Chapter 22: A Cure Or A Poison
Despite being the legitimate daughter of the Allen family, Ephyra was soon treated as an outcast. It wasn't long before she was labeled a "bastard," shunned by nearly everyone, and overshadowed by her stepsister, Myra. The wealth and status the Allen family enjoyed were all thanks to Ephyra's late mother. The only reason Ephyra hadn't been cast aside entirely was that her mother's substantial inheritance was locked away until she turned eighteen.
Jania's fingers paused briefly over the next section. *And then came the accident.*
The accident had been life-altering for Ephyra in more ways than one. What appeared at first to be a tragic misfortune marked the beginning of drastic changes in her personality. Ephyra went from being a quiet, withdrawn girl who had learned to keep her head down to someone colder, more detached—and, in many ways, stronger. Those around her chalked it up to trauma. But Jania didn't think that was the reason.
Jania continued reading, piecing together Ephyra's life as her thoughts churned. The tension in the Allen family must have escalated when Marianna realized that Ephyra was on the verge of regaining control, along with her mother's inheritance. And now, it was clear why Marianna had wanted her dead.
Jania's lips pressed into a thin line as she closed the file. Fucking family dramas.
——
The car drove into the estate grounds, the long, winding driveway lined with tall trees casting early morning shadows across the path. Jania's fingers tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel, her mind still processing what she'd just read.
Lyle's estate loomed ahead, an imposing structure nestled among carefully manicured gardens. As Jania brought the car to a halt in front of the grand entrance, she glanced over at Doctor Liam, who was still asleep. She hesitated before reaching over and gently shaking his shoulder.
"We're here," she said softly.