Chapter 199
It was a beautiful spring day—sunshine and clear blue skies stretching endlessly overhead. Thalia’s doctor had confirmed her wound was healing nicely; she could be discharged in about a week. In the afternoon, tempted by the perfect weather, Thalia decided to visit the garden downstairs for some fresh air. This private hospital belonged to the Winters Group.
She’d initially been taken to the nearest public hospital after being shot. Randolph had wanted to transfer her immediately, but doctors advised against moving her so soon after she’d left intensive care. For her well-being, Randolph had reluctantly followed their recommendation. After the Blackwood funeral, she’d finally been transferred to her family’s hospital to complete her recovery. After days of continuous rain that had mirrored everyone’s gloomy mood, the sunshine was a welcome relief. Thalia left her room and headed downstairs, her bodyguard, Alana, walking beside her.
As she exited the elevator and stepped outside the main building, Thalia spotted a familiar figure: Sienna Carroll. What was she doing here? Recently, the defamation case against Sienna had concluded its first hearing. Sienna had been found guilty and sentenced to one year in prison. Unsatisfied with the verdict, she’d filed an appeal; the case was still in the appeals process. As plaintiff and defendant, they were absolute adversaries—why would Sienna come to the Winters’ hospital? Sienna clearly didn’t realize this facility belonged to the Winters Group.
The garden Thalia was heading toward lay in Sienna’s direction. She walked forward. As she drew closer, Thalia noticed Sienna’s face was ashen, her eyes red and swollen. Sienna had been crying intensely—an unusual sight. The last time they’d met, Sienna had been gloating about carrying Drake’s child, probably a boy, she’d claimed. She’d been smugly confident about her imminent marriage into the Ashcroft family. Now she sat alone, sobbing inconsolably. Thalia couldn’t help but glance at her as she passed by.
At that moment, Sienna looked up and noticed Thalia, her expression freezing. “Thalia Winters? What are you doing here?”
Thalia raised an eyebrow. “I should be asking you that question. Shouldn’t you be busy planning your wedding with Drake? What brings you to a hospital?”
Considering Ashcroft Group’s current situation and Sienna’s obvious distress, Thalia understood immediately. Sienna had come for an abortion. Thalia knew exactly what had happened to Ashcroft Group. Its downfall had been her carefully orchestrated revenge against Drake. He’d invested heavily in what turned out to be a catastrophic project—not only failing to make a profit but accumulating massive debt. Ashcroft Group was now in bankruptcy proceedings. The Ashcroft family had become a sinking ship, and Sienna clearly had no intention of going down with it.
Seeing Thalia, Sienna hurriedly stuffed some paperwork into her bag; her expression betrayed her panic. The gesture confirmed Thalia’s suspicions.
“Sienna, weren’t you just telling everyone you were about to become the future Mrs. Ashcroft?” Thalia asked with a deliberate smile. “I haven’t heard any engagement or wedding announcements. Change of plans?”
Thalia’s words were calculated to strike exactly where it hurt most. Sure enough, Sienna’s expression darkened further.
“None of your business,” she snapped.
“I mean, we have history,” Thalia continued pleasantly. “I was even thinking I might give you two a nice wedding gift. Seems I’ll be saving that money after all. What a shame.”
Sienna’s voice rose with anger. “You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?”
“Absolutely,” Thalia replied with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Let me guess why you’re here today—abortion appointment?”
“You—” Sienna’s eyes widened, words catching in her throat after just one syllable. How did you know? She’d nearly blurted it out. No way would she give Thalia the satisfaction.
“What are you talking about?” Sienna backtracked. “I’m here for a prenatal checkup.”
“Oh, I see,” Thalia replied, seeing through the lie but choosing not to press further. Her expression turned knowing as her gaze briefly lowered to Sienna’s stomach before moving away. Without another word, she smiled and walked off.
Sienna watched Thalia’s retreating figure, her fists clenched, eyes burning with humiliation and rage.
That afternoon, as Thalia sat reading by the window, a nurse knocked on her door. “Miss Winters, there’s a lady outside asking to see you,” the nurse said respectfully, well aware that Thalia was the owner’s daughter.
“Did she give her name?” Thalia asked, puzzled. Her first thought was Catherine Blackwood. The nurse replied, “She said her surname is Chavez.” Thalia only knew one person with that surname: Margret Chavez, Drake’s mother. If Margret was seeking her out now, it must relate to Ashcroft Group’s situation. Thalia had no desire to see her. “Please tell her I’m recovering and not receiving visitors,” she told the nurse. “Of course.”
How had Margret discovered which hospital she was in? Only her family and close friends knew about her transfer.
Several hours later, Katie came to visit. As soon as she entered, Katie leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper. “Thalia, I just saw a really suspicious woman downstairs. She kept staring at me and following me around.”
Hearing this, Thalia immediately thought of Margret. She still hadn’t left? “Is it a woman in her forties or fifties, dressed elegantly with full makeup?” Thalia asked. Margret Ashcroft never left home without perfect makeup.
Katie shook her head. “She’s definitely middle-aged, but dressed very plainly without makeup.” Not Margret? Then who?
“Take me to see her,” Thalia said. Katie’s description was concerning. She wanted to identify this mysterious stalker. “Alana, you’re coming with us,” Thalia instructed her bodyguard. “Yes, ma’am.” The three headed downstairs.
“I spotted her right over there,” Katie whispered as they reached the ground floor. Katie led them behind a large column and pointed discreetly. Thalia followed her gesture. Her eyes widened in surprise.