Chapter 116: The Wrong Hands

Didn't write the full instructions? Taylor frowned; she had no patience for sloppy work. Finished. If the instructions could be forgotten this time, what about next time? A wrong prescription, maybe? Her confidence in Yunice was beginning to waver.

With a cool gaze, she said, “Just leave it. You can go now.” She had no intention of drinking the medicine. She’d have someone toss it out later.

Yunice set the packet down and turned to leave, but suddenly paused. Something came to mind, and she began rummaging through her bag. Taylor had already stood up, ready to go.

Yunice called out, “Ms. Taylor, while I was waiting for you just now, I saw Mr. Gerardo. I noticed he was holding his elbow against his stomach as he walked—it looked like a stomach issue. This is a herbal blend that helps soothe digestion. Brew it for him; it should ease the discomfort.”

Taylor turned to look at the medicine packet in Yunice’s hand. Unsolicited kindness always has a catch. Even if she was a doctor, no one carried around a cure—all like that. She’d definitely come prepared. Still, if it meant pleasing her father…

Taylor reached for the medicine. Yunice didn’t let go. “Everyone’s constitution is different, Ms. Taylor. Even if you try it yourself first, it won’t mean anything. Your father has an internal cold; you run hot. This medicine doesn’t suit your body.”

Taylor considered that, then asked, “How much is it?”

Yunice smiled. “It’s complimentary—just part of the service.”

Taylor didn’t bother replying. As soon as she stepped out of the gatehouse, she saw the person she’d sent to collect the medicine returning. She frowned. “Why are you just getting back now?”

Yunice followed Taylor out, eyes narrowing slightly. The courier said, “Someone from Virtue Hall said the medicine was brewed wrong. I had to wait over an hour.”

Yunice’s voice came from behind Taylor. “Where did you wait?” Definitely not at the clinic.

The courier must have noticed Taylor’s expression, because he hesitated and said, “At… a coffee shop—nearby.”

Yunice stepped forward and glanced at the packet in his hands, then covered it up again. “I already personally delivered Ms. Taylor’s medicine. I’ll just take this one back.”

“Hold it right there!” Taylor stepped forward and snatched the packet from her hands. The more transparent Yunice tried to be, the more suspicious Taylor became. She’d sent someone to pick up the medicine, and Yunice had still delivered a separate batch herself—she must know the first one had a problem.

Taylor stared at Yunice, then handed the medicine to her subordinate. “Get this tested. I want to know exactly what it is.” It sounded like a statement, but it carried the unmistakable weight of an order.

Once the person had left, Taylor took two steps forward, leveraging her height in heels to look down at the cap perched on Yunice’s head. Our own staff know. That packet didn’t… She added, “Our medicine bags are custom-made, marked with small identifiers only our own have one.” So it had been switched?

Taylor sneered. “You staged this yourself, didn’t you? How else would you know to deliver a second batch in advance?” The performance was too obvious. She’d basically tripped over her own setup.

Yunice said, “The one who came didn’t carry himself right. Kendall family people have presence. Even subordinates should carry that aura. But this guy? His eyes were shifty; the first thing he did when he walked in was check who was there.”

Temperament couldn’t be faked. Even among underlings, those from the Kendall family were different from those working for the Saunders family. Taylor, for example, would never keep someone with the sneaky look of a petty thief.

She paced a few steps, thinking aloud. “Only you knew I was going to Virtue Hall today. Who would bother switching my medicine?” Her eyes narrowed as she recalled someone else who knew. Could it be her?

Yunice didn’t ask who. She just said, “From now on, I’ll deliver the medicine personally to the Kendall family—won’t through anyone else.” That would eliminate any chances of it being swapped.

Taylor had initially suspected Yunice of framing someone, but seeing how little concern she showed about who the real culprit was made Taylor think Yunice hadn’t been involved. Besides, earlier she’d only said the instructions were missing—never mentioned the medicine had been tampered with. That suggested she wanted to stay out of the mess, not stir it up.

But Taylor, the one affected, couldn’t just pretend nothing happened. She frowned and said, “Next time I send someone to pick it up, don’t say a word about it.”

Yunice hesitated, then nodded. “Alright.”

Just then, Taylor answered a call. Whatever was said made her brow furrow slightly. She glanced at Yunice. “I’m my way,” she said before hanging up. She turned to Yunice and said, “You’re coming with me.”

They both got into a small electric cart, weaving through most of the Kendall mansion until they reached the back garden.