Chapter 364
In the manor's main courtyard, Romeo locked the doors and windows. Ensuring he was unobserved, he opened a secret compartment and carefully removed a blue box. Covered in intricate patterns, the box appeared luxurious and flirtatious.
"Baby, oh baby," Romeo murmured, his eyes gleaming with greed as he hugged and caressed the box. This was the Azure Sea Royal Family's mysterious Treasure Box, missing for nearly twenty years. Rumor held that opening it granted eternal youth and the ability to manipulate past and present events, allowing the owner to achieve any desire. For years, various factions had searched for it, unaware it had been in Romeo's possession all along.
He greedily hugged the Treasure Box. All he needed was the key. With it, he could fulfill his lifelong ambition: a long life and prosperity for the Harper family.
However, remembering tonight's events, Romeo frowned. He'd believed the secret compartment undiscoverable, yet Kenneth had stumbled upon it during his brief absence. He needed a more secure hiding place. Clutching the Treasure Box, he stumbled toward his bed, anticipating a sleepless night.
Kenneth tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Thalia's words echoed in his mind: "She doesn't know how to swim"
"Tiffany, where are you?" Kenneth cried, sitting bolt upright in panic. The thought of Tiffany, lost at the bottom of the river, suffocated him. After a while, he touched his chest. "Why does it feel like there's an empty space here?"
At the hospital, Thalia remained unconscious for a long time.
"Mr. Kelley," the doctor said, "your wife isn't in serious danger. She fainted due to a rush of blood to the heart. But there's another matter I need to discuss. Your wife has a tendency toward Dissociative Identity Disorder. Her subconscious divides her into two personalities. I advise you to take her to a psychiatrist immediately."
Charlie looked up. The doctor offered an apologetic smile before leaving.
"Personality split?" Charlie mused. Thalia had always been fragile and emotional, prone to overthinking and self-imposed mental traps. This time, striving for fairness between her daughters, she'd driven herself to self-blame and self-harm. Recently, Charlie had noticed bruises on her arm, which she'd attributed to a dancing accident. In reality, she'd inflicted them herself.
"I knew Thalia was mentally weak, but I didn't expect it to be this serious It's my fault. I'm a failure as a father and husband," Charlie lamented, slapping himself hard.
Melody rushed to stop him. "Dad, don't! It's my fault. I shouldn't have come back. It's all my fault" She was close to tears.
Charlie looked at her, a struggle evident in his bloodshot eyes. If he could rewind time, he might not have allowed her return. But it was too late; the decision was made.
After a long silence, Charlie said wearily, "Melody, we must at least have a clear conscience, whatever we do."
"Dad" Melody stammered.
Charlie continued, "Let me finish. I know you suffered greatly. We'll make it up to you. I just hope you won't harbor resentment over past events."
"Don't worry, Dad. I never have," Melody replied, obediently massaging his shoulders. She knew his words were a warning, but it didn't matter. Tiffany is dead; the greatest threat is eliminated. In the future, I'll erase all traces of Tiffany. Then they'll only have me.
Before Charlie could speak further, the ward door opened. Owen rushed in, having received the news. "Where's Tiffany?"
He hadn't attended the banquet, sending a gift instead. He'd never anticipated this
Anxious and angry, Owen demanded, "How could this happen? Have you checked the cruise ship's security cameras? What about roadside cameras?" The coincidences were too numerous: two people falling into the water simultaneously.
Charlie remained silent. He'd launched an investigation. The cruise ship cameras had a blind spot on the deck; nothing was visible. There were no roadside cameras. What happened that night remained a mystery.
Owen started to speak again, but Eric, roused from sleep by his crying, interrupted from his small bed. "Uncle Owen," he said, rubbing his swollen eyes, "Let my father rest. He doesn't feel well either."
Owen patted Eric's head. "Inform me of any news," he said before leaving.
The ward fell silent again, heavy with tension. Eric wept uncontrollably. His phone vibrated.
Instinctively, he grabbed it, reading a message: [Don't cry. You have me, your brother-in-law.] It was a simple sentence, yet immensely comforting.
A premonition struck Eric. He replied: [Is Tiffany with you?]
Richard: [Yeah.]
Overwhelmed with joy, Eric cried tears of relief. "That's great!" He laughed and cried simultaneously, his hand trembling.
Charlie looked at him worriedly. "What's wrong? Are you unwell?"
Eric, brimming with excitement, began to share the good news, but seeing Melody, he hesitated and changed his words. "It's nothing. I just miss Tiffany."
Charlie turned away, silent. I can't even comfort myself, how can I comfort Eric?
Melody remained impassive.
Silence descended once more. Eric lay on his bed, clutching his phone. It's a blessing Tiffany is safe! But I can't reveal this yet. Let them suffer first, so they'll learn to cherish
SEND GIFT