Chapter 66: The Scarf and the Trap
Yunice thought, “The next time I go to the Powell mansion, I will have to return the scarf.”
Elsie was prone to jealousy, and the way she had looked at this scarf earlier, it was as if she wanted to set it on fire. I had to be careful not to give Elsie the opportunity to damage it as she folded the scarf. Yunice noticed a fish at the end that reminded her of the fish in Jackson’s yard.
It was common knowledge that Jackson loved fish. The ones in his pond were specially bred Platinum Arowana, worth millions each. If the scarf had a fish embroidered on it, could it really belong to Mr. Jackson?
After some thought, Yunice still couldn’t decide where to put the scarf. It was too big and too conspicuous. I had no privacy in the Saunders mansion, and Giana often rummaged through my things…
With that in mind, Yunice simply wrapped the scarf around her neck again. Keeping it with me was the safest option. Her cell phone buzzed against her lower back. Yunice hopped off the stool and checked her phone, turning her back to the surveillance camera.
Another message from Joe: “Ms. Saunders, can you come to the hospital? I’m begging you!”
Bale had been a doctor for too long; why was he always telling things halfway? He didn’t explain what was wrong or what he wanted me to do; he just asked me to go to the hospital.
After a moment’s hesitation, Yunice decided to go. I had nothing else to do, and Bale had helped me before. This could be a way of returning the favor. Gathering her things and adjusting her scarf, Yunice left the Saunders mansion and hailed a cab.
“Silverburgh Hospital,” she said as she got in.
The driver grunted in acknowledgement, locked the doors, and began to drive. Yunice noticed something odd—the driver hadn’t turned on the meter. She looked at him suspiciously and reminded him, “Sir, you forgot to start the meter.”
The driver let out an “Oh” and fumbled with the device. Yunice frowned. “Are you new to this job?”
The driver turned his head and grinned. “Yeah, just started a few days ago. Still getting the hang of it. Please stay seated.”
Only then did Yunice release her grip on the door handle. Half an hour later, the cab pulled up near the hospital.
17:02 Fri, Apr 18 G.
Yunice paid the driver a hundred-dollar bill and got out.
“Ugh!”
The moment her feet hit the ground, a bag was thrown over her head. Before she could make a sound, a hand was clamped over her mouth, and she was shoved into another car!
Back at the Saunders mansion, it was business as usual. It wasn’t until dinner that Owen realized Yunice wasn’t home. He put down his tableware in a huff.
Lily reassured him, “Yunice probably has her own friends. Maybe she lost track of time while she was having fun.”
Owen scowled. “I hope they’re not some shady characters, or I’ll break their legs.” Then he turned to Elsie. “Did you finish discussing it with Paul?”
Elsie blushed and nodded. “We agreed to go to the City Hall tomorrow.”
Owen smiled approvingly. “You’re always so reliable. Unlike Yunice, who never did anything to my satisfaction.”
That night, no one noticed that Yunice hadn’t come home. The next morning, Elsie dressed carefully and went downstairs. Lily stood at the foot of the stairs, her eyes filled with admiration. In her heart, Elsie was her greatest masterpiece.
“Mom,” Elsie said shyly.
Lily’s eyes reddened as she adjusted Elsie’s white blouse collar, her voice choked with emotion. “The thought of you going to another family… I can’t bear it.”
Owen teased, “Mom, Elsie will have a good life with the Powells. It’s a happy occasion.”
Elsie looked around and asked, “Where’s Yunice? Is she upset that I’m getting married?”
Only then did the others realize that someone was missing. But Owen quickly shrugged it off. “It’s better if she doesn’t come. Less chance of her causing trouble. I’ll make sure your marriage to Paul goes smoothly.”
Elsie smiled sweetly and nodded.
At the City Hall, Paul absentmindedly flipped through the household register in his hands. This was Owen’s idea to steal the register and marry Elsie without the Powell family’s consent. By the time his father and grandfather found out, it would be too late for them to object.
Paul hadn’t slept all night. He didn’t know why he was so restless. Marrying Elsie had always been my ultimate “goal,” hadn’t it?
17:02’ Fri, Apr 18
While he was lost in thought, Elsie and the others approached. Elsie twisted her fingers shyly and stole glances at Paul.
Owen chuckled at his sister’s innocence and patted Paul on the back. “I’m entrusting Elsie to you. If I find out you’ve mistreated her, I won’t let you off the hook!”
Lily beamed. “Go on, it’s your turn now.”