Return Of The Real Heiress: Secrets And Masks novel Chapter 573

Chapter 573

As soon as the two women exited, Cherise and her group stepped into the elevator.

The moment the elevator doors closed tightly, Hank remarked, “That Lydia, she has a strong smell of medicine on her. It seems like she’s been hurt quite badly, right? Ms. Leach, you must have smelled it too, right?”

Cherise nodded, “There’s a strong scent of realgar and trichosanthes root, mixed with plenty of turmeric, angelica dahurica, atractylodes, phellodendron, and safflower.

“If I’m not mistaken, she has large areas of bruises from being beaten, more specifically, from being whipped. For such injuries, doctors usually recommend applying ointments made from these herbs.”

As soon as Cherise finished speaking, Edmund exclaimed excitedly, “I told you Ms. Leach is amazing. She’s truly remarkable, even identifying the ingredients in the ointment on her body.

“You’re absolutely right. I know Lydia is the daughter of Mr. Walton, but in Betrico Hospital, we’ve seen so many big shots that we’re not easily surprised.

“When she was brought in by ambulance four days ago, she was indeed covered in bruises, with some areas even torn open. Her attending physician reported to me that the injuries were clearly from a whipping, with dozens of marks.

“Who exactly did it is not within the scope of our hospital’s concern. After all, she’s from the Walton family, and these matters are none of our business.

“However, I did learn that her medical bills were paid by a good friend of Mr. Chivers, and he was also the one who called the ambulance.”

Morris responded with a knowing “Oh,” his tone definitive and without a hint of doubt. “It was Truman.”

“Exactly.” Edmund didn’t hold back any information.

Upon hearing this, Morris and Cherise exchanged a glance.

Four days ago was the day Hank was taken by the Walton family on his way to school, and also the day Cherise went to the Walton family’s forest villa to find Hank.

Lydia had seemed fine when they left the villa. Therefore, they wondered why she ended up in such a state that night, and why Truman called the ambulance and paid her medical bills.

It seemed that Lydia had quite a few secrets of her own. When they had some free time, they would need to investigate. further to put their minds at ease.

*****

As soon as Stella and Lydia got into the car outside Betrico Hospital, Stella felt a sense of unease and restlessness. But she couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was.

She muttered, “I wonder if that boy from the Jarrett family that asked your father to look into last time has any connection with Hank. It’s been so many days, and there’s still no news.”

“Hey, Lydia, you were with your father a few days ago, right? Did you hear him mention anything about this? Why has it gone so quiet?”

There was a small stool next to the hospital bed, and Cherise sat down on it, looking at her mother and speaking softly, “Mom, I’m going to operate on you tomorrow. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I’ll do my best.”

She sighed and continued, “To be honest, I’ve always been a strong–willed child who craved affection. Many people think I’m cold, but those who know me understand that I’m actually warm–hearted beneath my tough exterior.

“I grew up without my parents, so I had to make myself seem cold and distant, like a hedgehog with quills that make people shiver and stay away.

“That way, I could protect myself and my grandmother.

“Over the years, I’ve sometimes resented you, but that doesn’t matter now. Some things just aren’t what they seem.”

Cherise paused, then added with a gentle smile, as if comforting Claire, “Tomorrow, please, you have to hold on and live with all your strength, okay?

“I’ve lost my grandmother, and my father is no longer the same. It’s taken so long to have you in my life. You must hold on to the will to live.

“You’ve already missed my wedding. I don’t wan you

O miss any other important moments in my life.

“And it’s not just me. You have a son, too. I don’t know how he came to be, but he’s your child, and he’s still so young. He needs you, doesn’t he?”