Chapter 252

"About the family estate..."

Margaret quickly waved her hands. "Don't worry, Mrs. Laurent. I didn't breathe a word. If the Third Branch finds out, who knows what trouble they'll stir up."

The elderly maid had served the Roscente family for over a decade, personally selected by the late Mr. Roscente IV for Emily.

Sophia handed her a glass of water with a faint smile. "Thank you for everything."

Margaret accepted the drink, hesitating as she glanced at the unconscious figure in the hospital bed.

The sterile scent of disinfectant filled the room. Emily had always been particular about her comforts, so Margaret needed to fetch some personal items from the estate. Sophia sat by the bedside, watching the IV drip methodically.

"Sophia!" Emily suddenly jolted awake, clutching her niece's hand. "Those men...they threatened to cut off my hands..."

Tears spilled instantly. The pampered socialite trembled like a frightened child.

Sophia pulled her into an embrace, smoothing her disheveled hair. "It's over now."

"I should have listened to you..." Emily sobbed. "That Mr. Wang promised guaranteed returns, but then the interest kept compounding..."

Sophia's eyes darkened. Three months ago, she'd warned her aunt about the glaring red flags in that so-called investment scheme.

"Forty-five million," she said icily. "If Uncle Ethan hadn't intervened, you'd be on a gambling ship in international waters by now."

Emily shuddered violently.

"I was wrong..." She gripped the sheets desperately. "I'll listen to you from now on..."

Sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting dappled shadows across the bed. Sophia sighed and adjusted the blankets.

"About Jason—"

"He doesn't know," Sophia interrupted. "No one at the estate does."

Emily suddenly seized her wrist. "How did your uncle even...?"

The same question haunted Sophia. Ethan Roscente was famously detached. Even out of respect for his late uncle, he'd always maintained careful boundaries.

"Why would he know about the loan sharks?" Emily's voice shook. "And why would he...?"

Sophia turned toward the window. The sycamore shadows swayed in the wind, mirroring her tangled thoughts.

Why had that man who always lingered in the shadows suddenly reached out this time?