Chapter 147: Discharge from the Hospital
"Helena, stop making trouble. Natasha is your cousin. What good does it do you to spread family scandals?"
John looked at me with displeasure.
I shook my head. "I know this will hurt both sides, but I've already been labeled as a homewrecker. I can't bear that reputation."
"My request is simple - hold a press conference and clarify the facts. I've already made the biggest concession by not exposing Knox's affair. Natasha needs to show some sincerity too. Otherwise, I can't guarantee I won't do something extreme."
Seeing me like this, John's face instantly darkened.
"Helena, I may not be able to control you, but surely your father won't let you act so recklessly!"
"I might as well tell you - at Natasha's engagement party the other day, my mother was drugged and poisoned and ended up in the hospital. She only got out of danger yesterday. Dad is furious right now. If you want to anger him, go ahead and call him."
Sure enough, hearing this, John immediately became cautious.
He frowned. "Poisoned? How could she be poisoned?"
"You should ask yourself that."
I crossed my arms and stared at him coldly. "My mother was poisoned at your party. By rights, you can't escape responsibility."
"What nonsense are you talking about!"
John flew into a rage. "Everyone attended the party, but only your mother had an accident. That's her own business. What does it have to do with us?"
"Whether it has anything to do with you isn't for you to say. The police are investigating. We'll know when the results come out."
But looking at his expression, he really seemed to know nothing about it.
So this wasn't his doing. If not him, then who?
Could it really be Rosalind?
At this thought, a chill ran through me.
Why would Rosalind be so cruel to Maria?
I wanted to confront her right now, but I knew that without evidence, I had no way to deal with her.
If she denied it and accused me instead, I'd be the one in the wrong.
Thinking this, I lowered my eyes. "Think carefully about what I just said. I'll wait until noon - no later!"
With that, I turned and walked toward the door. After just a few steps, I heard Serenity's anxious voice. "Helena, why are you leaving?"
I stopped and turned to look at her. "I've said what I came to say. Why would I stay?"
Serenity's face flushed as she looked at me. "Derek has already booked a restaurant. He said to have me bring you along tonight."
Fine, since you're so eager to walk into a trap, I'll oblige you!
I said coldly, "Alright, see you tonight."
Seeing me agree so readily, Serenity was overjoyed. "Then I'll pick you up tonight."
"No need. Just give me the address and I'll go myself."
With that, I turned and left, not caring how John's family reacted. I'd said everything I needed to say. Now it was up to them what to do next.
When I got back to the hospital, I saw Maria was fine and strolling around the garden.
Seeing me, Maria immediately complained, "I must go home today. I can't stay in this place another minute. Helena, you came at the right time. Quick, talk to your father."
"Mom, you can't rush this."
I smiled and looked at Henry. "What did the doctor say?"
Henry spoke up. "The doctor said there's nothing serious, but I was thinking of having your mother stay in the hospital for observation for a few more days."
I nodded in agreement. "Maybe we should listen to Dad."
"Listen to what? The doctor said I'm fine. Why would I stay here?"
Maria gave Henry a playful eye roll. "If it really doesn't work, after I go home, I can have the family doctor check on me constantly."
"I really can't stay here another day. I want to go home. Home is comfortable."
Seeing Maria insist, I looked at Henry. "Why don't we do as Mom wants? Otherwise, if she's in a bad mood, that's bad for her health too."
"Right, Helena's right."
Seeing Maria's expectant eyes, Henry had to compromise.
"Alright then, let's pack up and go home in a bit."
Hearing she could go home, Maria's mood immediately improved. "Pack what? We can just go directly."
Maria pulled Henry and me by the hand and headed toward the parking lot. "Let's go, let's go now."
Henry couldn't resist Maria, so he called the hospital director, then drove Maria and me home.
The front gate slowly opened. Peter and the servants saw Maria get out of the car and said in unison, "Welcome home, Mrs. Lockwood."
After speaking, two servants rushed forward to help Maria.
Maria waved them off with a smile. "I'm fine, no need to help."
Once inside, Maria's mood lifted considerably. She lay on the sofa and sighed comfortably, "Home is still the best!"
"Even though you're home, you can't be careless. I've already had the hospital send over a doctor. This doctor will stay at the house long-term. If you feel unwell at all, you must speak up."
Hearing Henry's words, Maria nodded. "Okay, I'll listen to you."
I asked, "Mom, what do you want to eat? I'll have the chef prepare it."
Maria looked at Peter standing nearby. "What's prepared for lunch?"
Peter replied respectfully, "We've prepared several light vegetable dishes. If there's anything else you'd like, just say the word."
Maria thought for a moment. "The hospital food was so bland. I want something with more flavor. Make a few fish dishes too."
"Yes, ma'am."
Peter bowed slightly and went to prepare.
Just as the food was served and we sat down but hadn't started eating, we heard Peter say that John and Willow had arrived.
"What are they doing here?"
Maria frowned, clearly unhappy.
Seeing Maria like this, Henry was somewhat helpless. "Maria, don't be angry. Maybe they came to visit you. After all, they're family. They're already at the door - it wouldn't be good to turn them away. Should we let them in?"
Seeing Henry say this, Maria could only reluctantly agree. "Fine, let them in."
Seeing Maria agree, Henry gave Peter a look. Peter walked toward the door.
Before long, John's voice rang out.
"You're finally back! I heard from Helena today that Maria was in the hospital. I was planning to visit at the hospital, but when I got there, you weren't there."
John set down the gifts he was carrying on the table and looked at Maria. "Maria, how are you feeling?"
Maria nodded. "Much better, thanks for your concern."
She looked at Willow and John. "Haven't eaten yet? Join us?"
"Great, perfect timing - just in time for the meal."
John sat down without ceremony and glanced at Willow. "You sit too."