Reborn to My Engagement Night.

Chapter 210 Ulterior Motives

Madelyn was jarred from her drowsy state by the insistent ring of her phone. Groggily, she reached for it and answered.

The voice that greeted her was crisp and formal, “Ms. Thornton, greetings from Kindred Hospital. We’ve completed the analysis of the medication you submitted for testing. Unfortunately, there appears to be a problem with the substance. It’s not suitable to discuss the details over the phone. When you have a moment, we would advise a visit to discuss it in person.”

Without waiting for a reply, the caller ended the conversation.

A wave of apprehension surged through Madelyn.

The medication in question was one she had taken from her father’s collection and submitted for testing due to suspicions about its effects, given her father’s unexplained illness. Her instincts had been correct; there was indeed something amiss.

With no time to waste, Madelyn leaped from her bed, hastily freshened up, and headed to the hospital, her face bare of any makeup.

Upon her arrival, the doctor’s demeanor shifted immediately to one of grave concern. He approached her with the suspect medicine in hand, his voice low. “Miss, where exactly did this medicine come from?”

Madelyn’s heart clenched at his tone. She responded quickly, “Doctor, is there something wrong with this medication? It’s a calming medicine my father has been taking daily. It’s imported, and I suspected it might contain unsafe ingredients, which is why I brought it here for testing.”

The doctor’s next words confirmed her fears. “Miss, this drug is prohibited. Though marketed as a calming medicine, it contains substantial quantities of harmful substances. In the short term, users might not notice any adverse effects and may even feel an improvement in health. However, continued usage can cause significant nerve damage.”

Madelyn’s face paled as the implications sank in. “What?” she exclaimed, unable to hide her shock.

“Yes,” the doctor continued solemnly, “prolonged use can gradually cloud a person’s consciousness, leading them to become unaware of their own actions. Over time, this can result in severe mental instability and other serious issues.”

A chill ran down Madelyn’s spine.

I knew it!

In her previous life, Derek had been in excellent health, yet his condition had mysteriously deteriorated despite the daily medication. She had long suspected the mother-daughter duo at home of foul play but had never acted on these suspicions.

Now, it seemed her worst fears were being confirmed. Regina and Eunice truly had ulterior motives.

Her face ashen, Madelyn turned to the doctor, her voice trembling. “Doctor, what should I do now? I’m extremely worried about my father’s health!”

The doctor nodded sympathetically, recognizing the distress of a concerned child. He then added, “I’ll prescribe another set of medications to stabilize your father’s condition for the time being.”

Madelyn gratefully accepted them, realizing that following the doctor’s advice was her only recourse.

After picking up the medicine, Madelyn drove directly to Thornton Corporation, knowing her father would be at work.

Despite her infrequent visits, she was immediately recognized by Derek’s assistant due to her status as the legitimate daughter of the Thornton family.

The assistant greeted her respectfully as she entered. “Ms. Madelyn, what brings you here today?”

“I came to see my father; is he in his office?” Madelyn inquired with a smile, masking the turmoil within.

The assistant affirmed, and Madelyn proceeded confidently into the office. As expected, she found Derek deeply engrossed in his work. Without looking up, he asked, “Is there something you need?”

Madelyn sighed internally. He probably thinks I’m his assistant.

“Ahem…” She cleared her throat to draw his attention.

“What’s wrong?” Derek asked, still not looking up.

A moment later, he glanced up, surprised. “Maddie?”

Madelyn smiled warmly, moving to stand beside him. She noticed the untouched lunch box beside a stack of documents on his desk.

Concerned, she admonished, “Dad, haven’t I told you before? No matter how important work is, it’s not as important as your health! Please, stop working and eat something.”

She tidied his desk, pushing the documents aside and handing him the lunch box. Derek, always somewhat helpless when it came to his daughter, complied and began to eat.

Seizing the opportunity, Madelyn presented the new medications. “Dad, I’ve brought some calming medicine that’s very effective. Please, take it home and use this instead.”

Upon seeing the medications, Derek chuckled, slightly bemused. “Maddie, why did you buy more calming medicine? I’m still using the ones from before.”

A sense of urgency gripped Madelyn upon hearing this. She laughed lightly, masking her growing anxiety. “Dad, how long have you been taking that medicine? Who has been purchasing it for you?”

After a brief pause, he responded, “It’s been almost a year. Eunice has been handling it.”

A year?

Madelyn’s heart sank. The doctor’s words echoed in her mind – consumption for over a year could be dangerous.

And all this time, that duplicitous mother-daughter pair had been scheming right under her nose.

“Yeah,” Derek nodded, then sighed deeply. “Actually, Eunice has been quite devoted. Over the past year, she’s made considerable efforts to obtain these imported medicines for my health. I know it hasn’t been easy for her. Maddie, I understand your feelings toward her, but try to lessen the hostility. You’re sisters after all; harmony is important.”

After saying this, Derek returned to his meal.

Meanwhile, Madelyn let out a cold, quiet huff under her breath, her thoughts swirling with skepticism and indignation. She went through all the trouble of obtaining the imported medicine? Ha, Regina and Eunice are doing this to harm Dad!

The very thought of those two made her skin crawl. She had never harbored any affection for them; quite the opposite, she would have gladly confronted them directly had the circumstances allowed. Yet, living in harmony with them, as her father suggested? Impossible.

Despite her strong feelings, Madelyn refrained from further argument, not wanting to distress her father.

However, a question gnawed at her. How on earth did that bum Eunice manage to obtain these dangerous drugs – and for so long?

Her resolve hardened as she considered the need for a thorough investigation.

After Derek finished his meal, Madelyn took her leave, heading back to the campus.