Chapter 78: Vera Lying in a Pool of Blood

Nicole's POV

I was at a loss for words.

Matthew stared at me, waiting for my answer.

That day at the hospital, Eric had indeed been waiting outside for me.

But I didn't want to admit it.

I didn't want Matthew to know about my relationship with Hodgson.

I took a deep breath. "Matthew, it doesn't matter."

"It does matter." Matthew's voice was firm.

He took a step forward, his eyes filled with hurt. "Nicole, am I not your best friend?"

My heart clenched.

"Of course, precisely because you're my friend, I want to protect you," I said helplessly.

"Protect me?" Matthew's voice rose. "Nicole, I don't need your protection! I need you to tell me the truth!"

He grabbed my shoulders anxiously. "Tell me, is Hodgson forcing you to do something?"

"No..."

"Don't lie to me!" Matthew interrupted.

"I saw how he treated you at the restaurant just now. That's not how a boss treats his secretary!"

"He had his arm around your waist, his hand on your shoulder, even claiming you as his in front of Derek!"

"Nicole, you're Shier's fiancée. Why does he dare to be so intimate with you?"

I pressed my lips together.

Hodgson's behavior earlier had indeed been too bold to escape Matthew's notice.

I calmed myself and said, "Matthew, yes, my relationship with him is different, but he's not forcing me."

At least regarding revenge, I had made a deliberate decision to rely on Hodgson.

As for Hodgson forcing me into bed before, I chose to hide that.

Matthew was too good to me. I was afraid that because of me, he would recklessly confront Hodgson.

He released me and stepped back.

Shaking his head in disbelief.

"No, I don't believe it. Nicole, you're not that kind of woman."

"I am exactly that kind of woman." I looked him straight in the eye. "Matthew, I'm no longer the naive and kind Nicole from before."

"People change."

"Why? Why Hodgson? Why not me?" Matthew's voice was hoarse.

I froze.

Matthew lowered his eyes, a self-mocking smile on his face.

"I'm too useless, aren't I? Unable to let you rely on me."

"If I became a man like Hodgson, would you like me?"

He looked up at me, fervent and sincere.

I was too shocked to say a word.

Matthew waited a few seconds. Seeing I didn't answer, he smiled bitterly.

"I understand."

With that, he turned and walked away quickly.

"Matthew..." I wanted to call him back, but my voice stuck in my throat.

I leaned against the wall, feeling troubled.

I had never thought Matthew's feelings for me would be like this.

I had always thought we were just friends.

But his eyes, his words just now made it impossible for me to deceive myself anymore.

I stood in the hallway for a long time before pulling myself together.

Returning to the restaurant, I saw several empty wine bottles on the table.

Hodgson and Derek were still drinking, obviously somewhat drunk.

I stood at the entrance, and they didn't notice me.

After thinking about it, I turned and left the restaurant, finding Eric outside.

"Eric, I'm not feeling well. I want to go back first."

He frowned. "Miss Nicole, let me tell Mr. Hodgson..."

"No need," I interrupted. "Let him finish talking with Mr. Derek. Just take good care of him."

Eric wanted to say more, but I had already turned to leave.

Walking out of the restaurant, I hailed a taxi and gave the Gerald villa address.

The car traveled through the night. I leaned back in my seat, my mind in chaos.

Matthew's words still echoed in my ears.

"If I became a man like Hodgson, would you like me?"

I closed my eyes.

I didn't know the answer.

The car soon arrived at the villa. It was very quiet inside. Doris and Leighton must have already gone to bed.

I went upstairs to return to my room.

Passing by Cathy's room, I heard frantic banging from inside.

"Open the door! Please, open the door!"

It was Cathy's voice.

I stopped, my expression turning serious.

Cathy's door had been locked from the outside.

I immediately turned and went downstairs to find a servant.

"What's going on with Cathy's door?" I asked.

The servant stammered, "This... Miss Nicole, this was Miss Wendy's instruction..."

"What?" My tone turned cold. "Wendy told you to lock the door?"

"Yes... yes," the servant kept her head down. "Miss Wendy said Cathy made a mistake and needs to be confined."

"Go open it!" I practically shouted.

The servant was startled by me and nodded hurriedly.

She tremblingly took out the key and followed me upstairs.

After opening Cathy's door, I immediately rushed inside.

Cathy was sitting on the floor. Seeing me, she suddenly stood up, her face covered in tears.

"Nicole!" She rushed over and grabbed my hand. "Quick! Go to the hospital! Vera is in danger!"

My whole body froze.

"What did you say?" My voice trembled. "What happened to Vera?"

Tears kept streaming down Cathy's face.

"I was just on the phone with Vera, and Wendy accidentally overheard."

"She heard Vera asking about you on the phone and burst into my room with a knife, threatening me!"

"She asked me if Vera was your adoptive mother."

My heart felt like it was being squeezed by a hand.

"I was really scared," Cathy said through tears. "She held the knife to me. I had no choice but... but to tell her..."

"I'm sorry, Nicole, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to. I was just too scared!"

Cathy was almost breaking down, her legs giving way as she knelt on the floor.

My brain had stopped working.

Wendy knew Vera was my adoptive mother.

She had gone to find Vera.

Fear surged over me like a tide. My whole body began to shake.

I suddenly turned and rushed downstairs.

"Nicole!" Cathy called behind me.

I bolted out of the villa. Cathy followed closely behind, running to the garage and bringing out her car.

"Get in!" she shouted.

I yanked open the door and jumped into the passenger seat. Cathy started the engine and sped off.

The car was terrifyingly fast, but I only felt it was too slow, far too slow.

The car rushed into the hospital parking lot. I didn't even wait for it to stop before pushing open the door and jumping out.

I rushed into the hospital lobby, not waiting for the elevator, running straight up the stairs to the second floor.

Outside Vera's hospital room door, many people had gathered: doctors, nurses, and several security guards.

"Move aside! Everyone move aside!" I frantically pushed through the crowd.

The crowd parted.

I finally saw Vera.

She was lying on the floor beside the hospital bed in a large pool of bright red blood.

The wound in her chest was still bleeding profusely.

My legs went weak, and I could barely stand.

"Vera...!"