SWNOVELS Chapter 37 Are You Questioning Me?
Elizabeth and Amber were completely stunned by the unexpected turn of events, finding themselves momentarily unable to utter a single word. Neither of them had anticipated that Jared would retrieve the surveillance footage, especially from a blind spot where no cameras should have been installed. Who had placed the camera there? It was infuriating!
But now, Elizabeth had no time to ponder who had installed the camera; she had to resolve the situation at hand. As she was thinking of a way to handle the matter, suddenly, someone among the guests spoke up, "I never imagined that a Miss Ensford could harbor such malice. To drug her own adopted sister, what was she trying to do? Kill Miss Reed?"
"She wouldn't dare to kill, but she dares to tarnish a girl's reputation. Haven't you noticed? Elizabeth and Amber came to catch someone in the act. What does that tell you? They want to hand Miss Reed over to Mr. Farrell." "Tsk tsk! I've seen my share of dark deeds in wealthy families, but such malevolence is a first for me. To drug her own granddaughter for the Farrell family's fortune and to give her away, my eyes have truly been opened."
"Indeed. The surveillance might show that Amber instructed the nanny to drug her, but who can ensure Mrs. Reed wasn't involved? Just look at the way Hugo's family is treated; surely Mrs. Reed dislikes Tina and doesn't want to give up the Farrell family's dowry. That must be why she's trying to send her own granddaughter away... We better steer clear of the Reed family from now on; who knows, we might get framed next."
The guests had remained silent since the incident began, merely observing quietly. However, once the surveillance footage was played, they could no longer hold back their discussions. Moreover, they spoke loudly enough for Elizabeth to hear. Elizabeth's heart twisted in pain as she listened to their comments. Today, she had truly shot herself in the foot, and the Reed family had lost all face. But she was accustomed to handling difficult situations, and with a deep breath, she stood up and confessed, "It was me. I ordered Amber to administer the drug."
The situation had reached a point where she could only protect Amber. As long as Amber's reputation remained intact, the Reed family could still shine in the future. Those who laughed at her today would look up to the Reed family in days to
come.
Upon hearing this, the guests looked unsurprised. Elizabeth approached Tina with a condescending air, "I don't like you, just as I don't like your mother. You two are a disgrace to my Reed family. Yet, since your father brought you back, I have acknowledged you as my granddaughter."
Tina watched her emotionlessly as she continued, "Look at yourself, raised in the mountains, without manners or education. Being engaged to Mr. Farrell is your good fortune. Besides, the original engagement was yours. You refused to marry, but wanted Amber to do it instead. How could she marry while still in school?"
"The Farrell family insisted on being engaged to you, and since I couldn't convince you, I had to resort to this method." Elizabeth suddenly burst into tears, "I'm sorry, it's my fault. I thought that once things were set in motion, you would agree to the engagement with Mr. Farrell. But you should never have drugged your Uncle Talon."
"Your Aunt Ivy has fainted from the shock; it's truly a sin!" Elizabeth was dramatic, confessing her mistakes while also accusing Tina of being heartlessly scheming against Talon. But anyone with understanding could tell that she was trying to push all the blame onto Tina. She refused to marry Jared, so the old lady drugged her, and in a fit of anger, she plotted against Talon.
"Mr. Farrell has another good piece of evidence, would you like to see it?" Tina said, unfazed by Elizabeth's words and smiling lightly. That smile was shallow and faint, not reaching the depths of her eyes.
At this, Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat. Tina had just shown her something good - the video of Amber drugging her - and now she had something else...
She had a hunch it was not going to be good. This accursed girl! Born to oppose her!
Elizabeth didn't wait for Tina to speak, "No need! Just give your Uncle Talon the antidote."
She was bold and unapologetic, not feeling the slightest remorse for drugging Tina. Talon was still engaged in that act in the room, and the people outside had long been immuned to such noises. But she couldn't let things continue to escalate.
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"Mrs. Reed, slander has legal consequences," Jared suddenly spoke up, his voice lackluster, "Are you sure it was my fiancée who drugged Mr. Talon?"
Elizabeth didn't dare assert certainty. Today's events hadsurpassed her expectations, and although she was convinced Tina was behind it all, she lacked evidence. Now, even Mr. Farrell was being implicated. Regardless of his worth, the Farrell family's reputation was at stake, and if they found out, they would surely hold her accountable.
She knew that if she claimed with certainty that Tina had drugged him, Jared would not hesitate to call the police.
Amber, seeing Elizabeth's difficulty, stepped forward, "Tina, it was wrong of us to drug you, but since you can cure that drug, you can surely cure Uncle Talon too. Please, for the sake of family, help him. After today's disgrace, Uncle Talon won't be able to face anyone."
Tina's cool gaze remained unmoved by Amber's plea.
Amber turned to Hugo, "Dad, please talk to Tina. Uncle Talon looks terrible; it's too shameful for him, and he's your brother!"
Hugo was on the verge of passing out when he learned it was Elizabeth who had drugged Tina. He was eager to denounce Elizabeth, but with so many people present and the situation chaotic enough, he refrained from speaking out. Now that Amber was beseeching him, he truly wanted to refuse outright. But Talon was his brother, and he couldn't bear to see him suffer.
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So, he looked to Tina, "Tina, can you do anything?"
After a moment of silence, Tina spoke slowly, "I'm sorry, I don't know much about medicine. I can't cure it."
In truth, if Hugo had asked her and it was within her capabilities, she would have helped. But not in this case. She wouldn't assist them.
She had developed the drug herself and naturally had an antidote. But those who scheme against her must face consequences. Although it wasn't fair for Talon to bear them, who in that mire was cleaner than the other?
If there was blame to be assigned, it was because Talon had just happened to cross her path. She had intended to drug Amber, but upon exiting, she had stumbled upon Talon and the nanny in their act... She had reluctantly gone with the flow.
"How can you not cure it?" Amber's voice grew sharp, "Didn't you cure yourself of the drug?"
She was also furious; why could Tina cure the drug she had been given? But the priority was to end this farce as quickly as possible.
Tina lifted her eyes, a lock of hair falling across her face, partially obscuring her gaze. Her voice was cold, "You drugged me, and now you're questioning me, the victim?"