Joanna’s expression was warm and gentle as she deliberately took the blame. “It was my fault–I forgot to knock when I came in. I’m sorry, Ray. How about I make it up to you with the latest limited–edition superhero pajamas?”
Raymond’s eyes lit up in surprise. “Really?!”
Back in his old class, nearly every boy owned superhero pajamas. But his mom always insisted they were full of dangerous dyes and germs–she wouldn’t buy them, let alone let him wear them! Now he realized that was probably just an excuse.
See? Miss Joanna was an adult too, and she said he could have them!
Joanna laughed, giving Raymond’s nose a playful pinch. “Of course. Have I ever lied to you? Now go on, take off those dirty clothes and toss them in the trash before you catch a cold.”
Grinning from ear to ear, Raymond dashed off to change into his pajamas. He hesitated for a moment, wondering what to do with the dirty ones. Remembering what Joanna said, he finally tossed the pajamas into the trash. Honestly, he didn’t care for such childish pajamas anyway.
In the study, Chester finally retrieved his old repaired phone. There was a confidential company document on it he’d forgotten to transfer–a good thing he’d sent it for repairs. He swapped in his SIM card, but some messages were missing.
His conversation with Celestine was frozen at that day in Portside City.
[Celestine]: Arriving in Portside City today, landing at ten.
That day, Joanna had secured a luxury endorsement deal for Lucas, and his company had just struck a ten–year partnership with the same brand. They’d all met at the gala dinner. He’d missed Celestine’s message entirely.
Chester pressed his lips together and yanked off his tie. Was that really what all the fuss was
about?
He refreshed the screen. Three missed calls flashed up from the last hour–all from Celestine.
Gritting his teeth, he called her back. The call had barely connected when two panicked voices shrieked from the hallway.
Meanwhile, at Oceanview Medical Center:
“Hello? Hi, is this Miss Selwyn’s husband? This is Oceanview General Hospital. You’re listed as her emergency contact. Your wife’s condition is very serious, sir, she-”
The young nurse spoke for a while, but there was only silence on the other end. Glancing down, she realized the phone had died–the battery had finally given out.
14:09
Chapter 13
“Dad! Something’s wrong! Miss Sinclair’s in trouble!”
“Miss Sinclair is dying! Daddy, please, you have to help her!”
Raymond and Celia burst into the study, their little faces pale with panic.
“What happened?” Chester’s eyes narrowed. He sprang to his feet and rushed toward the bedroom.
Joanna lay sprawled on the bed, her skin flushed and covered in angry red welts across her arms and neck. Tears shimmered in her eyes. Even speaking was a struggle. “Ch… Chester, am I…am I dying?”
Raymond’s voice trembled. “Miss Sinclair suddenly started itching all over. Wherever the pajamas touched her skin, she broke out in a rash!”
His mind raced. The pajamas were made by his mom–could she have hurt Miss Sinclair on purpose? No, that wasn’t possible. How could Mom have known Miss Sinclair would wear them?
He shook his head, but Celia blurted out, “Mom did it on purpose! She wanted to hurt Miss
Sinclair!”
Chester’s face darkened.
Only recently, Joanna had realized she’d forgotten her own pajamas in Portside City and had borrowed the set Celestine left behind. The kids had seen Joanna wearing them and begged to put them on as well. It was just a set of pajamas–what harm could it do?
He never expected something like this.
Chester’s face was like thunder as he dialed Celestine’s number. All he got was the automated message: The phone you are calling is currently unavailable.
His jaw tensed, knuckles white as he gripped the phone.
Deliberately blocking him? Celestine, I’ve been far too lenient with you.
Just then, Joanna suddenly gasped, struggling to breathe.
Celia and Raymond spun in circles, frantic with worry.
Chester strode to the bed and scooped Joanna into his arms. “Whatever Celestine’s done, I promise you–I’ll make this right.”
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