Chapter 156 Did You Try to Stop It?
"Grandma, there's a matter I need to discuss with you. Can you be honest with me?" Ava asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"What is it, dear?" Scarlett responded, her eyes reflecting curiosity.
"Years ago, did you attempt to prevent Isabella's double lung transplant surgery?"
Scarlett's eyes flickered with confusion at the mention of the transplant. "Double lung transplant?" She paused, mulling over the question. "Ah, yes, I recall now. I did make a few inquiries about it."
"Did you succeed in halting it?" Ava pressed on.
Scarlett sighed, "When I first learned of her illness and the impending surgery, I was skeptical. I suspected she was feigning illness, so I investigated a little, made some calls. But I don't know what transpired afterward. Why do you ask?"
"Isabella claimed that you deliberately delayed her lung transplant years ago to coerce Alex into marrying me. The delay allegedly led to complications with one of the lungs meant for her transplant, leaving her with only one functioning lung. Her health has been severely compromised, even her heart is affected."
Scarlett, after absorbing the accusation, tapped the armrest of her sofa thoughtfully. "I see. That woman has a knack for deceit, blaming me for her misfortunes. No wonder Alex seldom visits me. He must have swallowed her lies."
"So, you deny having any part in it?" Ava asked, her voice laced with desperation.
"Absolutely. While I may harbor no affection for Isabella, I would never stoop so low. Ava, you've been deceived by her fabrications. Who else but Alex would believe her? Her tales only ensnare those blinded by love."
A wave of relief washed over Ava; the old woman was innocent.
Observing Ava's sudden relaxation, Scarlett frowned slightly, "You didn't actually believe Isabella's accusations, thinking I was capable of such an act, did you?"
"No, Grandma," Ava quickly clarified, "I was merely puzzled, but I never truly believed you were responsible. I was simply afraid to confront you. I feared you'd be distressed if you discovered the allegations, so I kept them to myself."
She had concealed the secret for an extended period, and yet Scarlett, with her keen intellect, had already deduced it.
"You have a tendency to overburden yourself," Scarlett commented, feeling Ava was underestimating her own worth.
A heavy silence settled between them as Ava lowered her gaze, her spirits sinking. Scarlett, breaking the silence, asked, "Have you truly decided to divorce Alex?"
"Grandma, he doesn't love me. Persisting in this marriage is only causing us both pain, so I..." Ava's voice faded, her heart heavy with sorrow, "I apologize, Grandma."
She held back her tears, resolved not to reveal her heartache.
"Do you genuinely believe he doesn't love you, or is it because you suspect he's in love with Isabella?" Scarlett questioned, prepared to step in. "I can deal with that woman..."
"No, Grandma, please," Ava interjected urgently, "I'm begging you, don't interfere. Let them be. I'm really exhausted."
"Oh, my dear child." Scarlett tenderly patted Ava's head. "You must have endured so much since that woman returned. Alex has likely been neglectful."
Ava nearly collapsed into Scarlett's arms, yearning for a comforting cry, but she restrained herself. "Grandma, he hasn't been unkind."
"And yet you continue to defend him. I fail to see her allure. His father made the same error. Can't he recognize it? It appears he's following the same misguided path," Scarlett's voice echoed with a frustrated disappointment, heavy with the burden of unfulfilled expectations.
