Winnie could not help but feel that Jacinta was acting weirdly that day. It was as if the latter was not being herself.
“I don’t care about that. If you still think of me as your granny, you should obey me. I disagree with you getting together with Xavier. You two must get a divorce! This whole thing started as an act anyway, so why are you confusing it with reality now?”
Jacinta grew more agitated as she spoke, causing her face and neck to flush.
Winnie did not wish to argue further with her grandmother, so she decided to concede temporarily and coaxed the latter, “All right. I got it, Granny. Don’t get mad and let your anger affect your health. You’re only halfway through with your meal. It’s unhealthy for you to starve.”
“Fine. I really hope you can listen to my advice. Let’s finish the rest of the meal.”
With that, Jacinta and Winnie returned to their seats around the table.
Winnie contemplated briefly before saying, “Granny, you’re also aware that Old Mr. Fairchild has been hospitalized recently. He has always been kind to me, so I wish to visit him later.”
“Okay. I’ll tag along.”
“What? Weren’t you despising Old Mr. Fairchild just a few moments ago? Are you sure you want to tag along?” Winnie was slightly taken aback.
Jacinta replied, “I’m afraid you’ll get bullied. I heard Zyon has been going to the hospital every day lately to butter Old Mr. Fairchild up. All of them are under the assumption that Xavier is dead, so they want to get on Old Mr. Fairchild’s good side for the sake of receiving more inheritance. Zyon is a monster! He nearly caused you to lose your life, so I cannot allow you to go there alone.” She continued, “Besides, while you were faking your disappearance, Old Mr. Fairchild was kind toward me when I stayed in the Fairchild residence. He took great care of my needs, so I’ll bring some oatmeal to visit him later. I’m just afraid that Xavier will deceive you. After all, I do not know the truth behind those matters I mentioned about Old Mr. Fairchild either since I merely heard them from others.”
Winnie was nonplussed. “Granny, look at you. You’re harboring prejudice toward others when you’re not even sure about the truth. You might wrongly accuse others. By the way, be mindful not to accidentally divulge the fact that Xavier is still alive when you’re at the hospital later.”
“I know what to do. When have I ever let slip the truth while you pretended to be a fool in front of all the Garland family members? Don’t worry. I won’t ruin your plan!”
Soon, they arrived at the hospital.
Josiah knew the party was coming, so he left his office in advance and coincidentally bumped into Winnie and the rest at the elevator.
Josiah greeted Jacinta first before he teased Winnie, “Dum… Winnie, what is this thing you’re carrying?”
Winnie rolled her eyes at him. Does he think I don’t know he was calling me Dumbo after he changed his words in the middle of his speech?
“Why aren’t you saying a word? You’re behaving like a rude child.”
She grinned at him politely. “This is oatmeal for Grandpa Rufus. Granny said sick people should consume easily digestible food like this because their stomach is weak.”
“Oh. You’re so smart. Why didn’t you bring an extra portion for Specky?” Josiah nodded.
Winnie smiled. “You are Bad Specky, so you don’t deserve to have this oatmeal.”
Josiah was stumped momentarily. “Why do I feel you’ve become more sharp-tongued after not seeing you for a few days?”
Winnie merely chuckled in response.
Louis kept quiet as he took in their interaction. Dr. Houghton is only teasing Mrs. Fairchild in such a way because he has never seen her when she’s not acting dumb. Anyway, judging by Mrs. Fairchild’s laugh, I reckon Dr. Houghton will face many difficulties in the future.
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