Chapter 456 Personal Vengeance
It was Jane who stole her life away.
These were the sins that should be Jane's to bear.
Yet, in the end, everyone loved her, including her father and husband!
When she was in distress, her biological parents gave up everything to secure her a new identity and brought her back to life with them.
What sickened Alice the most?
Jane had a child with the man she loved.
Why?!
Why did it have to be so unfair?
Before long, the news of Ken losing his mind reached Fiona's ears.
"He's gone mad?" she frowned. "Is prison life that harsh?"
Darwin handed her a warm glass of milk.
He sat across from her again. "It was after Grandma visited that he started losing it, and that woman started acting all weird, too."
Fiona took a sip of her coffee, mulling over the situation. "Classic, Mrs. Janna," she remarked.
"When can we head home? Things here seem pretty wrapped up," Darwin ventured carefully.
He had realized that Fiona would soon be taking over Rhoad's family affairs, and he couldn't help worrying that she might decide to stay.
"In the next few days," Fiona said casually after a glance at his arm. The stitches had been removed a couple of days ago, and the doctor said he was healing well. To Darwin's strong constitution, Fiona could only give a thumbs-up.
"We still haven't heard anything about a bone marrow match for Charles," she continued. "Grandma says she'll manage the company and gradually place my people in the right positions until Charles recovers."
Darwin nodded. "Don't worry. With the extensive search we're conducting, we're bound to find a matching donor."
Fiona acknowledged his optimism.
Outside the window, a light rain tapped steadily against the glass.
She finished her coffee slowly, her mind wandering. She was suddenly curious about Ken and Alice – had they really been driven mad by Janna, as rumored? Fiona was always one to verify her suspicions.
The next day, Darwin dragged Janna out to the market.
The goal was to get Darwin familiar with the likes and dislikes – and dietary restrictions – of the two kids and Fiona.
They chose the market because Janna had a fondness for the lively atmosphere that was more pronounced there than in a supermarket.
Fiona didn't rise from bed until the two had left. She dressed in a somber outfit, planning to visit the jail where Ken and Alice were being held.
Burl, upon hearing this, insisted on accompanying her, concerned for her safety.
As they were about to leave, Burl suddenly shared a secret with Fiona. "Sis, I think Grandma Rhoads has gone rogue!"
Fiona looked at him puzzled. "Gone rogue? What do you mean?"
"He and Darwin were leaving, and I overheard Grandma at the door giving Darwin a piece of her mind about them still sleeping in separate rooms and not being... productive," Burl whispered, as if speaking too loudly might carry his words all the way to Janna at the market and earn him a beating.
Fiona was speechless.
"Can't you quit eavesdropping?" she chided.
"I'm not eavesdropping! I was sitting right there in the dining room; I heard everything fair and square," Burl defended himself, straightening up with a huff.
Fiona simply shook her head, choosing not to argue.
Truth be told, Janna had been pressing her on the same issue recently. The house felt too empty, lacking the vibrant chaos of a large family. She had also hinted that now would be a good time for Fiona to have another child before taking over the Rhoads family and getting too busy.
Fiona had chosen to ignore these suggestions.
Not wanting to stir up any trouble with Janna, Fiona decided to drive herself.
Burl was chattering away nonstop during the whole trip. Despite his ramblings, she was in a good mood. Upon arrival, the contact person greeted her warmly and escorted her to the detention area where Ken was being held.
"You wouldn't believe it," the person complained as they walked, "When he first arrived, this gentleman was incredibly difficult. He complained about the food and the water and even got into a scuffle with one of our staff members. But after Mr. Rhoads visited last time, he's like a changed man. Now, all he fusses about is changing his clothes and washing his face."
As they talked, they reached the room where Ken was being held in isolation. There's a silver lining to his madness; at least he earned a private room.
"No need to unlock the door," Burl said quickly as the person reached for the keys.
"We should probably check on him," Burl insisted.
Fiona, however, stood silently, peering through the bars at Ken, who was talking to someone with his back turned to her. She faintly heard him ask, "Do I look good today? You still love me, right?"
Fiona paused, taken aback.
"He does that all the time," the contact person clicked his tongue, "always asking whoever's around if he looks good."
Fiona remained stationary.
"Did Mr. Rhoads bring Alice with him last time?" she asked the contact person.
"Yes," the contact person nodded.
It suddenly clicked for Fiona. She had thought yesterday that Janna had convinced them they were depressed. It seemed... it was their own doing after all. Alice must have told Ken the truth. Ken had gone mad with regret.
Glancing at Ken again, Fiona wondered if his current state indicated that he truly had loved his mother. The thought flickered and then passed. She withdrew her gaze. Whether he loved her or not didn't matter in the slightest. It couldn't change the fact that Ken was a scoundrel who had devastated her mother.
"Alice is in another building..." the contact person continued.
"No need," Fiona shook her head, "I've got the answers I came for."
"Eh?" The contact person was confused; he had hoped to discuss potential charitable donations to the prison with Miss Rhoads.
The rain had poured down the whole night. Many trees had been planted around the prison. Stepping out, Fiona breathed in the crisp, fresh air.
"Sis, what did you find out? You seem in high spirits," Burl caught up, curious.
Fiona looked at him and then, with a burst of energy, tousled his neatly combed hair.
"Sis!" Burl yelled, annoyed.
"Come on, I'm treating you to a feast!"
"Aren't we taking Darwin?" Burl followed eagerly, practically wagging his tail.
"Nope!"
"Awesome, let's go!"
Lush green leaves bordered the road ahead. In Fiona's mind lingered the image of her mother—how wondrous and mystical she seemed.
After over three decades, you avenged your grudge with your own hands.
The truth from thirty-some years ago spilled from Alice's lips.
The Sword of Damocles fell heavily.
It struck Alice and Ken with a forceful blow.
Fiona, of course, knew why Alice revealed the truth—to strike at Ken.
But in the end, it didn't just fail to harm Ken.
It also made it clear who Ken truly loved in his heart once the lies were gone.
It would've been one thing if that person had been someone else.
But it was Jane, of all people.
The imagined enemy of Alice's lifetime.
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