The bizarre reality of this event had lingered in Wavery for an entire week. Rachel’s cruelty had become the talk of the town, a popular topic of conversation among the citizens during their leisure time.
Since the conclusion of the wedding, the Olsen family had effectively shut themselves off from all news. There were speculations that they had misidentified their daughter and chose to withhold the information out of embarrassment.
What was even more astonishing was that no legal authorities had gotten involved despite everything that had transpired. The only response was a statement released by the Russell Group after the incident. It stated that Dexter and Rachel were not legally married, thus rendering the wedding ceremony invalid.
Apart from this, there was no other news.
And so, everyone understood that they were planning to handle the matter privately.
Numerous media outlets were staking out for a glimpse of Josie, yet no matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t find her. It was as if she had vanished into thin air.
Outside the intensive care unit of the hospital, the director stood before Claudia, respectfully saying, “Mr. Olsen’s condition has stabilized. He can now be moved to a regular ward for observation.”
Claudia nodded gratefully.
Mark had not yet awakened. The doctor said his injury was not life-threatening, but for some reason, he seemed unwilling to wake up.
Claudia didn’t ask further, understanding the reason.
Before long, Summer and the others hurried to the hospital.
“Mother, I heard that Dad is alright now,” Zach approached. As Claudia drew closer, she could smell the scent of alcohol on him and looked up. “Where have you been these past few days?”
With an awkward smile, Zach said, “When something happens at home, shouldn’t I help handle it?”
Claudia rebuked angrily, “Having a son like you is truly the misfortune of the Olsen family!”
Zach’s expression immediately changed. “Mom, how could you say that? Do you have any idea how shocked I was when I found out that Josie, that despicable woman, is actually Liana? The revelation was too overwhelming. I couldn’t accept it. Of course, I had to vent my feelings.”
The mention of Josie made Claudia’s face contort even more. She was about to hit him when Laura quickly stepped forward to intervene. “Mother, Zach didn’t mean it. This matter… truly caught us by surprise.”
Meanwhile, Summer leaned against the wall, observing Mark’s condition without showing any concern.
She seemed like an outsider and remained silent. Claudia did not respond. She returned to her original spot and began to wipe Mark with a towel.
“Mother,” Summer began softly, “I heard that Josie is living downstairs. Haven’t you visited her these past few days? After all, Father was injured because he was trying to save her.”
Claudia stopped what she was doing.
Zach added, “Yes, Mother. If Father is confused, that’s one thing, but you’re not seriously considering taking her back, are you? Don’t blame me for not warning you. She has suffered greatly at the hands of the Olsen family these past two years. She wouldn’t genuinely want to come back. Looking at the way she caused a scene at the wedding, I believe it was all premeditated and organized. She is too cunning, too terrifying. She’s nothing more than an ungrateful wretch! You have to be cautious.”
Laura tugged at Zach’s sleeve, only to receive a glare from him. “Did I say something wrong? Weren’t you all stunned by the scene at that time? Mother, you were surprised too, weren’t you?”
He sought affirmation.
“Enough!” Claudia suddenly erupted in anger, tossing the towel into the water. “All of you, get out! I don’t want to see any of you.”
Zach was displeased, but Laura quickly stepped in to mediate. She grabbed his arm and urged, “Let’s go outside for now. Give Mother some peace!”
Soon, everyone left. The hospital room was filled only with the rhythmic ticking of the medical equipment. Claudia was utterly exhausted. She held Mark’s hand and rested it against her cheek.
She said slowly, “I don’t know how to face that child, and neither do you, right?”
