CHAPTER 285: HEART AND BLOOD (3)

Georgia’s POV

My legs still felt like jelly by the time we reached the hospital. Katie sat quietly beside Prudence, while Nick drove us with that usual calm focus of his. Vicky and Benjamin had rushed off to work after their secretaries called, leaving just the four of us to check on Wendy.

Despite the long morning and everything that had happened before we left the penthouse, Nick looked completely unfazed. Not even a hint of fatigue on his face. Meanwhile, I could barely walk straight.

"I’ll pick you up from work later," he said casually as we walked down the polished hallway toward Wendy’s room. "Then let’s meet the wedding planner Evelyn recommended. She also owns that bakery that’ll be making our wedding cake and desserts."

I nodded, but before I could answer, we spotted Oliver standing just outside Wendy’s room, speaking with two police officers.

The air shifted instantly.

Nick’s steps slowed beside me, his expression tightening just enough for me to notice. "Is everything alright?" he asked as soon as we reached them.

Oliver straightened, his face calm but guarded. "There’s been an update," he said, then glanced down at Katie and softened immediately. Kneeling so he was eye-level with her, he smiled. "You look so pretty today. Your Nanna Wendy’s awake now, want to go see her?"

Katie’s face lit up. "Really? She’s awake?"

"Yes," Oliver said warmly. "Go on, sweetheart."

"I’ll take her inside," Prudence offered, gently placing her hand on Katie’s back. "You three can talk."

The officers waited until Prudence and Katie were inside Wendy’s room before one of them spoke. "We’ve recovered CCTV footage of the vehicle used by the suspects who attacked Ms. West and set the house on fire. A copy has already been given to Mr. Morris."

Oliver gave a quick nod. "Let me show you."

We moved to one of the benches lining the hallway. Oliver sat in the middle, his laptop balanced on his knees, and played the video.

"As you can see here," he began, "the car had four passengers. They were caught removing their ski masks while passing through an intersection, but the camera angle doesn’t give a clear view of their faces."

He tapped a few keys, the footage changing. "The police tracked their route and found another angle. This time, the driver’s face is visible, and surprisingly, it’s a woman."

Nick and I exchanged a look.

Oliver continued, his tone calm but deliberate. "Here’s the strange part: the same woman appears in hospital CCTV footage from the time Irene had her pre-natal check-up here. She was seen waiting outside the hospital."

He switched to another clip. "A nearby restaurant also provided footage showing Irene meeting a man, with the same woman present at a separate table. In this part—" he pointed at the screen "—you’ll notice Irene signaling to the man, almost like they knew each other well. Then, watch this: he intentionally knocks his spoon to the floor. When he picks it up, it looks like he takes something from the ground and pockets it. The angle doesn’t capture what it is, but... It’s odd."

A small chill ran down my spine.

"The police came here earlier to ask Wendy if she recognized either of them," Oliver added, closing the laptop halfway. "But she said she’s never seen them before."

"Can you zoom in on the man, Ollie?" I asked, leaning closer. The image sharpened just enough for me to catch a clearer glimpse of his face. My pulse quickened. "Wait. He looks familiar... I think he’s one of Frank’s friends. I’m not sure, but he was at their wedding, one of the groomsmen, if I recall it right."

Oliver frowned thoughtfully. "Alright, I’ll check that out." He shut the laptop and stood, giving me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "That’s all we’ve got for now. Go and see Wendy, she’s doing much better today."

As Oliver and the officers walked away, I sat there for a moment longer.

A female driver. Irene. A familiar man.

It felt like puzzle pieces were finally starting to appear—but they weren’t fitting together yet. Not quite.

And somehow, that made it all the more unsettling.

A gentle touch on my arm pulled me back.

"You alright?" Nick asked quietly, his voice low enough that only I could hear it. His brows furrowed slightly, concern softening the sharp lines of his face.

I blinked, forcing a small smile. "Yeah... just trying to process all of that. It’s a lot."

He nodded, studying me for a second longer as if making sure I wasn’t just saying it. Then, in that calm, grounding way of his, he said, "Come on. Let’s go check on Wendy. She’s probably waiting to see you."

We walked together to Wendy’s room, and inside, a nurse in a flowery pink scrub suit, one of the private nurses Nick had personally hired, was adjusting Wendy’s IV.

Katie was already curled up beside Wendy on the bed, her tiny arms wrapped protectively around Wendy’s waist. The sight made my chest ache in the sweetest way. Prudence stood on the other side, chatting with Wendy about something that made both of them smile.

When they noticed us by the door, Prudence turned first. "Oh, look who’s finally here," she teased lightly.

Wendy’s eyes brightened immediately, her frail face softening into a wide smile. "There you are. Katie just told me your plans for her. You did the right choice, Georgia," she said in that warm, raspy voice of hers.

Katie lifted her head from the pillow. "Mommy, Nanna’s awake!" she squealed, her excitement filling the room like sunlight.

Nick chuckled beside me, and I felt the edges of my worry begin to fade.

I stepped closer, taking Wendy’s hand gently. "You look so much better today."

Her fingers squeezed mine weakly but with intention. "That’s because I have all of you here," she whispered, her eyes flicking between me and Nick. "Family makes everything easier to heal."

Family did make everything better. Even when mysteries lingered just beyond the door. But everything is falling into its right place slowly.

I was about to tell Wendy about our plan for the new house when we heard a knock on the door, and the private nurse quickly opened it. When we saw who was behind it, Nick and I smiled, the person we were waiting for was finally here.

*******

Thanks for the Golden Tickets!

Noni_Byz

Tammy_Schrimsher_7493

CozyReader