Chapter 11

Edward's words carried serious weight. Alexander's brows furrowed slightly, but he eventually backed down.

"I'll go."

If he didn't keep an eye on things, who knew what trouble Edward would stir up at the party.

Only then did Edward let out a satisfied grunt. "Remember to dress yourself up properly. Don't leave Isabella with a bad impression."

Alexander couldn't be bothered to respond and turned to leave.

Edward watched his retreating figure and happily picked up his phone to message Isabella: [Isabella, I've prepared a surprise for you!]

Not long after sending the message, Isabella replied: [What surprise?]

Edward was mysterious: [You'll find out when the time comes!]

Isabella looked at the message, her lips curving slightly upward.

Edward, this playful old man, was quite a match for Michael.

She was about to reply when a surveillance alert suddenly popped up on her phone screen.

Isabella clicked it open. The footage showed the hallway outside Henry's study.

A figure in servant's clothing was sneakily pushing open the study door.

She slowed down the footage and saw clearly that it was Lila, who was in charge of cleaning the study.

Lila had worked at the Fairfax Estate for six years—she was considered a veteran employee.

Isabella narrowed her eyes, watching as Lila pulled out a small paper packet from her pocket and poured the powder inside into the teacup on the desk.

Her movements were practiced and smooth, clearly not the first time.

Isabella captured this video segment and saved it.

She didn't alert anyone, continuing to watch the surveillance.

After finishing, Lila left the study as if nothing had happened.

Isabella zoomed in on the image to see clearly the pattern on the paper packet—it was wrapping paper from a traditional apothecary.

She noted down the name and exited the surveillance system.

The next morning.

Isabella came downstairs to make juice for the family, only adding something extra to Henry's glass.

"Isabella, why have you been getting up so early these past couple days?" Olivia looked at her with concern. "Young people should sleep more."

"I'm used to it." Isabella smiled as she handed over the juice. "Mom, try the juice I made today."

Olivia took the glass, took a sip, and praised it enthusiastically.

Henry and her two brothers each took a glass as well.

Michael exaggeratedly gave a thumbs up. "Your skills could open a shop! It would definitely be a hit!"

"It's not that amazing." Isabella couldn't help but smile, her gaze casually sweeping over Henry's complexion.

Toxin accumulation wasn't something that happened in just a day or two. What she added to the juice was a mild detoxifying medicine—slow-acting, but with the advantage of not attracting attention.

To completely clear it out, she first needed to know the composition of the poison.

After breakfast, Isabella found an excuse to go out.

She didn't have the driver take her, instead hailing a cab to Harmony Herbal Apothecary.

This apothecary had been open in Imperial City for decades. The shop wasn't large, but it had a complete selection of medicinal herbs and a good reputation within the community.

Isabella pushed open the door, and a strong herbal scent hit her face.

The clerk behind the counter looked up at her. "Hi, can I help you?"

"I'd like to ask you a few questions." Isabella pulled out her phone from her pocket and brought up the surveillance screenshot. "Do you recognize this wrapping paper?"

The clerk leaned in for a look, his expression changing slightly. "This is our apothecary's wrapping paper, but..."

"But what?"

"This pattern is an old style from two years ago. We changed to new packaging long ago. Anyone who could produce this kind of wrapping paper would either be an old customer who kept some, or..."

He hesitated, but Isabella already understood.

Or someone had deliberately kept this wrapping paper to cover their tracks.

"Do you remember who frequently came to buy medicine wrapped in this kind of paper over the past two years?"

The clerk shook his head helplessly. "Too many people come to get medicine every day—I can't remember. But judging by the size of this paper packet, it should contain powdered medicinal herbs..."

Isabella's eyes darkened. "Could you check what medicine might be in this powder?"

The clerk hesitated for a moment, then agreed. "Please wait."

He turned and went into the back room, rummaging around for quite a while before bringing out a yellowed ledger.

The clerk pointed to one page. "Two years ago, a woman came to get this formula. She said it was to help regulate an elderly family member's health. The herbs were all common pain relievers."

Isabella took the ledger and looked clearly at the formula on it. Used individually, they were good pain-relieving medicines, but taken in small amounts over a long period, they would gradually damage the heart—completely matching Henry's symptoms.

"Did she come back later?"

"Let me think. She came about once every three months, getting the same formula each time. I remember it somewhat." The clerk flipped through a few pages. "The most recent time was at the end of last month."

Isabella noted down all the purchase records and asked again, "Do you remember what she looked like?"

The clerk thought for a moment. "Let me think... she seemed to be in her forties, round face, spoke softly and gently, looked quite honest."

Lila's appearance floated into Isabella's mind—a perfect match.

"Thank you." Isabella paid and also picked up a few other medicinal herbs before leaving Harmony Herbal Apothecary.

Back in the car, she dialed a number.

"Oscar, help me investigate someone."

"Go ahead." The voice on the other end immediately became serious.

"A servant of the Fairfax family, Lila, forty-six years old, has worked at the Fairfax Estate for six years. I need all her information, especially her financial situation and personal relationships."

"Understood. I'll get you an answer within three days."

"Also." Isabella hesitated. "Check if she has any connection with Ruby."

Oscar was startled. "Boss, are you suspecting..."

"Just check first."

"Yes."

Hanging up the phone, Isabella leaned back in the car seat, closing her eyes in thought.

Lila was just a servant with no grudge against Henry—there was no reason for her to poison her employer's family. Someone must be directing her from behind.

Ruby's behavior that day made her have to suspect.

Someone who could even bribe a designer's assistant wouldn't find it difficult to bribe a servant.

The car drove back to the Fairfax Estate. As soon as Isabella got out, she saw that Bailey had come again.

This time she brought several boxes of expensive nutritional supplements and was chatting with Olivia in the living room.

"Auntie Olivia, these are nutritional supplements I had someone bring back from abroad, for you and Uncle to improve your health."

Bailey's voice was sweet, sounding especially sincere.

Olivia smiled and declined. "We always welcome you to visit, but you don't need to bring gifts every time."

"It's only right." Bailey caught sight of Isabella walking in from the corner of her eye and immediately put on a bright smile. "You're back?"

Isabella nodded faintly in acknowledgment.

Bailey wasn't bothered and continued, "I heard you went out yesterday. Did you go shopping? I'm familiar with Imperial City—I can go with you next time."

"No need."

Isabella's refusal was crisp and decisive. Bailey's smile froze for an instant, but quickly returned to normal.

Olivia could see that Isabella didn't really want to deal with this and smiled to smooth things over. "Isabella just got back and might still be adjusting. Bailey, don't take it personally."