Chapter 194

Just then, Aunt Victoria entered with a thermal food container. She paused when she noticed the Guardian Angel Charm in Rupert’s hand. She recognized this charm immediately. One could only obtain it through that special prayer ritual at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Years ago, when Thalia’s mother Sarah was gravely ill, Thalia’s father had gone to St. Paul’s to obtain this exact charm for her. Sadly, Sarah couldn’t be saved in the end. Remembering this, Aunt Victoria’s eyelashes fluttered with emotion, her heart heavy with memories.

“Rupert,” she addressed him, her expression slightly dazed, “Did you obtain this charm yourself?” She stared at the pendant, her eyes lost in time, seemingly looking through the charm into the past. Rupert continued gazing deeply at Thalia, responding with a simple, “Yes.” Aunt Victoria was visibly surprised. After a moment, she collected herself. The way she looked at Rupert now carried newfound depth.

Rupert had visited the Winters’ home with Lena several times before. So Aunt Victoria recognized him quite well. Even then, she had suspected something. She had always thought there was something special in the way Rupert looked at Thalia. But since Thalia had insisted they were just friends, Aunt Victoria hadn’t pressed the matter. Now, seeing this charm, everything became clear. Rupert’s feelings for Thalia went far beyond friendship—he was utterly devoted to her. By any measure, this represented a sincere declaration of his feelings.

Chapter 194

Thalia didn’t refuse the charm. She accepted it, shifting her gaze away from Rupert’s eyes, and softly murmured, “Thank you.” Charlotte and Victoria exchanged glances; their expressions were mixed. Victoria, usually ready with a joke, was uncharacteristically silent. She had previously remarked that Rupert and Thalia would make a good match. But now wasn’t the time for joking; Thalia had just had a brush with death. Any chance for Thalia and Asher was likely gone now. As Thalia’s close friend for many years, Victoria could tell that Thalia hadn’t completely let go of her feelings for Asher. Given how things had developed, Thalia must be heartbroken. How cruel fate could be. Victoria and Charlotte sighed inwardly in silence.

Ten more days passed. Andrew’s condition deteriorated visibly day by day. He had lost almost all his hair, wasting away until he was nothing but skin and bones. Lady Blackwood, advanced in years, was deeply affected by these tragic events. Her constant depression, combined with her existing heart condition, had aged her dramatically in just half a month. She was barely holding on. It seemed likely that when Andrew died, she would follow soon after. The Blackwood household was now shrouded in gloom, the atmosphere oppressive. The domestic staff barely dared to speak above a whisper, fearing they might lose their positions with one careless word. The elder Mr. Blackwood had stayed in London for only three days before returning to Geneva.

Chapter 194

The day after his return, he departed for the United States on a diplomatic visit. Such important matters had been arranged months in advance and couldn’t be postponed or delegated. Even in his position, the elder Mr. Blackwood had constraints he couldn’t escape. Despite his wife and son both nearing the end, he couldn’t remain at their side.

At the hospital, the caretaker laid out lunch. It was a light, nutritious meal. But Andrew had no appetite whatsoever. He knew his own body better than anyone.

Asher stood by the window, his back to Andrew, talking on the phone. The police had more news. Because Malfoy had personally admitted to instructing Grace to poison Andrew, and with Asher’s assistance, the poisoning case was quickly concluded. With the evidence secured, the police had forwarded the case to the Crown Prosecution Service. The facts of the poisoning were clear, with solid and sufficient evidence. Malfoy was charged as the instigator, Grace as the perpetrator, and the CPS had filed charges against both for attempted murder. Additionally, after Asher submitted evidence of Malfoy’s other crimes, the prosecution would bring all his offences in Britain before the court simultaneously. The prosecution had recommended the death penalty with immediate execution. Asher ended the call and turned around. Andrew’s food remained untouched.

“Is it about the charges against Malfoy and Grace?” Andrew asked weakly. Asher responded with a cold, “Yes.” “What did the police say?” “Poisoning is attempted murder,” Asher replied in a measured tone. “Beyond that, Malfoy is also charged with kidnapping, organized crime, illegal possession of firearms, and several other offences. The prosecution has recommended the death penalty with immediate execution. Grace’s crime of attempted murder, combined with her previous offences, will likely result in a life sentence.”

Chapter 144

Andrew lowered his eyes in silence. Asher glanced at him briefly, saying nothing. After a while, Andrew hesitantly spoke, “I want to see May.” Asher’s heart trembled, his eyes growing cold. After all the harm Malfoy had caused, Andrew would year to see him? He truly loved this illegitimate son. Asher’s face hardened, contempt flashing in his eye. In that moment, he wanted to ask Andrew if, in all these years, he had ever truly loved or acknowledged his legitimate son. But Asher ultimately kept these questions to himself. “Not possible,” he coldly dropped these three words before turning to leave.

Andrew stared at Asher’s retreating figure and suddenly called out, “Asher, I’m begging you—please let me see Malfoy!” Asher froze mid-step, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. “I’ve wronged you and your mother,” Andrew’s eyes reddened, his voice breaking with emotion, making Asher’s chest tighten. “I don’t have many days left—this is my punishment,” Andrew wept. “Before I die, there are things I need to say to Malfoy. Let me see him just once.” Asher stood in the doorway, his back to Andrew, his ink-dark eyes glittering with frightening coldness. “In another life, perhaps,” the man finally spoke, his voice like ice.

After lunch, Thalia was chatting with Charlotte and Victoria in her hospital room. Suddenly, there was a commotion outside. Screams erupted from the corridor. “What on earth is happening out there?” Victoria frowned. Thalia looked toward the door. “Sounds serious—something must have happened?” “I’ll go and see,” Victoria stood up. “Charlotte, stay here with Thalia.” Charlotte nodded. “Right, will do.” Victoria left. Thalia felt inexplicably uneasy. She sensed something terrible had occurred.

Shortly after, the door burst open with a bang as Victoria rushed back in. She stood in the doorway, her face ashen, eyes wide with terror, lips trembling, unable to speak. Seeing her strange demeanor, Charlotte and Thalia exchanged concerned glances. Thalia asked: “What’s happened?”