Further Deductions
Nevertheless, Bruce did not think much of it. He simply assumed that it was one of Zachary’s tactics.
Maybe he has a motive for doing this? Is he using the carrot and stick approach with Kallum?
The more he thought about it, the more troubled he was. Hence, he reported the situation to Charlotte,
who had just arrived at the hospital.
Holding her phone, Charlotte replied calmly, “Perhaps, he just wants to have a good talk with Kallum.”
“Okay. Since you don’t see any issue with it, I won’t dwell on it further.” The earlier suspicions Bruce
had fleed his mind. “I just find that there’s something strange about Mr. Nacht ever since he returned.”
“Before the fire, he was experiencing memory loss due to the poison invading his brain. Hence, it’s not
surprising for him to act strangely.” Charlotte did not plan on telling him the truth. “We have to be more
understanding and accommodative of him.”
“I understand.” Bruce could not help but feel disheartened by her words.
“Take good care of him. I’ll handle my matters first.”
“Yes, Ms. Lindberg.”
After ending the call, Charlotte frowned. She was surprised at how quickly Kallum showed up and even
met “Zachary” in private.
“Do you want me to capture Kallum and interrogate him?” Lupine knew what was going on in her mind.
“It’s fine.” Charlotte analyzed the situation rationally, “Considering that he’s meeting Kallum at
Northridge in front of so many others, it’s unlikely for him to do anything drastic. Or else, the conflict
would be out in the open, and their well-laid-out plans would go to waste.”
“In that case, what should we do?” Lupine asked.
“We don’t have to do anything other than wait for them to make their move.” Charlotte hurried into the
ward. “Ellie…”
After going through therapy with the psychologist, Ellie was no longer as paranoid as before.
Nonetheless, she was still constantly unsettled. When the little girl saw Charlotte, she did not jump into
her arms excitedly like she used to. Instead, she scrutinized her intently as if to see if the latter was
truly her mother.
“Ellie, it’s me. Don’t you recognize Mommy anymore?”
When Charlotte saw the look on Ellie’s face, she was heartbroken. Pulling Ellie in to give her a tight
hug, she consoled, “Ellie, don’t be afraid. Mommy is here. No one will be able to hurt you.”
However, Ellie did not speak, nor did she move. Instead, she trembled in Charlotte’s embrace as
though she was stricken with fear.
“Ellie, what’s wrong?” Charlotte was overwrought. “Why don’t you recognize me anymore? Huh?”
Ellie remained silent. In fact, she did not even dare to look at her, lowering her head and recoiling in
fear until she reached her bed. Hugging her pillow, she burrowed herself underneath the covers.
“Ellie…” Charlotte called out when she saw the covers tremble along with Ellie’s body.
“Ms. Lindberg!”
At that moment, Raina hurried into the room and held her back. “Ellie hasn’t recovered yet. Let’s not
rush her. Give her some time.”
“Why is this happening?” Charlotte was seized by desperation. “Why doesn’t Ellie recognize me?”
“Let’s talk in my office.” Raina consoled her, “Don’t worry, there are plenty of medical staff here. They
will look after her.”
“Lupine, stay here,” Charlotte instructed.
“Yes, Ms. Lindberg.”
After Charlotte followed Raina into her office, Raina invited the child psychologist to explain Ellie’s
situation to her.
“Ms. Lindberg, I gave Ellie a myriad of tests and realized that she’s deeply traumatized. In fact, she is
suspicious of those closest to her. I have reason to believe that she has been hurt or frightened by her
family members.”
“Frightened by her family members?” Charlotte’s heart sank. “How can that be? Why would anyone in
the family hurt her?”
“We find it hard to believe too. Nevertheless, that’s what we have concluded from the results. In truth,
most of the traumas suffered by children are caused by those closest to them. Ms. Lindberg, can you
think of anyone that’s particularly suspicious?”
Upon hearing the psychologist’s words, Charlotte had a strong hunch that the person who looked
exactly like Zachary had frightened Ellie.
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