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Chapter_83
Malicious Intent
The IV drip was finally finished, and I felt a little more grounded, but my mind was still swirling. Before I could even ask Atlas to accompany me back, Ivanna burst into the room, her eyes wide with concern. “Chlo, what’s going on…” Her voice trailed off as her gaze landed on Atlas, studying him with that familiar, intense scrutiny. I could feel her thoughts racing, and I knew exactly what she was thinking.
Quickly, I shifted the topic to avoid the uncomfortable moment. “Why’d you come back so quickly?”
Atlas answered smoothly, “When you were unconscious, she called to check on you out of concern. I told her you were indeed in trouble.”
Ivanna’s eyes narrowed as she turned her attention back to him. “So, you’re the one who answered the call!” she said, her curiosity piqued.
I blushed slightly as I introduced them briefly, trying to keep things casual. They exchanged polite handshakes, but Ivanna didn’t seem completely convinced. “Is that his jacket?” she asked, eyeing Atlas’s clothing.
I nodded, not saying anything further, and then turned to Atlas. “Ivanna will take me back,” I explained, giving him a look of silent gratitude.
Atlas gave me a few instructions, ensuring I was taken care of before leaving the hospital room. As we made our way out, Ivanna’s questions began. Her voice was tight with frustration as she asked what had happened. After I told her the whole story, her anger flared. “Why didn’t you turn your lunatic sister-in-law over to the police? You have evidence!” she exclaimed.
I remained calm, my voice steady as I replied, “That would be too easy on her. I need her to face the life she should have lived—to struggle, to suffer. Then maybe, just maybe, she’ll think about her actions.”
Ivanna didn’t seem entirely convinced but kept quiet. I asked her to drop me off at the office rather than the Murphy Residence. It seemed more appropriate, more fitting for what I had in mind.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay alone?” she asked, a note of concern still lacing her voice as we neared the office.
I gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry! I’ll be fine.”
But the moment I stepped out of the car, I felt a tug on my arm. Ivanna was right behind me. “I think I’d better stay with you,” she insisted.
I didn’t argue. It wasn’t the time for pride or stubbornness; I needed all the support I could get.
Matthew was in high spirits when I walked into his office, celebrating with Johnson and a few other executives. The atmosphere was one of excitement, the mood lively as they prepared for a contract signing with ATL Empire on Tuesday. Matthew was in his element, enjoying the success of the moment, but that energy seemed to freeze the second he saw me. His smile faltered as his gaze darted over my pale face.
“Chlo, what is wrong? Weren’t you supposed to be resting at home? Why are you here?” he asked, his eyes scanning my disheveled state.
I didn’t answer him immediately. Instead, I walked calmly into the room and sat on the sofa, waiting for the rest of the Murphy family to arrive. I could feel Matthew’s puzzled gaze on me, but I ignored it. His trusted confidants surrounded us, and their silence spoke volumes. No one dared to ask me further questions—they all sensed something big was coming.
Matthew moved closer, his voice shifting from concern to something more detached. “Honey, what’s wrong?” There was a lack of softness in his tone, no real concern, only a vague hint of indifference.
Johnson, ever the opportunist, narrowed his eyes as he sized up the situation. He could sense the tension in the air and quickly motioned to the executives. “You can all leave! Tomorrow, we’ll hold a meeting to tell everyone the good news. For now, let’s just celebrate!”
Johnson then turned to me, trying to smooth things over, sensing an impending storm. “You came just in time. I have good news!”
I gave him a sharp look. “Please, stay, everyone. I have good news to share too. I’ll talk about it when everyone’s here,” I said, my voice steady and unwavering.
Matthew’s confusion deepened as he glanced around. “Chlo, what are you up to? Who else is coming?”
“Your family, of course,” I replied calmly, but there was fire in my eyes. The time for patience had passed. “I want everyone here to stay and listen, because we’re all family here. You can all witness what’s about to happen.”
Matthew’s parents burst into the room a few moments later, looking unsure and hesitant as they entered. They froze in place when they saw the number of people gathered.
Johnson quickly moved to usher them in. Grace, Matthew’s mother, looked frantic. “Matthew, who are all these people?” she asked, confusion and worry clouding her features.
“Mom, please have a seat,” Matthew said with a forced smile, trying to ease the tension. He waved at the others in the room, signaling for them to leave. “You can all leave! We’ll talk about it in tomorrow’s meeting.”
But I wasn’t done yet.
“Wait a moment. It won’t take long,” I said, my tone unwavering. “We’re just waiting for Melanie.”
And as I spoke those words, I knew that everything was about to change. The calm before the storm had ended. Melanie would be the catalyst that would set everything in motion, and I would make sure that she faced the consequences of her malicious actions. No more running. No more hiding.