Chapter 253: Chapter 253: Sent Away to the Detached Courtyard (Part 1)
Raina had heard of Chester’s reputation; he was considered a National Master. With him watching over Baby, she could leave with peace of mind. The most urgent matter was to research the antidote.
She nodded towards Elias, gently placed Baby Hawthorne down from her arms, and made room for Chester.
Raina watched as Chester began to treat Baby and turned to leave the room.
Outside the door, Mrs. Hawthorne and Claire North were keeping a close vigil.
Claire North rushed towards Raina: "Sister, are you satisfied now? You’ve harmed Baby so much, does it make you happy? Baby is only four years old; you really have a ruthless heart!"
Mrs. Hawthorne sighed beside her: "Raina, you indeed went too far. Even if you were jealous that Baby came from Claire’s belly, you shouldn’t have been so cruel!"
Old Mrs. Hawthorne, having weathered many storms, had already calmed down by now. She tapped her cane heavily: "Enough, stop talking! So far, there is no evidence proving Raina poisoned Baby!"
Mrs. Hawthorne couldn’t help herself: "Mom, I know you like Raina, but you can’t just ignore many things because of your fondness. True, there is no evidence yet that Raina poisoned Baby. But years ago, when Elias and Jasper had accidents, there was no evidence that I was involved, yet you and Dad insisted on driving me out, not allowing me to come to the Hawthorne Residence all these years.
So? Now it’s Baby’s turn, and you’re so negligent? Just because Raina is your choice, you don’t want to bear the blame and choose to turn a blind eye?"
Old Mrs. Hawthorne’s face turned cold: "Are you accusing me, this old woman, of mistreating you years ago? Or are you trying to tell everyone that I intend harm for Baby?"
Mrs. Hawthorne didn’t expect Old Mrs. Hawthorne to protect Raina so much; she quickly replied: "Mom, that’s not what I meant. I’m just stating facts; you can’t falsely accuse me." She hurriedly looked over to Vincent Hawthorne: "Vincent, speak up for me!"
"Mom, Susan has a point." Vincent Hawthorne simply looked at Raina, each word pressing her: "Tell me, what is your true motive in painstakingly marrying into the Hawthorne Family?"
Raina couldn’t be bothered with these clamors and walked outside.
"Stop right there! Who allowed you to leave?"
Raina looked impatiently at Vincent Hawthorne, who was relentless: "What exactly do you want, Mr. Hawthorne?"
Vincent Hawthorne was furious: "What kind of attitude is this! Mom, do you see? Is this the attitude of the granddaughter-in-law you chose towards her elders?"
Raina was utterly vexed: "Mr. Hawthorne, are you certain you want to discuss attitude with me now? Or are you expecting me to call you ’Dad’ right now?"
"You’re dreaming! I will never acknowledge you as my daughter-in-law!" After shouting, faced with Raina’s seemingly smiling expression, Vincent Hawthorne realized he had humiliated himself.
"Master!" At this moment, a Hawthorne Family guard rushed in: "The police are here."
Vincent Hawthorne furrowed his brows, extremely impatient: "What are they here for? Send them away!"
"But someone reported to them, requesting they arrest the murderer!"
"What murderer? Who called the police?"
"I did! It was me." Claire North stepped forward, clenched her fists, her eyes red: "Sister did such an outrageous thing to Baby and refuses to admit her wrongdoing. I can’t endure it any longer! But I don’t know what to do with Sister, so I’ll leave it to the police. I believe the police are fair and can seek justice for Baby."
Vincent Hawthorne was stunned for a moment and then realized this was indeed the best way to handle the situation.