Chapter 19

The night was a bit of a swelter. In the hospital’s quiet halls, a small silhouette moved with purpose, slipping a pill into Emma’s mouth and then fading away just as quietly.

At the Simpson residence, Jennifer and Easton were just back from their dinner. Wendy and Nick were there too, but their four sons were the type to stay away, not really contributing much.

Wendy, with Nick’s assistance, was running their business, but the abrupt separation from Lance Group worried her. She was baffled by the sudden end of both their and Easton’s partnerships with the Lance Group. Natalie’s remarks also left her feeling uneasy.

Nick, seeing Easton and Jennifer, greeted them with a fatherly smile, “Jennifer, Easton, what are the Spencer family’s terms for our cooperation?”

Jennifer smirked, “Dad, Murray isn’t making demands. It’s just that Natalie pushed his grandma into the water, and the Spencer family wants her to bow and apologize publicly tomorrow.”

Nick’s anger rose as he said, “That troublemaker only causes problems. I shouldn’t have brought her back. She plots against you and now against Mrs. Spencer. She’s a burden to the world.”

Wendy’s heart raced at his words. She used to join in the criticism of her own daughter, but now she noticed Nick’s dark wish for her daughter’s demise. Doubts clouded her mind.

Natalie had been right; Nick had influence over the three major appraisal firms in Shagrity. That’s why Wendy had to go out of town for the paternity test.

Wendy acted casually to avoid suspicion. “Nick, you’re right. Natalie doesn’t fit in. I shouldn’t have brought her here, and she’s hurt Jennifer. Don’t worry. She won’t set foot in this house again. I won’t let her damage our reputation.”

Nick’s face showed his worry as he looked at Wendy. “Our family problems are one thing, but Easton has it tough dealing with Natalie every day. It’s really hard on him.”

Wendy’s heart sank as she realized Nick was trying to get Easton to resent Natalie, possibly to help Jennifer marry him.

Yet, it was Jennifer who had left Easton when he was injured and disabled. If she hadn’t run off, she would’ve been the one to marry Easton.

Easton watched as the Simpson family insulted Natalie. It used to not bother him, but today it did.

He remembered how Natalie had taken care of him every day, reading him reports when he couldn’t see, and encouraging him. He stood up, upset, and said, “I’m going home now.”

Nick turned to Jennifer and said with a grin, “Jennifer, see Easton out. You two will be married soon.”

Wendy’s unease grew as she looked at Nick’s smile. She recalled how Jennifer had framed Natalie on her birthday and suspected there were likely other deceptions too, but Wendy hesitated to delve deeper. They had always taken Jennifer’s word over Natalie’s.

Wendy’s heart ached with a piercing sensation, her mind racing. Have I missed something important all this time? Could Jennifer actually be the one causing all the trouble?