Chapter 515 Leo
"Should I remind Olivia?" Jeremy suggested.
Lawrence waved him off, his expression giving nothing away. "No need, I've indirectly hinted to Sidney to take care of his mom. It's too risky to alert Olivia directly, she might get suspicious."
Jeremy nodded, swiftly redirecting his attention to the current issue. "Exactly, I came to talk about something crucial with you. The doctor who visited the Blanchet family's mansion, I've conducted some investigation and his name is Leo Sackler, an internist at the Trento City General Hospital. Carlos had previously engaged him as Ishara's health consultant. Regarding his personal life, I'm still looking into it. So far, he seems to be an experienced physician with no evident concerns."
"Health consultant?" Lawrence had been in Trento City for less than a month. Ishara's past was still a blur to him.
"Thoroughly investigate him, keep a close eye on this Dr. Sackler. Ishara's on guard against me so she wouldn't let just anyone new close to her without a reason."
Lawrence stubbed out his cigarette, the smoke darkening his gaze
At those words, Jeremy had an epiphany. "Maybe she's about to slip up."
Lawrence opened a file. "Let's hope so."
He saw Jeremy hesitated as he was about to leave, without lifting his gaze, he asked, "Something else?"
"Actually, yes, something pressing." Jeremy adjusted his glasses. "Mr. Lawrence, I think Winnie might have unraveled the mystery behind Stephanie's illness. What left me even more astounded was that today she mentioned the possibility of you and Dr. Moore keeping it from her, suspecting a connection between Stephanie's condition and herself. She was so fervent and I was left speechless in response."
Lawrence caught his breath, asking, "What did she say exactly?" Jeremy narrowed his eyes. "It seemed like she had something on her mind but didn't quite trust me to spill it. Nevertheless, she asked me to make sure you remember that Stephanie's spinal decay isn't as straightforward as it seems. Winnie mentioned that on the night Darcy abducted Stephanie, someone meddled with her spine. What could that possibly mean?"
Lawrence put down his pen, his nerves on edge. Winnie could have uncovered something from his mother's illness. He was still unclear about the implications of her words.
"I understand," Lawrence responded. It hadn't crossed his mind that Winnie remained mentally resilient despite her mother's illness. Maybe she didn't perceive the leukemia as personally connected to her. Absentmindedly, she displayed no traces of guilt.
"Lawrence, when you find a moment, have a chat with Winnie about this. Given that she's connected the dots quite a bit, it looks like she's got her own take on Stephanie's situation. Maybe it's time to put everything on the table," Jeremy mentioned before taking his leave.
Lawrence nodded in silent agreement.
---
Across town, the moment Winnie stepped back into her hotel, her eyes fell on the familiar figures of Olivia and Mia. Her heart leapt with joy.
"Olivia, what are you doing here?" she exclaimed.
Rushing over, Olivia wrapped her in a tight hug. "I caught wind of the news about your dad getting shot, and Jeremy filled me in on how you fainted at the hospital due to the shock. How could I not be concerned?" Olivia elaborated. "I was just about to help my parents settle and then make my way to Trento City with Mia to avoid Sam. But now, I'm here with you."
Seeing Olivia with a suitcase in the suite's living room, Rock understood everything he needed to know. Olivia had come seeking refuge with Winnie. Clearly, this would complicate his own intentions toward Winnie.
A flicker of concern flashed in his eyes, but he promptly concealed it with a bright smile. "Olivia, it's fantastic that you could join Winnie for some company. She must be overjoyed. However, this suite isn't quite roomy. How about I assist you in renting a more spacious place here in Trento City? If you're considering a long stay, you might as well look for a job."
"Oh, there's no need to bother, Mr. Rock," Olivia replied, missing the implied urgency in Rock's offer. "What kind of support would we be providing each other if we lived apart? Besides, if I need a place, Winnie will rent me one."
She affectionately linked arms with Winnie, who responded with a slight smile. "I won't rent it. I'll buy it for you."
With that thought, Winnie's gaze shifted to Sidney who was fussing about Mia touching his stuff. Sidney and Oscar, one disapproving of Mia meanwhile the other completely doting.
A touch of resolve sparked in Winnie's eyes. "Once Oscar returns, staying here won't be ideal anymore. Actually, I haven't purchased any property in Trento City yet. I'll get Melanie to assist me in exploring some villa options."
"Melanie? Who's that?" Olivia asked with feigned jealousy. "Have you made a new bestie behind my back and Laura's?"
"She's not exactly a bestie but a sweet younger friend," Winnie replied tartly.
"Of course, no one could ever replace you in my heart." Winnie reassured Olivia.
Pouting playfully, Olivia decided to shift her mood. "That's more like it."
Rock observed the sisters immersed in their lively conversation, particularly Olivia, who was talking non-stop. He struggled to find an opportunity to speak. His gaze subtly sharpened, and he emitted a soft cough. "Winnie, I've handled your luggage. It's nearly noon, and considering Olivia is new in town, how about I treat everyone to lunch?"
Winnie was just about to agree when Sidney interjected, "I'm not going! Mom, if you want to go, go without me." The little guy sternly refused and even tugged on Mia's arm next to him with a veiled threat.
Mia, living under her mother's roof and feeling a bit downtrodden, pouted in an attempt to win over the little boy. "Mom, I don't want to go either, I want to play with Sidney."
Sidney rolled his eyes dismissively, a clear sign of defiance toward Rock.
"Sidney." Winnie shot a pleading look, embarrassed. "Rock was kind enough to pick us up from the hospital. It's only right to offer him a meal."
"Even Uncle Jeremy offered us a ride home which you declined. I won't be content as long as you're hanging out with Rock." Sidney tenaciously resisted the unwelcome presence that Rock posed in his path.
Winnie was surprised. "You shouldn't be keeping in such close touch with Uncle Jeremy. Your father and I are no longer together."
"But who else do I have in Trento City? Uncle Jeremy has been so nice to me." Sidney's lips quivered, on the verge of tears.
Winnie's heart melted, a surge of guilt sweeping through her. Amid her quest for Oscar, she had inadvertently overlooked Sidney. However, the young lad had consistently shown maturity, having been pampered by Lawrence before. Presently, he had acquired the skills to brush his teeth, dress independently, and occupy himself, all the while attempting to blend in more subtly.
She sighed softly. "Honey, I don't want to take away your right to make friends. If you don't want to go to lunch then I will not force you."
Her apologetic eyes met Rock's.
Rock's lips curved into a smile, showing no sign of annoyance as he said, "If the kid doesn't want to go out then we'll stay in. I was just looking to extend a warm welcome to Olivia but Sidney's happiness is more important, let's just eat here at the hotel. I'll call room service and by the way, Winnie, you need to give me an answer now."
Winnie's eyes locked with his, her expression suddenly tense. "What... answer?"
Rock stepped closer and leaned in, his gaze full of tenderness. With a charming smile directed at Winnie, even in front of Sidney, he asked, "What kind of answer would you like to give? Will you let me take care of you?"
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