Chapter 228: You Must be My Aunt
When I returned to the nursing home, Claire was already asleep. I quietly tucked her in, gave a few final instructions to the caregiver, and headed out. My next stop was the hotel, where I checked in for the night.
The following morning, after freshening up, I was about to return to see Claire when Grant's assistant called. I answered as I exited my room.
The assistant’s voice was tinged with frustration. "Ms. Royston, didn't you notify your family that Mr. Quill would be taking over Mrs. Harris's treatment today?"
I paused, perplexed. "What’s the issue?"
The assistant sighed. "We just arrived, and your family showed up, rejecting Mr. Quill's involvement in Mrs. Harris's care."
"Family?" I echoed, then it clicked. "The Harris family, right?"
"Yes," confirmed the assistant. "Mrs. Harris's daughter-in-law and granddaughter."
My eyes narrowed. "I'm on my way. Please convey my apologies to Mr. Quill. It’s my fault for causing this inconvenience."
Just as I secured a competent doctor for Claire, Kimberly and Skylar began to stir. They were terrified that if Claire's condition worsened, her will would be unveiled. They also feared that a lucid Claire would result in me reclaiming control of the family, leaving them marginalized.
Upon arriving at the nursing home, I found Grant left standing outside the ward. Suppressing my anger, I first apologized to him. "Mr. Quill, I'm sorry. I'll handle this immediately."
Grant, remarkably calm, replied, "No worries. I'll grab some breakfast while you sort things out."
As a seasoned doctor, Grant had no doubt witnessed numerous underhanded tactics entwined with familial inheritance disputes.
With the doctor temporarily gone, I rapped my knuckles on the door. "Kimberly, open up."
"So, you're the one who brought in the doctor for Claire." Kimberly flung the door open with feigned innocence. "That doctor doesn’t look professional at all. Who's to say he won't make Claire's condition worse!"
It had been two long years since we last crossed paths, yet her arrogance remained unaltered.
I sneered, retorting sharply, "Are you afraid he'll worsen her condition, or are you terrified she might recover?"
Kimberly’s eyes flashed with indignation. "What am I scared of? Besides, we’ve been caring for Claire for the past two years. Meanwhile, you were hiding in Jacquar, living the high life. Now you think you can just waltz in and take charge of Claire’s affairs? Who do you think you are?"
I stared at Kimberly, unwavering. "At least I'm Claire's biological granddaughter. What right do you have to stop me from getting a doctor for her?"
Kimberly had been desperate ever since Christopher's suppression kept her from taking over the family business. She certainly wasn’t happy to see me return, especially while Claire was conscious.
For a moment, Kimberly was at a loss for words. "I..."
Then, Skylar stepped forward, assuming a haughty demeanor. "And what about me? Is my standing not sufficient to make decisions for Claire? Hope, you need to understand your position. Your last name is still Royston, not Harris."
I chuckled, "No matter what my last name is, it doesn't change the fact that I'm Claire's biological granddaughter. Mrs. Harris, why are you so afraid of me return and always protecting your adopted daughter?"
I paused deliberately, my gaze hardening as I focused on Skylar. "Could it be that your relationship with her goes beyond that of an adoptive mother and daughter?"
I was just guessing to provoke Skylar.
I was merely guessing to rattle her, but Skylar’s expression darkened instantly. She hurried to defend herself. "Hope, what nonsense are you spouting?! I treat Kimberly well because she's sensible and considerate, unlike you!"
Skylar swiftly closed the ward door behind her and warned in a low voice, "You better abandon any thoughts of returning to our family!"
"And who decided that?" I replied calmly, "Let’s be clear. Since I’m back in Maple Valley, I have no intention of neglecting Claire. This time, I will cure her."
Skylar’s eyes glistened coldly. "Go ahead and try! Don’t think Christopher will always help you."
I smiled and abruptly asked, "Do you think my father knows about your relationship with Kimberly?"
That "father" was certainly not spoken with any affection, merely used for convenience.
Skylar’s hand shot out, intending to slap me. "Hope, you’re slandering me!"
I caught her wrist and pushed her away. "So he doesn’t."
My prior uncertainty vanished with her reaction. Skylar and Kimberly’s relationship was indeed suspect.
Calmly, I continued, "Don’t be so quick to deny it and lash out. The more you act like this, the more suspicious you seem. If you continue to obstruct Claire’s treatment, I might investigate—or tell my father directly."
Skylar scoffed, "Investigate? Do you think you can uncover anything..."
I laughed lightly, using Christopher to scare Skylar, "I certainly can't. But Christopher...? After all, everything leaves traces. Dig deep enough, and I’m sure something will surface."
"You're a damned witch!" Skylar spat, then suddenly smirked coldly. "I’ll let you off this time. Let’s see how long you maintain this smugness."
She then grabbed Kimberly and left.
Entering the room, I turned to the caregiver. "You may go now. Your salary will be settled according to the contract."
This caregiver arranged by the Harris family, and I had tolerated her for a long time. Now I could finally fire her. After ensuring her payment was sorted, I prepared to check on Claire when I heard footsteps behind me.
Turning around, I looked down and met Jerry's mocking brown eyes.
I was surprised. "Why are you here?"
Jerry replied, "I'm here to see Claire."
Before I could respond, a small boy peeked out from behind the wheelchair, blinking his big eyes at me. He suddenly ran over and hugged my leg. "Hello! You must be my cousin-in-law, right?"
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