Chapter 387 Exclusion
Charles finally woke up. After a series of thorough examinations by the hospital's expert team, it was confirmed that his condition had stabilized, and he just needed to rest and recuperate at home. George carefully brought him back home, worried that even the slightest mistake might affect his recovery.
They returned to George's newly purchased cottage, nestled in a quiet suburban area surrounded by a few ancient, lush trees, far from the city's noise and chaos. The house wasn't particularly large, but compared to Scarlett's cramped apartment, it was a paradise. The spacious, bright living room was carpeted with soft rugs, the cozy bedroom was neatly arranged, and there was a meticulously maintained small garden, exuding a sense of comfort and tranquility.
Charles was settled in the most comfortable, sunlit bedroom on the second floor. Emma had thoughtfully prepared nutritious, specially-made meals for him, carefully balanced to provide the necessary nutrients without being too heavy. George busied himself adjusting every detail in the house, from the humidity of the air purifier to the temperature of the bedroom, meticulously ensuring that Charles could recuperate in the best possible environment.
After Charles had been poisoned twice, George trusted no one and insisted on handling everything personally.
Except for Emma.
Just then, Phoenix, disguised as Scarlett, quietly appeared at the front door of the cottage, her face showing just the right amount of concern.
"George," she said in a familiar tone, her voice tinged with a deliberate softness, "I heard your grandpa is back home, so I came to see him." Her words carried a self-righteous concern that sent chills down one's spine.
George's expression instantly turned cold as he turned to her. "That's not necessary."
A flash of malice crossed Phoenix's eyes, but she quickly hid it behind a gentle expression. "I just want to see your grandpa. Is that so wrong?" Her voice was full of innocence and grievance, as if she were the victim, though her hatred for Emma was becoming increasingly evident.
George interrupted, "Grandpa has Emma to take care of him. That's enough."
"You know how I feel about Emma. She's nothing but a bitch who harmed our family and the one who poisoned him. She doesn't deserve to take care of your grandpa."
"Mom! If you say one more bad word about Emma, then please leave my house right now!"
"George, how dare you treat me like this?" Phoenix suddenly exclaimed, throwing a tantrum. "As your mother, don't I have the right to live in this house? My tiny apartment is barely a few hundred square feet. How can anyone live there? I want to live here with you!"
George's brow furrowed, his tone firm. "No way! I won't let you move in, and I won't let you bully Emma."
"Who are you to stop me? I'm your mother!" Phoenix demanded angrily, though she was secretly gritting her teeth.
"Don't even think about getting near her!" George stood firmly in the doorway, like an unyielding barrier, determined to protect Emma from any harm.
Phoenix's face showed disdain, but she thought to herself, 'You think you can protect her forever?'
However, she maintained a fake smile, trying to hide her inner resentment.
'Emma,' she silently vowed, a barely perceptible cold glint in her eyes, 'you'll see one day who the real mistress of this house is.'
Jack stood at the apartment door, staring at the closed door, the key in his hand reflecting a cold light in the faint sunlight.
After the Russell Group fell into someone else's hands, Jack lost his source of income and had to personally seek help from his acquaintances. While he couldn't borrow money, he could still get a few business introductions.
This time, he had gone abroad for business. In the past, Scarlett would always call to check on him whenever he was away, but in the past few days, he hadn't received a single call from her.
What was going on?
Could Scarlett be in danger?
He hurriedly took a cab from the airport back to the apartment.
When he opened the door, the empty apartment was eerily silent, devoid of any signs of life. Jack put down his luggage, his eyes scanning the empty living room, but he found nothing. He took out his phone, opened his contacts, and dialed Scarlett's number. However, all he got was a busy signal.
"Where on earth is Scarlett? Could she be at the hospital taking care of my damn father?" He muttered to himself.
Next, he went to the hospital.
In the hospital corridor, a few medical staff hurried past. Jack found a nurse he knew in the emergency room and asked about Scarlett.
"Mrs. Russell?" The nurse was momentarily surprised, then shook her head. "She's no longer here. Charles was discharged and is recuperating at home."
Jack's heart tightened when he heard this. He stepped out of the hospital, inhaling the chilly autumn air. The wind had a bite to it, but his heart felt even colder. He took out his phone and called George.
"Is your mom with you?" Jack asked bluntly.
"She left," George replied calmly and briefly.
"Where is she? I'll go get her."
George gave him an address.
Jack thought it was just as well if he took Scarlett away, preventing her from causing any more trouble and upsetting his Emma.
Jack arrived quickly. When he reached George's cottage, he saw Scarlett lingering, reluctant to leave.
Phoenix saw Jack and feigned surprise.
"Uncle..." Phoenix quickly corrected herself, almost calling him by her old name for him.
"Jack, you're back." Her voice was so calm it was almost cold, not intentionally ignoring Jack, but she couldn't muster any warmth for such an old face.
"Scarlett, I've been looking for you everywhere." Jack's voice carried a hint of exhaustion and confusion. He put down his luggage and took a step forward, trying to get closer to her.
But Phoenix stepped back slightly, her eyes flickering as if avoiding something. "Don't, Jack."
Jack was stunned. He had returned from abroad, eager to reunite with Scarlett, only to be met with this scene. A wave of disappointment and confusion washed over him. He reached out to touch her shoulder, but she dodged.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration. "You've been avoiding me lately, not even answering my calls. What's going on?"
Phoenix paused before she replied coolly, "Nothing, just some things I need to handle."
"What things?" Jack pressed, suspicion creeping into his voice. "Are you having an affair?"
Phoenix's face darkened instantly. She looked up, her eyes flashing with anger. "What are you talking about? Why would I have an affair?"
"Then why are you treating me like this?" Jack's voice rose, filled with irritation. "We're married. You never used to be like this!"
Phoenix's expression grew colder. She stared into his eyes, her tone resolute. "Well, this is just how I am."
With that, Phoenix turned and walked away, as if afraid Jack would cling to her if she moved too slowly.
Jack's heart churned with confusion, unable to understand why Scarlett had become so distant.
He had only been abroad for a few days. How could Scarlett have developed such a strong aversion to him?
What on earth had happened?
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