Chapter 54

PRUDENCE came home early that day because her housekeeper told her she had a very important visitor at home. At first, she thought it was her mother again, but when she got home, she was shocked to find out that her visitor was none other than her boss.
She heaved a deep sigh and sauntered toward the sofa where her boss was sitting magnificently as though he was one of those infamous members of the nobility. Swirling the wine glass, he turned in her direction and smiled.
“Hello, dear,” said her boss before taking a couple of sips. “I never thought you could get home that fast.”
She plopped down on the sofa across from him. They both looked at each other intently, reading each other’s thoughts. But he couldn’t score ahead of her when it came to that because Prudence was good at hiding her thoughts or faking them. Prudence could act really well nowadays, especially in front of the Whitewoods. Perhaps she could act well in front of her boss as well.
“I never thought you’d pay a visit,” she said in a low tone. “Why are you here?”
“Why are you like that, hmm?” Her boss tilted his head to the side and smirked arrogantly. “I traveled from Sicily to London to see you, and you’re treating me like this? Where is the warm welcome for your dear uncle, my beloved niece?”
She scoffed and rolled her eyes. Prudence then stood up and strode to the bar to get a drink. She gulped her whisky before going back to her seat.
“So, are you here because you suddenly realized you’d like to deal with Sybil?” She leaned on her seat without taking her gaze off her boss. “H-how is he…?” Her voice trailed off.
“Do you mean… Sebastian?” Her boss’ lip twitched. “He has been a good guy, lying in his bed, unconscious.”
“What if he suddenly wakes up and—”
“Prudence… you know that won’t happen as long as I have the upper hand in the family.”
“What about Elena and Ernestine?” She took another gulp of whisky and cupped the glass with both hands. “Aren’t they suspecting anything?”
“All they can do is cry beside Sebastian’s bed. What could they possibly do when the doctors are following my orders?”
“I mean… aren’t they worried about Sybil?” She swallowed hard. “It’s been a year since I came and took her place.”
“Elena knew that her daughter had done something. Sybil’s engagement with the Whitewoods is more like an exile.” Her boss raised a brow. “Are you nervous?”
“How can’t I when Sybil is inside the mansion and always with Chase?” Prudence breathed exasperatedly. “Though she has amnesia, I can’t be at ease knowing her memories could come back anytime.”
“There is no need to worry. If my niece’s memory is back, I will do something about it. But for now, we must push through with the original plan. Francis seems to be rushing the wedding. It seems the odds are in our favor, don’t you think?” He called me and asked me if I could come. So… here I am, breathing the English air.”
“So, it’s not about me, after all.” It was a relief to hear that her boss came to see the Whitewoods.
“The Whitewoods are inviting us to dinner. Perhaps we will be picking a wedding date.”
“You’re going to the Whitewoods estate. Then you will get to see Sybil.”
“Oh. Right. You, me, and Sybil will have this little reunion. I’m thrilled.” Her boss smiled devilishly.
“Don’t say that. I’m not fond of family reunions. Something unpleasant always happens during that kind of occasion.”
“Don’t say that. You might jinx it.”
“My life has been jinxed from the start anyway.” She sighed and leaned against her seat. “What time is the dinner?”
“Why would we wait? Let’s head there now. Chop-chop, Prudence. You know I hate to wait.”
“It would be better if you and I go there separately.” She closed her eyes.
“I guess you’re afraid that Sybil would see us together.”
She didn’t respond. After a few moments, she heard the sound of his car leaving her garage.

SYBIL got home ahead of Chase because his mother asked him to run an errand. She wanted to go with him, but he told her to go home and rest, for she had been feeling nauseous all day. All she did in his office was lay on the couch, sleeping. Of course, Chase didn’t seem to mind that.
She was walking through the foyer when she heard someone speak behind her.
“Mi scusi, voglio vedere Francis.”
She immediately turned in the direction of the voice and saw a man in a suit. Sybil didn’t know him, and he didn’t look like one of the Whitewoods staff either. Plus, he spoke Italian. He must be a guest.
“Are you looking for Francis?”
The man nodded consecutively with a smile.
“Do you understand Italian, Miss?” he asked.
There was something in his stare that kind of gave her this odd feeling. Sybil then cupped the side of her head when she felt a sudden throb.
“Are you alright?” The man held her arm.
She moved away immediately.
“Y-yes. I… uhm…” She saw a butler coming in. “We have a guest here, and he is looking for the master,” Sybil told the butler before turning to the guest again. “I’m sorry, I’ve been feeling unwell the whole day. But this butler will escort you to where Francis is.”
“Molte grazie,” the guest said, smiling. “See you later.”
“This way, Sir.” The butler escorted the guest inside the house.
Meanwhile, Sybil was left alone in the foyer with a throbbing headache. She couldn’t help but feel bothered because that was the same headache she had when she remembered fragments of her memories while bathing in the tub. Would it happen again?
She groaned when she felt the throbbing worsen.
“Sybil? Are you okay?” She immediately raised her head upon hearing Ruth’s voice. “Oh, my gosh… you look so pale!”
“A-am I?” She could feel beads of sweat starting to form on her forehead.
“Yes!” Ruth grabbed her arm and ushered her out of the mansion. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”
“No need. Perhaps I just need some rest—”
“No, Sybil. You don’t look fine to me. I’m taking you to the hospital whether you like it or not.”
Ruth beckoned the driver to open the car’s door for them. She couldn’t do anything when she pushed her into the backseat of the car.
“You were with Chase all day, and he didn’t even notice you’re sick.”
“He knew,” she muttered. “But I’m not like this back in the office.”
“I’m calling him—”
“Please, don’t. I don’t want him to worry about me… and he may be busy. Your mother asked him to do something important.”
“But your health’s important, too,” Ruth countered.