Chapter 148: Master Lancaster Wants to Send Asher to a Psychiatric Hospital

Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Master Lancaster Wants to Send Asher to a Psychiatric Hospital

Asher and the doctor came out together. After the doctor gave a few instructions, Asher seemed quite happy.

"Cece..." He walked over and took my hand.

His fingertips were a bit cold. Only when he held my hand did my heart finally feel at ease.

"Is something on your mind, Cece?" He could always see right through me.

I shook my head. "It’s nothing. Let’s go home."

I was absent-minded the entire way home with Asher.

’Victor Quinn said he was once my psychiatrist...’

’Owen Foster said that according to Victor Quinn, Asher isn’t the sick one—I am.’

’What does that mean?’

"Sir, Madam, Master Lancaster has organized a family gathering. He says it’s the Lancaster family’s annual banquet and that you must attend."

Asher was impatient. "How annoying."

’I guessed Master Lancaster would definitely find an opportunity to provoke Asher. Asher had foiled Brandon Lancaster’s plans so many times in a row that Master Lancaster must be growing suspicious of him.’

’He suspects Asher is just feigning madness, and today is a test.’

"Asher, when we get back, don’t go anywhere. Stay with me. Even if you need to use the restroom, you have to call for me." I squeezed Asher’s hand, feeling a little worried.

Owen Foster parked the car at the entrance of the Lancaster family villa. Just as I got out, holding Asher’s hand, I saw Erin Whittaker standing in the distance.

’She’s currently under special police protection. How did she get the chance to come out here?’

I glanced at her and sneered. ’Perhaps from living in constant fear, she now looked weathered and pathetic.’

She had dark circles under her eyes, as if she hadn’t slept well in a long time.

She walked toward me.

I ignored her and tried to enter the Lancaster home with Asher.

"Silvia Lynch." She addressed me by my name.

I glanced at her. "What is it?"

It seemed she’d adopted a new persona. "Silvia Lynch, I came today... to apologize to you. I’m so sorry I misunderstood you before and told the police you were connected to a murderer."

I was stunned. ’Have Erin Whittaker and Julian Fletcher both gone crazy today?’

"The police told me today that the evidence of Ash’s crimes is clear, and they’re still searching for his accomplices. But since Ash’s death, no one else has died, which suggests he was likely the mastermind. I can’t stay under police protection forever, so I need to get back to my normal life and work as soon as possible," Erin Whittaker said in a small voice, putting on a big show of having turned over a new leaf.

I looked her up and down. "So you faced no consequences for getting Cecilia Caldwell killed? You’re quite capable, aren’t you?"

Erin Whittaker clearly suppressed her anger, her voice turning soft and gentle. "Silvia Lynch... that wasn’t my intention. I didn’t want to get Cecilia Caldwell killed, I just..."

Seeing I had no interest in engaging her, she spoke again. "I admit I was wrong, and I’ll do my best to make up for it. She loved Julian so much. For the rest of my life, I’ll stay by Julian’s side, taking care of him and loving him for her."

"..." I was shocked. ’The nerve of this woman! So that’s the point. She came here today to stake her claim.’

’Is this supposed to be a reminder for me not to imitate Cecilia Caldwell and seduce Julian Fletcher anymore?’

"Mrs. Fletcher has also accepted me. I’ve already moved into the Fletcher family home and am living in Cecilia’s room. Now I can also appreciate the love Cecilia had for Julian back then. I will continue to love him well, for her sake." Erin Whittaker wiped away a tear. "I’ll also take good care of Mrs. Fletcher for her."

I stood frozen, watching Erin Whittaker perform in front of me. In the past, I would have definitely been heartbroken. But now, it was as if I saw myself as a complete outsider, a mere spectator to a play.

I was even starting to see the "Cecilia Caldwell" from my period of amnesia as someone completely unrelated to me.

I could feel my own rejection...

’I actually reject and loathe the person I was back then.’

I even felt like some of my memories were returning, that something... was slowly awakening.

"Is she sick in the head?" I muttered quietly to Asher.

Asher also seemed to be watching the show intently. He looked at me and nodded seriously. "She’s a little unhinged."

Erin Whittaker gritted her teeth and continued, "I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you... Asher, we were classmates, after all. You should know that I never took part in bullying you and Charlie. I never proactively did anything bad. If you were the one who ordered Ash around, please, stop now. Don’t continue down this misguided path."

"If you’re sick, go see a doctor." Asher frowned, pulling me back a step in disgust. "Don’t let her infect you. She’s toxic."

Erin Whittaker gave a cold laugh, her gaze fixed on me with deep meaning. "Silvia Lynch, congratulations on finding such a good husband..."

Her words were laden with implication, deliberately emphasizing "good husband."

She was like a spectator, waiting for my downfall. "You absolutely must stay with Asher. You two are truly a perfect match. I wish you a long and happy life together, and may you have a child soon..."

Coming from her mouth, those words of blessing became a vicious curse.

She was waiting to laugh at me, waiting to see my end.

She was mocking me for siding with a devil, for casting myself into Hell.

"I wish the same for you. Be shackled to Julian Fletcher forever, and please don’t ever let him out to harm others." I took Asher’s hand and turned to leave.

Erin Whittaker’s gaze slowly turned venomous as she watched me. She only left after Asher and I had entered the living room.

"Don’t believe what she said. I’ll be very, very good to you," Asher said, as if making a promise, afraid I would be swayed by others.

"I believe you." I smiled at him.

Asher was overjoyed, hugging me and refusing to let go. "Wifey, I want to go home early."

"What did the doctor tell you at the end?" I asked curiously.

"The doctor said that having sex during the second trimester helps stabilize a pregnant woman’s hormones, soothes her emotions, and keeps her in a cheerful mood."

I nearly bit my tongue off. ’Why did I even ask? I knew he wouldn’t say anything serious.’

"So, you knew enough to come back for the family banquet today." At the head of the table, Master Lancaster spoke in a low voice, leaning on his cane.

That seat was originally for the Old Master, but now that he’d had a stroke and was bedridden, Master Lancaster had taken it upon himself to sit there.

All the Lancaster relatives had arrived, including the family that Asher had scared before. They looked pale as ghosts, huddling near Master Lancaster, clearly terrified of Asher.

Asher swept his gaze over the crowd but said nothing.

"This is a family banquet. Come and sit down." Master Lancaster put on the airs of the family patriarch. ’He’s trying to put Asher and me in our place.’

The entire round table was full. ’He tells us to come and sit, but sit where? In the corner? Or are we supposed to stand?’

I glanced at Owen Foster and asked with an innocent expression, "Whose family banquet is this?"

Assistant Foster replied politely, "The Lancaster family’s."

"And who is the head of the Lancaster family?" I asked again. "Is it Master Lancaster? When did he take over? Grandfather isn’t dead yet, so why is he sitting in Grandfather’s seat? That’s not very auspicious. He might just happen to have a stroke tomorrow, too."

Asher replied with a straight face, "Mmm, not auspicious. Sitting in that seat will give you a stroke."

Master Lancaster’s face darkened. He slammed the table and shot to his feet. "You have no respect for your elders! This is completely improper."

"Assistant Foster," I said in a low voice. ’Does he think he can scare me just by raising his voice?’ "My husband and I aren’t feeling well, so we won’t be staying for dinner. We’re leaving now."

"Stop!" Master Lancaster roared, and a few bodyguards at the door blocked me and Asher.

Asher’s eyes instantly darkened as he shielded me behind him.

’I knew it... he was angry.’

Master Lancaster had come prepared today. He had brought many people and had even shut the main gates of the Lancaster home.

’Is he planning on... false imprisonment?’

"Sebastian Lancaster, you are mentally ill and incapable of making your own decisions. I’m taking over and managing the company for the good of the Lancaster family." Master Lancaster thought he had it in the bag. "I’ve already contacted the best psychiatric hospital in Meridia for you. They’re on their way. Whether you like it or not, you’ll be spending the rest of your life in there."

I frowned. ’Master Lancaster wants to lock Asher in a psychiatric hospital.’

I grew worried and glanced at Asher.

They had the numbers and the power. Asher himself had a history of mental illness, and as a Lancaster family elder, Master Lancaster had grounds to send him to a psychiatric hospital. Even calling the police would be useless...

’What am I supposed to do now?’