Chapter 43: Agnes Ward Watched with Cold Disdain

Agnes Ward watched with cold disdain as Derek Harlan clung to Vanessa Ward's hand, his lecherous gaze making her stomach churn. But now wasn’t the time to confront him—she needed to coax him into doing their bidding first. Once the deed was done, she’d see if he dared scheme further. The marriage between Elena Ward and Derek had been carefully orchestrated by the old woman herself.

Having lived most of her life, Agnes had seen all kinds of men. Those who gambled always met ruin—selling their children, abandoning their wives. No matter how strict the rules, a dog would always return to its vomit. How could she let her own granddaughter leap into such a pit of fire?

Derek Harlan marrying Elena? Over her dead body!

After a hushed discussion, they decided to act swiftly. Elena was set to leave for her sister’s house tomorrow, so they had to move before then. Agnes had another motive: if Elena never made it to her sisters, Grace and the others would remain ignorant, and the family’s financial lifeline would stay intact.

As dusk settled, Elena packed her bags for her trip to Grace’s place. Grace lived nearby in town, just thirty miles away—a half-day’s walk. Her eldest sister lived farther, requiring a carriage ride and miles of mountain roads. She planned to visit Grace first, then her eldest sister.

Just as she started preparing dinner, a knock sounded at the gate.

"Who is it?"

"Elena, it’s your aunt. Your grandmother’s terribly ill. Your uncle’s gone to fetch the doctor, and Vanessa’s twisted her ankle. I can’t manage alone—your brothers are all thumbs. Come help, won’t you?" The urgency in Elizabeth Ward’s voice was palpable.

Elena’s heart clenched. Derek was still in the village, and this sudden summons reeked of trouble.

"Aunt, I’m not feeling well myself—dizzy and feverish. Maybe I’ll visit Grandma first thing tomorrow? If I pass my illness to her, it’ll only make things worse."

Elizabeth gritted her teeth in frustration. The girl had grown sharp as a tack, slippery as an eel.

"Elena, no matter how she’s treated you, she’s still your elder. She’s sick and wants to see you—is that too much to ask? What will the village think if they hear you’ve turned your back on family right after getting into university?" Elizabeth deliberately raised her voice, knowing her words held moral weight.

Elena knew she couldn’t refuse. Fine. If they wanted to play games, she’d meet them head-on.

"Alright, Aunt. I’ll come with you."

Elizabeth’s face lit up with exaggerated relief, her sudden warmth only heightening Elena’s suspicion—nothing good ever came from forced kindness.

They arrived at the Ward household in silence. The courtyard was eerily quiet, with no sign of Derek. Agnes lay on the heated brick bed in the west room, a damp cloth on her forehead, moaning theatrically.

The moment Elena stepped inside, the old woman’s triumphant smirk betrayed her act.

"Grandma, what’s wrong?" Elena feigned concern, grabbing Agnes’s wrist and subtly channeling her healing force.

"Ow! Why’d you pinch me?" Agnes yanked her hand back.

"I didn’t." Elena blinked innocently.

Agnes inspected her wrist—not a single mark. Yet the pain had been sharp as a needle. What devilry was this?

She resumed her performance, groaning, "My head hurts, my chest hurts—everything hurts!"

No sooner had she spoken than a splitting headache seized her, her chest tightening as if crushed by a boulder. Cold sweat broke out across her brow.

Elena dutifully replaced the damp cloth. Soon, Dr. Alan Brooks arrived, his expression grave after taking Agnes’s pulse. "It looks like a stroke. She needs to get to the town hospital immediately—any delay could leave her paralyzed."

Calvin Ward cursed inwardly. His mother had been faking—how could this quack take it seriously? She’d just devoured three bowls of rice!

"We’ll take her to the hospital first thing tomorrow. Elena, stay and tend to your grandmother tonight," Calvin said smoothly, seizing the opportunity.

"Of course, I’ll stay." Elena agreed readily. So they wanted her to spend the night? Fine.

After the doctor left, Agnes’s moans grew louder, grating on the nerves. Elizabeth marveled at her mother-in-law’s acting skills—truly masterful.

Vanessa was crushing pills into powder, mixing them with water and sugar. When her mother frowned at the wasted sugar, Vanessa laughed. "Mom, think of all the sugar we can buy once we get Elena’s dowry!"

Elizabeth’s anger melted into glee. Yes, once tonight’s plan succeeded, let’s see how this little wretch would squirm. A university student? Dream on. She’d be bearing Derek’s children soon enough.

To this family, Elena wasn’t human. They’d raised her—now she owed them her very life.