Sybil’s face stiffened. She hurriedly explained, “No, of course not! Why would the Winslets ever harm you, Loyce?”
She had only intended to flaunt her close relationship with Yorick in front of the Lonsdales to pave the way for a future marriage alliance. After all, in Metropia’s high society, the Winslet family was second only to Lucian in power.
“Oh, Loyce, you’ve misunderstood,” Alicia said quickly, trying to smooth things over, her fingers unconsciously tightening on her purse strap. “Sybil is just so concerned about you. She must have heard the news from somewhere else and gotten flustered, that’s why she misspoke.”
Sybil also quickly composed herself, forcing a gentle smile. “Y-yes, that’s right.” Her eyes darted around as her voice trailed off. “Yorick… he’s usually so careful…”
Loyce didn’t press the issue. Everyone in the Lonsdale family was sharp enough to see Sybil’s little ploy; she was clearly panicking at the thought of losing the man she had her sights on.
Alicia tried to change the subject, shooting Sybil a glare that screamed, “Why are you so clever when you should be quiet, and so foolish when you need to be smart?”
Soon after, the Winslets arrived in force, with Yorick in tow. Their grand entrance was quite a spectacle. Loyce’s VIP suite was already the largest and best in the hospital, but it felt crowded the moment the Winslet family arrived.
Not only were Yorick and Elise present, but even Yorick’s parents, who were constantly away on business, had rushed back overnight. They were here to apologize for Loyce getting caught in the crossfire, and they came bearing gifts that demonstrated their sincerity.
Forrest subtly stepped in front of Loyce’s bed, his tone distant. “Mr. Winslet, you’re a busy man. There was no need for you to come in person over such a small matter.”
Yorick’s father, Victor Winslet, stepped forward, his attitude sincere. “You’re too kind, Mr. Lonsdale. Loyce was injured on our watch; the Winslet family is fully responsible.”
He gestured to the side, and an assistant immediately presented an exquisite wooden box. “This is a rare century-old wild ginseng from our collection, for Loyce’s recovery.”
Sybil’s heart churned with jealousy as she eyed the priceless gift. She silently vowed that once she won Yorick over, all of this would be hers.
Morris sneered. “Do you think the Lonsdales are in need of such tonics?”
His sharp gaze landed on Yorick, who was standing in the back. His gentle voice was like a hidden blade. “And where exactly was Yorick when this all happened?”
Yorick’s face paled. He stepped forward and bowed deeply. “It was my negligence. I was supposed to protect Loyce, but instead, she ended up protecting me. I am deeply ashamed!”
When he looked up, his eyes drifted unconsciously toward Loyce on the bed. “I am willing to take full responsibility.”
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: She Was the Treasure All Along