Chapter 241 The Truth Won’t Save Us

Chapter 241: Chapter 241 The Truth Won’t Save Us

At the medical sector, Laurel listened as the security officer confirmed that Vera had been placed in a guarded room away from Margaret’s influence. Vera had agreed to provide a more detailed written statement, although she remained frightened of what would happen when her aunt discovered the confession.

"Make sure she’s given food and somewhere to rest," Laurel instructed. "She is not to be mistreated, but nobody should allow her to leave without permission. I also want Felicia questioned separately once we’ve secured the relevant records."

The officer nodded before departing.

Chris, who had remained beside Laurel throughout the discussion, watched her rub her forehead with one hand. She was trying to hide her exhaustion again, but he could see how much effort it took her to remain focused.

"You’ve done enough for tonight," he said quietly. "The investigation won’t disappear if you sleep for a few hours."

Laurel lowered her hand. "Margaret has already tried to execute Enzo and Stefan without proper evidence. If she realizes Vera has spoken, she might do something reckless."

"Then let the officers handle her," Chris replied. "You have people who can take care of these things without you supervising them. You just need to give out the order."

Laurel glanced at him, a faint smile touching her lips. "You’re becoming rather strict with me. I thought I was the doctor here."

"Well, since you don’t know how to take care of yourself, I don’t mind being the doctor here," Chris answered, though his expression softened when she finally leaned back against the bench.

He had wanted to tell her how worried he’d been when he heard about the children’s injuries, but the words remained unspoken. Laurel already carried enough worries, and he didn’t want his concern to become another burden she felt responsible for easing.

A nurse approached with news that Jack’s condition remained stable and that Ida had shown no further signs of internal bleeding. Laurel visibly relaxed, and Chris found himself relieved simply to see some of the tension leave her face.

"Good," Laurel murmured. "Please continue monitoring them closely, and inform me immediately if anything changes."

As the nurse departed, Laurel looked towards Grandpa Wayne’s ward. "I need to tell Alexander what we’ve learned. He’s already suffered enough uncertainty over Grandpa."

Chris nodded, although he felt an uncomfortable tightness in his chest at the mention of Alexander.

Of course she has to tell him. He’s family.

He disliked the jealousy he felt. Laurel was doing what any responsible person would do, and his feelings had no place in deciding whom she should speak to.

"Then tell him," Chris said, keeping his voice even.

....

Alexander was still with Tina when Raphael arrived carrying the latest reports from the fortress. The little girl had finally fallen asleep, and Alexander sat beside her bed, watching her breathe with a tenderness that contrasted sharply with the exhaustion on his face.

Raphael lowered his voice. "The western defenses are being repaired, sir. Captain Rowan says the damaged sections can be reinforced, although several weapons will need replacement parts."

Alexander nodded, his attention briefly shifting towards the sleeping child. "Make sure the workers receive sufficient supplies. They’ve been fighting and repairing the walls without proper rest."

Raphael hesitated before continuing. "There’s also news from the medical sector. Your grandfather’s condition has improved considerably."

Alexander looked up immediately. "Is he awake?"

"Not yet, sir. But Commander Laurel treated him, and the doctors believe he will recover."

Alexander closed his eyes for a moment, relief washing through him so suddenly that he struggled to speak.

He had already lost too many family members. The thought of losing his grandfather while the fortress was collapsing around them had frightened him more than he wanted anyone to know.

Raphael watched him quietly. He knew Alexander had spent years carrying responsibilities that should never have been shouldered by one person alone, and although he often complained about his employer’s relentless demands, he couldn’t bring himself to interrupt this rare moment of relief.

"There’s something else," Raphael added reluctantly. "Laurel has begun investigating the poisoning. Some of the medical records contain orders issued by Madam Margaret."

Alexander’s expression furrowed, as if unable to believe his ears. "My aunt?"

Raphael nodded. "I don’t have the full details yet, but your wife is already investigating."

Alexander stared at him, remembering how Margaret had accused Enzo and insisted on taking control after Grandpa collapsed. He had known she was ambitious, and her recent decisions had left him increasingly disappointed, but the possibility that she had deliberately endangered her own father was difficult to comprehend.

Surely she wouldn’t go that far. Whatever her faults are, Grandpa is still her father, she wouldn’t dare.

Yet the thought no longer reassured him as it once might have.

"Find out what happened," Alexander instructed, his voice low. "And Raphael, don’t conceal anything because she’s my aunt."

Raphael straightened. "Understood, sir."

....

Later, Margaret received word that Vera had been placed under guard.

The news came from an attendant who had overheard two security officers discussing the arrangements. Margaret listened without interrupting, her expression becoming increasingly still.

"So Laurel has taken my niece into custody," she said at last.

The attendant hesitated. "I don’t know whether she’s been arrested, Madam. They said she was being protected."

Margaret gave a cold laugh. "Protected from whom?"

The attendant wisely remained silent.

Knowing she couldn’t get more information from him, she dismissed him. After dismissing him, Margaret turned towards Felicia, who had been standing near the door.

"Your sister has rat us out," Margaret said.

Felicia’s face drained of color. "We don’t know that for sure."

"Then why would Laurel place guards around her?" Margaret demanded. "Vera has betrayed us, and now that girl will use her words to turn the entire fortress against me."

Felicia’s hands began to tremble. She had wanted greater authority, better living conditions, and the respect she believed the Wayne family deserved. She had never imagined that those desires would leave her fearing both Laurel’s investigation and Margaret’s anger.

"Aunt Margaret," she whispered, "perhaps we should tell the truth before things become worse."

Margaret turned towards her so sharply that Felicia instinctively stepped back.

"The truth?" Margaret repeated. "Do you think the truth will save us? Laurel has already decided what she wants. She’ll take everything and leave us begging for scraps."

Felicia lowered her gaze, but for the first time she wondered whether her own hatred of Laurel had blinded her to the consequences of her own actions.

Margaret walked towards the door, her expression hardening. "If Laurel wants to accuse me, then she can do it to my face," she declared. "I have spent too many years serving this family to be humiliated by a girl who thinks building a fortress makes her its rightful ruler."

Felicia watched her leave, a cold feeling settling in her stomach.