Chapter 397 Was It No Accident?
Janna was taken aback.
She instinctively tightened her grip on Jannie's arm. "Jannie, don't panic. Did you discover something? Take your time and tell Mom."
Jannie's face was pale as she shook her head, crying, "I don't have any evidence; it's just a suspicion. Chris liked to drink, but he would only drink modestly at home. He didn't go to bars to drink. Since he reconnected with her older brother a year ago, they occasionally went out to bars together or hosted friends for parties at home. "
"Did this accident happen while he was with Ken?" Janna asked in a heavy tone.
Jannie tearfully shook her head. "No, but many of those friends were the elder brothers. And just this one time when my elder brother wasn't there, such a big incident occurred. How could that be a coincidence? Could he be creating an alibi?"
Janna's face grew stern.
She had thought Jannie had some solid proof, but even with concrete evidence, it was more than speculation.
Perhaps it was her loathing for Alice and Ken; after a brief silence, she pondered Jannie's words carefully again.
Many doubts arose in her mind.
Ken had disliked Chris since childhood, thinking that Chris's birth would take away half of his future inheritance.
With business opportunities at hand, why would he think of involving Chris?
"Mom, do you think I'm overthinking things?" Seeing Janna silent, Jannie suddenly burst into tears, crying even harder. "Chris had always been healthy. He just had a check-up last month. How could he possibly have a stroke after one night of drinking?"
"Don't panic." Janna patted Jannie's hand. "Even if your suspicions are true, we need evidence to prove it."
"Where can I find evidence?" Jannie felt desperate. "They came prepared; we won't be able to find any evidence. Will my dear Chris die in vain?"
"I told you to calm down," Janna said sternly, "Jannie, you're now the pillar of your family. Both the kids are still in school, and they rely on you. If you act so panicked and cry at every problem, you'll squander Chris's legacy!"
"Mom.." Jannie looked at Janna, her hands trembling.
"I will have someone investigate secretly. During this time, don't show any odd behavior." Janna paused for a moment before continuing, "There's another thing I want to ask you."
"Go ahead."
"How much have you told Alice about Chelsea?" Janna asked.
Alice and her husband had met Fiona before, of course, knowing she wasn't the child of the second son. Anyone with a bit of sense could guess that she was Jane's daughter, whom they called Chicago.
She worried that Alice might coax Jannie into saying strange things, record them, and later use them to attack Chelsea.
Jannie hastened to shake her head. "I haven't said anything. When Alice asked, I dealt with it vaguely as you instructed."
Janna sighed in relief. "I'm getting old, and in the future, you and your children will have to rely on Chelsea. You must be clear on this point. You cannot trust Alice or Ken! Therefore, you must protect Chelsea, understand?"
Jannie nodded emphatically. "Don't worry, Mom, I understand!"
Janna sighed deeply and called Stuart to instruct him on what must be done.
Afterward, she stayed in the restroom.
She opened the photo gallery on her phone and began browsing through videos of Charles and his sister.
Chris resembled Charles a bit when he was young. He was always reticent.
After watching the phone for a while, she went outside the ward, looking at Charles through the glass.
As she watched him, tears began to roll down her face.
She wiped the corners of her eyes, her aged hand pressing against the glass as if she could touch him again through this gesture.
*
Fiona got home just at four o'clock.
Dinner started at six.
Chicago proudly walked out of the study with her homework book.
Then, she slapped the homework book before Charles. "Look!"
Charles glanced at his sister, took the homework book, and after reviewing it, his expression turned to one of surprise and delight.
What she couldn't learn in the afternoon, she had mastered now.
"I learned well and did a good job!" she said earnestly.
Charles nodded. "Chicago is great."
"You don't have to worry; Chicago won't be illiterate." After saying this, Chicago happily ran off to find her mother.
Fiona had come home early for a change.
Thinking that Charles and Chicago hadn't eaten a meal she cooked in a long time, she made a simple baby dinner with the ingredients from the refrigerator.
"Mummy!"
Chicago ran into the kitchen and hugged Fiona, cooing like a kitten.
"Are you done studying?" Fiona set down the soup spoon and asked with a smile, "Did you show it to your brother?"
Charles had sat in the living room all afternoon, not saying anything but waiting for his sister's learning results.
"Yeah." Chicago nodded. "I've learned it all, and I'll always complete the tasks mummy gives me!"
"That's wonderful!" Fiona paused, then whispered to Chicago, "Did daddy teach well?"
Chicago thought for a moment.
It was the same as what her brother taught.
But she could listen and understand, so that counted as good, right?
"Good," Chicago nodded.
"Did you say thank you to Daddy?" Fiona asked.
Chicago leaned into her embrace, seemingly too shy to respond.
Seeing Chicago like this, Fiona knew it was time.
"Do you remember Dad's grandmother passed away?" Fiona asked.
Chicago nodded.
Fiona was caught between laughter and tears, impressed by the child's clarity of thought.
"Dad has to take his grandmother back to her hometown for burial these next few days. Mommy already discussed it with your brother, and he's willing to accompany Dad. Would Chicago like to come too?" Fiona gently inquired.
Looking at her, Chicago said, "She was Chicago's great-grandmother, too; why wouldn't I want to go?"
Fiona smiled and kissed Chicago's face several times. "You are wonderful, Chicago!"
"Is Mommy going too?" Chicago asked.
"Of course," Fiona said softly, caressing Chicago's cheek, "your great-grandmother was very kind to Mommy."
"Then I will use my allowance to buy a big, beautiful bouquet for great-grandmother," Chicago said earnestly.
"Alright." Fiona kissed her cheek again. "Go wash your hands with your brother; it's time for dinner."
"Yay!"
Chicago ran off excitedly.
Darwin arrived just then, and as Chicago dashed out, she nearly bumped into him.
"Slow down," he gently admonished.
After Chicago had run off, she replied, "Got it."
Darwin didn't expect a response and smiled even more broadly.
Then he turned around and headed towards the kitchen, saying, "Can I help with anything?"
"Get the silverware."
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