Chapter 2

After my father passed away due to illness, I devoted most of my energy to the company to stabilize the business, even neglecting Brandon to some extent.

During that time, I had very little contact with outsiders, mostly interacting with people from the company.

Later, when I got pregnant, Brandon felt sorry for me and advised me to rest while he took over running the company. After that, I focused solely on the family and had even less contact with people, mostly interacting with Brandon, Shirley, and our three children.

The children were all born through my hard work, and the oldest was only eight years old, while the two younger ones were just four or five.

How could a few young children know what it means to harm someone?

After much thought, only Brandon and Shirley seemed the most suspicious!

But could it really be them?

A chill ran up my spine, making me afraid to think further.

Because I realized that if Brandon was the one harming me, Shirley, who always took care of me, would surely know that I would fall into a deep sleep every time I took the medicine.

If it was Shirley, then as my husband, how could Brandon not notice anything unusual?

Most importantly, I suddenly realized that after taking this medicine for so many years, there had been no improvement at all.

Given Brandon's concern for me, how could he not be anxious to change my medication and find a new doctor, but instead insist that I continue taking this medicine?

This realization terrified me, making me feel as if I had sunk into an abyss.

Endless fear and despair wrapped around me like vines, making it difficult to breathe.

Time passed slowly, and the entire room was as quiet as a tomb.

Only the soft body of Nala in my arms provided a bit of warmth.

Yet, this bit of warmth was the very source of my current state.

I felt torn between two extremes, unsure if it was because I hadn't taken the medicine or if my nerves were too tense, but I was in a state of fearful excitement, unable to sleep at all.

I lay there with my eyes open, watching the sunlight gradually disappear and the night slowly engulf the light.

Until my stomach growled, I suddenly realized that no one had come to check on me for such a long time.

Usually, Brandon would show concern for my well-being as soon as he got home, but he hadn't even shown his face.

And Shirley, who usually took great care of me, hadn't even asked what I wanted to eat.

Moreover, she had promised to take me out to get some sun after finishing her tasks. Had she forgotten, or did they always know that I would fall into a deep, unconscious sleep after taking the medicine, so there was no need to bother?

I didn't dare to think deeply, my heart felt wrapped in ice, cold and painful.

The night magnified all emotions, and I held Nala tightly, shivering until dawn.

After dawn, Nala suddenly let out a soft meow and opened her eyes.

At first, her gaze was a bit unfocused. Even though she had slept for almost a whole day and night, she still seemed lethargic, lazily shifting to a more comfortable sleeping position and closing her eyes to continue sleeping.

This state was very similar to how I felt after waking up.

I also felt more exhausted after waking up, my brain sluggish like an old, broken machine.

My suspicions grew stronger, and I held Nala tightly in fear.

Perhaps I was holding her too tightly, as Nala meowed several times in discomfort, her round eyes staring at me as if worried.

Looking into her clear eyes, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, hugging her tightly as silent tears fell.

"Nala, who do you think is trying to harm me?"

I, Caroline Sharp, have never wronged anyone, whether it be Brandon or Shirley.

Back when Brandon's parents were seriously ill, and he had no income for a long time, I paid for all the medical expenses.

At that time, he held me guiltily and promised in my ear, "Caroline, you saved my parents, which is like saving my life. You are a benefactor to the Jordan family. I, Brandon, will treat you well and be devoted to you for life. If I fail to do so, may I be punished by God!"

Over the years, he had indeed treated me well, as he promised.

He always went along with me and never argued. Whenever I was upset about work or other matters, he would go out of his way to cheer me up.

Even my friends said I was lucky to have married such a good man like Brandon!

Previously, I had always thought so too. But now, I couldn't help but question him.

Does he really love me as much as he shows?

Is his relationship with Shirley as clean as they appear?

Once doubt takes root, it grows and flourishes, becoming more pervasive over time.

Now that the enemy is hidden and I am in the open, to uncover the person harming me, I can only continue to pretend and observe in secret to find out who it is.

Having made up my mind, I glanced at the clock on the bedside table, thinking about the time Shirley usually brought me my medicine, and instinctively held Nala tighter.

I must find out who is drugging me and their motive!

Calculating the time, I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep.

Sure enough, the next second, I heard footsteps at the door.

Then, Shirley knocked on the door and called out, "Mrs. Jordan."

I didn't respond, only tightening my grip on Nala under the covers.

Soon, Shirley opened the door and walked in, glancing at me still asleep on the bed, and let out a cold snort.

"Tsk, fool, still sleeping!"

Her voice was full of disdain and disgust, completely different from the respectful and gentle tone she usually used with me.

My nails dug into my palms as I struggled to remain silent, my heart in turmoil.

I had always treated Shirley well. Although she was hired by Brandon, she spent more time with me, and because she was diligent, clean, and attentive, taking care of me meticulously, I couldn't go out and gradually became close to her, treating her like a friend.

Whenever I had something good, I would think of sharing it with her. Knowing her family was not well-off, I would find various excuses to give her money, wanting to help her more.

But the Shirley I treated as a friend turned out to be like this behind my back, even calling me a fool!

Thinking carefully, if it weren't for Nala accidentally taking my medicine, I wouldn't have discovered the problem and realized that I was surrounded by ill-intentioned people.

With a light "thud," I knew Shirley had placed the medicine bowl on the bedside table.

She usually did that, then woke me up to take the medicine.

Sure enough, the next second, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

Then Shirley's voice, completely different from the disdainful one earlier, gentle and respectful, "Mrs. Jordan, wake up, it's time to take your medicine."

After she nudged me the third time, I pretended to wake up, "groggily" turning to her, "Shirley, is it morning already?"

I mimicked my usual soft, weak voice, trying to sit up but lacking the strength.

Seeing this, Shirley didn't suspect anything, quickly reaching out to help me, "Yes, Mrs. Jordan, you slept well through the night. You look better than yesterday."

I followed her strength to sit up, leaning against the headboard.

Shirley quickly and thoughtfully brought two pillows to support my back, making me more comfortable.

I looked at her and tentatively said, "Why do I feel even weaker than yesterday?"

Shirley showed no reaction on her face, but her lowered eyelashes trembled slightly with excitement.

The movement was subtle, and if I hadn't been paying attention, I wouldn't have noticed.

"Mrs. Jordan, don't overthink it," Shirley gently comforted, opening the curtains and windows, "You look much better than yesterday. I'll open the window to let in some fresh air. The weather is nice today. Didn't you say you wanted to get some sun yesterday? After you take your medicine, I'll take you for a walk in the garden."

If I hadn't been suspicious and noticed her emotional reaction earlier, I would have doubted myself, thinking I was overthinking things based on her current behavior.