Chapter 69

After helping Jonathan bathe, Kathie wheeled him back to his room.As she turned to leave, he caught her hand.

"T've been having trouble sleeping these past few nights," he admitted.

"And?" she prompted.

"It might sound inappropriate, but... would you stay with me tonight? I promise not to try anything. Besides, with your temperament, I wouldn't dare."

"How much is Mr. Berkeley offering per night?" Kathie asked dryly. ·

Jonathan blinked, realizing she'd misunderstood his intentions.

"I was just kidding. Goodnight!" he said quickly.

Kathie rolled her eyes and left. Jonathan sighed in frustration.How was he supposed to express hs feelings to this woman?

Back in her room, Kathie pored over medical textbooks, searching for better treatments for Jonathan. The sooner he recovered, the sooner she could return to her normal life.

The next day at the detention center, Shirley pulled strings to visit her imprisoned mother.

Melissa had been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, with irrefutable evidence against her. Her lawyers said she was facing at least ten years. She sat huddled in the corner, a shell of her former self.

When Shirley called out to her, Melissa's eyes lit up. She quickly stood and ·took her daughter's hands, noticing her swollen eyes.

"Shirley, what happened? Who upset you?"

Shirley broke down crying. "Mom, Randy refuses to divorce me. He's constantly chasing after that bitch Kathie. If they get back together, Bob and I will be thrown out of the house."

Melissa's face darkened with regret. She should have eliminated Kathie years ago when she had the chance.

"What about Randy's mother, Kaitlyn? She's always cared about her dignity. Surely she'd help you."

Shirley shook her head angrily. "Ever since Kathie saved her life, she's been on Kathie's side. I overheard her yesterday telling Randy to win Kathie back."

"And your father? Is he no help either?"

"Dad won't even see me. He's completely infatuated with his secretary and apparently plans to marry her."

Melissa felt the bitter sting of disappointment. After a lifetime of scheming,she was now alone and helpless. With Randy being so spineless,her daughter's situation looked dire.

Shirley clutched her mother's hands. "Mom, what should I do? Randy is ignoring me and even our child. If he throws me out, I couldn't bear the shame."

Seeing her beloved daughter in such distress broke Melissa's heart.

"The root of the problem is still Kathie. If she insists on divorce, Randy would have no choice."

"But what if she doesn't want to divorce him?"

'"Get her to come see me. I'll make sure she agrees to the divorce."

Melissa explained her plan, assuring Shirley that Kathie would comply

with their demands.

At the research institute, Kathie had just started her workday when her phone rang. Seeing Shirley's name, she immediately declined the call.

When Shirley persisted, Kathie blocked her number.

Moments later, an unknown number called. Noticing her colleagues'curious glances. Kathie apologized and stepped onto the balcony to answer.

"Hello?"

"Why did you block mhy number?" Shirley demanded.

Kathie was about to hang up when Shirley quickly added, "My mother wants to see you."

"Why would I care about seeing her?" Kathie replied coldly.

"Don't you want to know the whole truth about what happened years ago?My mother can tell you everything. I'll wait for you at the entrance in an hour.Don't be late."

The temptation was too great. While Kathie had uncovered some clues,she still lacked concrete evidence. If Melissa was willing toreveal everything,she could finally learn the complete truth.

"I'm on my way."

Kathie called Alan Griffin, the institute director, to request time off.Though taking leave after just two days didn't look good, this matter was too important to delay.

Alan understood her urgency and approved her request, though some .colleagues were visibly displeased.

Henry watched her gather her things and couldn't resist ajab," You get

special treatment to work here. leave early regularly, and now take time off whenever you please, holding up everyone's progress."

Kathie faced him squarely. "I earned my place here through the same evaluation process as everyone else. I have an emergency to handle, and I'Il make up for any lost time. Perhaps you should focus more on your own work rather than monitoring mine."

Henry's face reddened, but Kathie had no time to waste on him.

As she reached the main entrance, she encountered Amelia,who looked her up and down with disdain. "Well, if it isn't Dr. Cavendish,leaving during work hours. Do you think this institute is your personal playground?"

"I've beengranted leave," Kathie replied coldly.

Amelia smirked. "Off to meet a wealthy patron? With your pretty face,I'm sure you attract plenty of older men."

Kathie's expression darkened. "Your flamboyant style seems more suited to that purpose."

Amelia's smile vanished. Ever since hearing about Kathie's connection to Bradley, she'd been openly hostile.

"Everyone knows abouat your scandalous personal life-cheating on your husband,having three illegitimate children, carrying on with multiple men.Quite impressive."

"Dr. Griffin, as an educated person, you might try speaking with some civility."

Amelia sighed dramatically. "Thank goodness I don't have embarrassing friends like you. I couldn't show my face in public."

"I wouldn't befriend someone as ill-mannered and unattractive as you either," Kathie retorted. "Your nose job is crooked,by the way. You might want to keep wearing that mask to avoid frightening people."

"You..." Amelia sputtered.

Kathie had struck a nerve. Seeing someone approaching, Amelia quickly covered her nose, wondering how Kathie had noticed her rhinoplasty.

At the detention center, Shirley greeted Kathie with undisguised hatred. "Let's go. I've been waiting forever."

Inside,Kathie saw Melissa-once elegant and imperious, now aged and haggard.

Sitting across from her, Kathie got straight to the point, "How did my mother really die?"

Melissa fixed her with a serious look. "I'll tell you everything, but first you must agree to divorce Randy. I've had papers drawn up. Sign them, and you'll get your answers."

She pushed the divorce agreement across the table, which stipulated that Kathie would walk away with nothing. Without hesitation, Kathie signed.

"Now tell me the truth." She had never cared about Randy's money and wouldn't take a penny now.

Satisfied, Melissa handed the papers to Shirley, and they exchanged pleased glances.

Melissa began, "Since you're being so cooperative, I'll be direct. Yourfather wanted to be free of your mother's control. He bribed a doctor to kill her but keep the baby, hoping for a son. When another girl was born-his third daughter-he decided he didn't need another burden and had the newborn killed as well."

Kathie stared at her in shock. "You're saying my baby sister was born alive and he murdered her?"