to Leo,” Josie replied, her gaze steady.
In her previous life, she had always avoided looking David in the eye. She had felt that, with her limited knowledge and accomplishments, she wasn’t worthy to be his student. She couldn’t bear to meet his eyes, fearing to see disappointment in them.
But now…