Chapter 578 Making a Move
In the car, Lawrence remained silent throughout the entire journey.
Jeremy glanced back at the quickly receding view of the Stellar Mall and couldn't help but speak up, "Mr. Harrington, since you were right in front of her, why didn't you say a single word before walking away? Your actions betray a desire to help her. Maybe you could talk to her, feel out her expectations and ability to cope with Oscar's health situation..."
"Didn't you hear her say she's getting married next month?" Lawrence, with his eyes closed, let out a scoff that resounded through the car. "How can she think about marriage when her child is missing? Such a woman, does she deserve to know where Oscar is? She doesn’t."
His features turned cold, unable to calm down as he recalled the words Winnie had said earlier: "A man like Lawrence, I wouldn't take him even if he was handed to me on a silver platter."
That was her attitude and decision, then.
He wanted to see if a guy like Rock could truly make her happy.
Winnie, she just had to wait and see.
Jeremy saw the dark look in his eye—Winnie had thoroughly enraged him, and in his growing rage, Mr. Harrington was plotting his revenge.
Getting married next month... It was undoubtedly a violation of Mr. Harrington’s bottom line, and he felt a deep chill.
Jeremy was accustomed to the ongoing tension between them and couldn't resist voicing his frustration, saying, "Why can't you keep your emotions in check? If that's the case, why did you direct me to bribe a high-ranking executive at the Blanchet family corporation? Isn't it to assist Winnie in reclaiming control of the Blanchet family business?"
Lawrence turned his stony face and replied, "You can stop doing all that now."
"Damn, does it mean that you're not helping her anymore?"
"She's got Rock, doesn't she? Let him handle it!"
Jeremy savored the pungent statement. "Ha, that jerk managed to make his move while the opportunity presented itself. Could he really have genuine feelings for Winnie? Even if he could help Winnie the slightest bit, he wouldn't.
"He's afraid of being exposed, of his connections lurking in the shadows. Once you uncover his supporter, wouldn't you completely dismantle him? Rock's ambition is to have both power and the lady. It's a shame that Winnie can't see it clearly at the moment."
"Then let her suffer for it," Lawrence's tone was ice cold.
Jeremy looked at his ruthless expression and felt a chill down his spine.
But he was afraid that Mr. Harrington's pressure tactics wouldn't turn Winnie around this time.
It seemed that she had truly made the decision to get married. Otherwise, she wouldn't have announced it so openly.
After finishing her shift at the department store counter, Winnie hurried to the hospital to visit her father. Lysander and the caregiver were both present.
The caregiver recounted recent events, "Those strangers have been frequenting this floor lately; they seem to be visiting other patients, but don't think I haven't noticed. I've seen those men paying undue attention to Mr. Blanchet's side..."
"Winnie, you must be cautious. Who knows what nefarious plans they have in store for the old man? Maybe they'll strike when I'm away, or when the guards are distracted, to tamper with his oxygen supply. Or they might attempt to influence a medical professional to administer something fatal!"
These were all scenarios Winnie could readily envision. Patrick might resort to any means to solidify his position within the company. Her father remained a threat to Patrick as long as he was still breathing.
Winnie reached out to the security company, requesting additional, more capable guards, preferably with experience in high-risk situations. Sitting beside her father's bed, she gently held his cool fingers, her eyes tinged with red and distant.
Her father's countenance remained handsome yet pallid, much like the day he was admitted. He appeared as though in peaceful slumber. "Dad, Eva mentioned there's hope for you to awaken within six months and recover. There's this woman, Madam Rodriguez, who emerged from a situation worse than yours. She woke up after three years. I've developed a medication, but I'm hesitant due to potential side effects. Eva is devising a surgical plan for you. Until then, you must remain safe!"
Patrick wouldn't permit her father to undergo surgery without a fight... Winnie's gaze softened as she rose. "Nurse, as of this afternoon, there will be guards stationed outside this room around the clock. Please, if anything seems amiss, notify Lysander or myself immediately."
The nurse nodded with assurance, "Rest assured, Ms. Winnie. Mr. Blanchet isn't going to die on us."
Accompanied by Lysander, Winnie exited the hospital, his brow furrowed in concern. "Winnie, are you planning your move for today or tomorrow?"
"I have instructed Manager Nelson to check Patrick's schedule and I intend to act today."
"Please exercise extreme caution. Patrick has proven to be remarkably cunning. In my brief dealings with the Blanchet family, I've observed his deceitfulness. Mr. Blanchet's indulgence toward his brother, and even Mrs. Blanchet's blindness to his machinations!"
Winnie clenched her fists, "Had Patrick shown the slightest kindness toward my father, I wouldn't suspect him of scheming for control of the company. Exposing his illicit relationship with Ishara is the only way to reveal their true colors to the Blanchet family's shareholders and Grandpa Kathy. Thus, the Blanchet family might be restored to my father's control."
Lysander offered a comforting pat on her shoulder. "Stay strong, Winnie. Mr. Blanchet will wake up."
Winnie forced a light smile, hoping for brighter days when Oscar returned, when her father would awaken. Even if she was already married to Rock by then, it couldn't be worse than her current predicament. She was determined to sever all ties with Lawrence completely, having already succeeded, save for the impending wedding. His resentful glares at the mall today lingered in her mind, but she welcomed their distance.
With a deep breath, Winnie stepped out of the car and headed toward Moon Villa. As she passed the second building, a familiar yet childish voice emanated from an open villa door.
"Kathy, if you move in here, Oscar and I will be delighted! This is the second building, unlike our fourth one. It's a single story, perfect for your senior activities. Though lacking a pool, it boasts flowers, plants, even an outdoor cinema. Once Oscar returns, we'll practically have two villas! Oscar enjoys stargazing; we'll set up a telescope here. He's also into precise gadgets. gadgetry.
"Hey, property manager, make sure to add a big children’s room during the renovations!"
"Yes, Sidney." The property manager said with a placating smile, as a group conversed at the doorway.
Winnie stood at a distance, overhearing and comprehending Madam Rodriguez's identity and her probable motive for being here. A furrow creased her brow as a slight heaviness settled in her heart. Clutching her bag tightly, she called out, "Sidney."
"Mom!" Sidney, previously aloof, suddenly appeared flustered.
The conversation quieted as he approached Kathy, then dashed over to Winnie. "Uncle Luke brought Kathy to check out the neighborhood."
"Is Kathy considering moving here?" Winnie inquired, her tone direct.
Madam Rodriguez spotted her, noting the tension barely concealed on her face. She felt a pang of anxiety, anticipating this reaction. "Winnie..." Madam Rodriguez began gently, supported by a maid as she approached. Her eyes welled with tears in an instant, "It's not Sidney's doing. I wanted to see the houses here. I really want to live close to Sidney. I haven't decided yet. If you're not comfortable with me living here, then I won't buy here."