Chapter 276: You Will Always Be With Me, Right
But the next second, as if she had sensed his intention beforehand; Harriet turned her head away.
Tristan's kiss landed on her cheek.
The atmosphere in the elevator froze, heavy and oppressive.
They were too close. Harriet could hear Tristan's steady, powerful heartbeat, along with his ragged breathing.
The elevator doors opened on the first floor.
Harriet decisively pushed Tristan away and walked out without hesitation.
If she stayed with him any longer, she was afraid she would lose control.
Completely lose control.
On the way back to the hospital, neither of them spoke.
As soon as they entered the ward, the doctor immediately came to give his report.
"Mr. Lancaster, Mrs. Lancaster, we have begun studying the medication provided by the Romanov family. Preliminary testing has already started, and once we confirm it is effective, we'll use it on Della. So far, everything is progressing smoothly."
Harriet breathed a sigh of relief, and a small spark of hope ignited in her chest.
If it really had the expected effect, Della could suffer a little less.
That evening, after coaxing Della to sleep, Harriet opened her computer to create a treatment plan for Mason.
Her phone suddenly buzzed—a friend request on WhatsApp.
It was Caspian.
After a moment's hesitation, Harriet quickly added him and sent over the treatment plan.
Caspian soon sent a message: [Thank you, you've worked hard.]
Harriet: [It's my job. But regarding your grandfather's poisoning, can we keep it confidential for now?]
Caspian: [I was thinking the same thing. The Romanov family owns a residence in Emberfall. I'll have my grandfather stay there and arrange tight security so no outsiders can get close.]
Harriet: [The poison he was given was probably mixed into his food over a long period. The people responsible for his meals and daily care are the most suspicious.]
Caspian: [I'll investigate.]
Harriet: [If you investigate now, won't that alert them?]
Caspian: [You're right. The servants responsible for meals and daily care wouldn't have the guts to poison my grandfather on their. Let's hold off and play the long game.]
Della suddenly whimpered, and Harriet immediately got up to be by her bedside.
When Della was asleep, she looked peaceful and calm, but she kept murmuring, "Daddy..."
Harriet froze slightly.
Not being able to give Della a father's love was the only thing she felt guilty about over the years.
Less than a month after arriving in Luminara City back then, she discovered she was pregnant.
It was from that last time they made love, when Tristan hadn't used protection, and fate had chosen that moment for her to conceive.
Harriet barely hesitated before deciding to keep the child.
She had prepared herself to raise the child alone.
Mother and daughter would depend on each other.
She would do everything in her power to let this child grow up happy.
After coming to Emberfall, Della followed Chase's lead and called Nolan "Daddy". She quickly grew close to him and even became especially dependent on him.
Only then did Harriet realize that a father's love and a mother's love were different.
A mother’s love and a father’s love were not the same.
There were things only a father could give.
And that was something she couldn't give Della.
Harriet leaned down and kissed Della's forehead, thinking of the scene in the hotel elevator earlier that day, her heart unbearably heavy.
The Romanov family soon moved into their residence in Emberfall, and coincidentally, it was in Cloud Bay.
Cloud Bay was one of Emberfall's most prestigious luxury residential areas, so it wasn't surprising that the Romanov family had purchased property there.
Tristan drove, accompanying Harriet to Cloud Bay.
Caspian came out to greet them. "Ms. Getty, my grandfather woke up dizzy this morning."
"Let me take a look."
In the master bedroom on the second floor, Mason was resting with his eyes closed.
Harriet stepped forward. "I'll treat Mr. Mason Romanov first. The medication I prescribed will be delivered from Timeless Medicine Clinic shortly."
"Thank you, Ms. Getty."
The treatment lasted half an hour. Mason opened his eyes. “Ms. Getty truly lives up to her reputation as Mr. Jones’s disciple,” he said with a satisfied smile. “I already feel much better.”
Harriet smiled. "You're too kind. It's not that miraculous—you just rested enough, so you feel more energetic. The medication is being prepared. Three times a day, not a single dose can be missed."
"I'll definitely be an obedient patient." Mason looked at her. "Ms. Getty, I apologize on Lark's behalf. If our Romanov family hadn't lost her, she wouldn't have harmed you like that, and you probably wouldn't have even met."
"Since the Romanov family is reasonable, I naturally won't be unforgiving." Harriet calmly packed up her treatment tools. "She got what she deserved. This matter is completely over. I won't drain myself clinging to unpleasant memories from the past."
"Ms. Getty lives with clarity." Mason nodded approvingly. "I really should learn from you—less internal struggle."
After Caspian saw Harriet downstairs, he returned to the master bedroom with the medicine. "Grandfather, I had Ms. Getty check it. The medicine is fine. Please drink it without worry."
Mason took the bowl.
Caspian sat in the chair by the bed. "Grandfather seems to really like Ms. Getty."
"Originally, I thought anyone who dared to kill Lark must have a terrible face, but judging by her features, she's not a truly evil person."
Caspian smiled. "Grandfather is skilled at reading faces. What do you think of this Ms. Getty?"
"Her forehead is full, her eyes are bright—she has a good face that brings natural wealth and fortune. It's just a pity that her family ties are thin, and her marriage has many troubles."
"Ms. Getty's parents died young. She was raised by her maternal grandparents. Her family ties are indeed thin."
Mason drank all the medicine in one go. Seeing Caspian lost in thought, he asked, "What are you thinking about?"
Caspian came back to himself and smiled. "Nothing. I was just thinking that when we found Lark, you also said her family ties were thin. But you also said her eyes weren't clear, that she was selfish and jealous, cunning and deceitful, and that she didn't have a fortunate or long life ahead."
Mason let out a long sigh. "Lark wandered outside for over twenty years and suffered so much. In the end, the Romanov family failed her."
"She wasn't raised by the Romanov family personally, so we can't really judge her past."
"I only hoped she would stay quietly with the Romanov family, and I'd give her a lifetime of wealth to make it up to her, but she just wouldn't listen!"
"Grandfather!" Caspian quickly helped him calm down. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought up Lark and made you sad."
"It's fine. I'm slowly accepting the reality."
Caspian asked, "But it seems grandfather really does like Ms. Getty?"
"Honestly, I didn't expect it myself. I thought that even if I wasn't holding Lark's death against her, I couldn't get past that hurdle in my heart."
"Grandfather, I also have a special feeling about Ms. Getty." Caspian smiled. "I even have a ridiculous thought—how wonderful it would be if she were my sister."
"Life rarely offers such perfect arrangements. You should understand that."
"I do."
When Harriet returned to the hospital and opened the ward door, she saw Nolan collapsed on the floor!
"Nolan!"
Harriet immediately dropped her medical kit and rushed forward, helping him sit up. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine..." Nolan forced a smile. "Good thing Della was asleep, or my sudden episode would have scared her."
"You've been pushing yourself too hard taking care of Della lately. I told you not to stay here day and night."
"I'm worried about Della. I can't sleep at home anyway." Nolan looked at Della in the hospital bed. "And I don't have much time left. I want to spend more time with her."
Harriet comforted him. "I'm already researching ways to treat you. Don't be so pessimistic."
Nolan turned to look at her.
The ward door was open, and the sound of dress shoes on the floor reached their ears.
Nolan's eyes darkened. He suddenly hugged Harriet and raised his voice. "Harriet, you'll always stay with me, right?"
Tristan, who had reached the doorway, stopped in his tracks!
The scene of the two embracing struck his eyes!
The next second, Tristan heard Harriet's firm response: "Of course, I'll always stay with you."
Though it was hot summer, Tristan felt frozen.
It was as if a chill was coming from all around, drilling straight into his bones!
He thought he should rush forward, separate them, and beat Nolan to death!
But he didn't dare.
If he did that, Harriet would only push him further away.
Tristan's hands slowly clenched into fists, and he turned and left.
Harriet sensed something and turned to look toward the doorway.
No one was there.
Harriet withdrew her gaze. "Nolan, let me help you up."
"Okay."
Harriet helped him to the sofa. "I'm here. You should go home and rest later."
"I go home to take my medicine every day."
"Then starting today, you can come during the day to keep Della company, but you must go home to sleep at night." Harriet said seriously. "This place isn't like home. You definitely can't sleep well here."
Before he could refuse, Harriet said, "If you don't agree, I won't let you come see Della anymore. Della's body is fine, but if you don't rest well, something will definitely happen to you."
Nolan gave in. "I'll listen to you."
After lunch, the doctor came to the ward happily to report. "Mrs. Lancaster, the experiments are finished. The Romanov family's painkiller is indeed as legendary—the side effects are minimal."
"That's wonderful!" Harriet was thrilled. "Then let's use it on Della right away. But since Della is young, I still want to use the smallest dosage."
"Okay, we'll do as you say. I'll arrange it right away."
After Della was given the medication, her pain lessened, and even her sleep became more peaceful.
Harriet breathed a sigh of relief.
She tucked Della in, drew the curtains, and went to the rest room. Only then did she realize she hadn't seen Tristan all afternoon.