Chapter 317

The worries about Shermaine's trip to Lightspring City were definitely justified for Janice and Ruth. Something major had gone down. The atmosphere there was especially bad. Shermaine wouldn’t have rushed there otherwise.

Now they couldn’t get through to either Shermaine or Ross, and the two of them were wide awake all night. Janice was getting on in years, so Ruth told her to go rest in her room first, then called Richard.

Ever since Ruth returned to the Tean family, Richard hadn’t gone back to Redonst, but he also didn’t come around much; he was more like a silent guardian who only showed up when she asked. Ruth didn’t hold that against him, but had no other thoughts before her divorce. Right now, Richard might be the only one who could fill her in on what was really happening in Lightspring City.

When Richard got Ruth’s call, he’d just finished donating blood. His face was pale, and he felt dizzy. Even though he was in good shape, his old wound was still healing. He really shouldn’t have given blood.

Wearing a gray shirt, he had a thirty-something nurse pour him a cup of hot water. When she saw his toned upper body, she was suddenly smitten with this middle-aged man. So what if he was older? With that build and youthful face, she’d happily date him. But then she noticed his wristwatch and the two bodyguards outside. He was clearly a man of wealth. Plus, he was polite but distant. When she’d tried making small talk, he barely acknowledged her.

The phone rang, and Richard answered immediately, his voice unusually soft, “Juliana.”

Ruth hesitated. “I got my memory back, Richard.” She wasn’t Juliana anymore, the woman who’d been his wife in name only.

“Ruthie.” He corrected himself right away.

Ruth sighed and cut to the chase. “I need a favor.”

“You want to know what’s going on in Lightspring City, don’t you?”

“Yes.” Ruth’s voice was heavy with worry. “Sheary took a helicopter to Lightspring City last night. I can’t stop thinking something’s happened to Ross.”

“Something did happen,” Richard said, “but try not to worry. Sheary’s here.” He paused. “And so am I.”

“You went to Lightspring City too?”

“Yeah.”

“You…” Ruth hesitated, words failing her. ‘Richard shouldn’t have been there, yet there he is,’ she thought.

His voice dropped to a murmur. “Don’t read into it. I felt like I owed Ross, and when I caught wind of someone’s scheme, I had to come.”

“What kind of scheme?”

Richard gave a concise rundown, laying out Natalie’s plot and Jameson’s plan to hurt Ross.

As Ruth listened, her eyes turned steely. She never thought Jameson would plot against his own son. Even though he’d backed off, Natalie had gone through with it, leaving Ross injured in Lightspring City. Her shoulders trembled with rage. She wanted to march over and confront Jameson and Natalie right then.

“Trust me, I’m here to look after them.” Though maybe Shermaine didn’t need his help. She was more than capable on her own. “But don’t do anything hasty with Jameson and Natalie. Wait till Shermaine and Ross are back.”

Ruth’s eyes welled up, but she stayed silent.

“Get some sleep. It’s late. You are weak and need to take it easy.” Richard’s tone turned gentle. “The second Ross is out of the woods, I’ll call you.”

Ruth thought, ‘With Shermaine there, Ross will make it. She pulled Richard back from the edge before. She can do the same for Ross.’

Knowing Richard was in Lightspring City calmed Ruth’s nerves. “Promise you’ll call first. I won’t turn my phone off.”

“Deal.”

He’d defend Ruth’s kids with his life. Donating blood was just the beginning. He hoped one day Shermaine and Ross would accept him.