Chapter 10 False Accusations

The doctor asked, "Normally, a simple fall wouldn't cause someone to faint. How exactly did your niece fall?" "She was pushed," Liam replied, keeping his eyes locked on Caroline. "Don't try to fool us. We're not that gullible." Caroline smirked. "And you think you're not a fool? If falling made people pass out, why didn't I faint when I fell?" Her bright smile carried a hint of coldness, which only fueled Liam's anger. "Did your boyfriend teach you to speak to us like this?" Caroline frowned. "What boyfriend?" Thinking she was playing dumb, Liam pressed on. "Stop pretending. I saw you out with a man. As your brother, I should remind you that you're engaged. Don't you feel any shame getting involved with someone else?" Only then did Caroline recall that she had a fiancé—something she had almost forgotten. In her previous life, her fiancé had visited the Somertons to finalize the engagement but ended up falling for Helen. Helen even became pregnant, forcing both families to rearrange the marriage. Her fiancé had become Helen's instead. Liam's voice pulled her out of her thoughts. "Why so quiet? Feeling guilty now that you've been exposed?" She was indeed engaged, but where did the accusation of her being with another man even come from? Caroline wasn't about to let the slander slide. "Watch your words! You claim you saw me with a man—then tell me, when was this? Where did it happen? And what did he look like?" She had already distanced herself from her family, but hearing Liam openly smear her reputation still stung. She had no idea when she supposedly went on that so-called date. She was eager to see how he planned to back up his claim. Liam's gaze shifted uncomfortably. "I did see it. I don't remember all the details." To keep Caroline from turning on Helen, he couldn't admit that Helen was his source, so he had to insist he witnessed it himself. Miguel, not wanting to argue about that in the hospital, quickly changed the topic. "Alright, let's drop it. Doctor, is my niece truly fine?" "Yes, all her health markers are normal. She's in good condition. However, that young lady over there looks rather pale. I'd suggest she get checked as well." The doctor's last remark was directed at Caroline. Caroline blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected the doctor to take notice of her. As her curiosity was piqued, she studied him. A mask covered most of his face, but his well-defined features and physique hinted that he was likely quite attractive. Fabian chuckled from the side. "Doctor, you must be mistaken. Caroline never gets sick. She's perfectly healthy. It's my niece who has a frail body and falls ill often." To him, it only made sense that Caroline was born strong, so she should put her health to good use and take on more responsibilities. Meanwhile, Helen, being weak, was meant to be a pampered young lady, free from physical labor. Liam seemed to share the same view. He even began questioning the doctor's competence, growing skeptical of the hospital's reputation. He had heard this hospital was top-rated in Kingville and charged hefty fees, but now it seemed like all hype. Liam waved dismissively. "She doesn't need a check-up. Let's go!" Since this incompetent doctor couldn't make a proper judgment, he decided to take Helen elsewhere for a second opinion. Miguel, also convinced Caroline was in perfect health, didn't object and followed along. But just as they stepped out of the consultation room, Liam realized Caroline hadn't moved. He frowned and called out, "Caroline, are you glued to the floor? Get out here!" "You guys go ahead. I want to get a check-up." Caroline had already planned to visit a hospital for a check-up today. She was originally going to a public one, but since she was already here with her brothers at a private hospital, she saw no reason to waste time going elsewhere. Liam, visibly annoyed, stomped back inside. "Why are you so gullible? Do you even realize how expensive this place is? Stop wasting money!" Caroline smirked. "It's quite funny that you're fine with Helen doing all kinds of tests here, but it's a waste of money when I want to do it." Liam faltered for a moment before huffing, "Don't twist my words. Helen needs tests because she's unwell. What's your excuse? You're perfectly fine. Just leave!" "If you want to go, then go. Stop meddling in my choices!" Frustrated by her stubbornness, Liam pointed at her angrily. "Fine! Stay if you want. But if you run out of money, don't come asking for it from us!" With that, he stormed out. Caroline watched him leave, her expression darkening. In the past, she had indeed asked them for money—but never for herself. She had been responsible for groceries and household expenses. Feeding such a large family meant spending hundreds a day, amounting to nearly 10,000 dollars a month. Now that she no longer had to cook for them, she didn't need to ask for anything anymore. As the group disappeared down the hallway, Caroline turned back to the doctor. "I'd like a full-body examination." In her previous life, she only discovered Helen had been secretly drugging her when she was dying. Now that she had returned to three years prior, she couldn't be certain whether Helen had already started poisoning her. A thorough check-up was the only way to be sure. The doctor frowned slightly. "Are you experiencing any discomfort?" Caroline shook her head. "No specific symptoms." After a brief discussion, the doctor handed her a list of tests to undergo. Just as she stepped out of the consultation room, a woman with short hair entered, grinning. "Blake, I saw that girl arguing with a few men earlier. What was that about?" "Mind your own business," Blake Sherwood replied flatly. Taking off his mask, he took a sip of water and changed the subject. "Didn't you say you had a birthday party to attend? Why are you back so soon?" "It was dull. I ate a little, then left." Stella Sherwood took her white coat off the hanger and slipped it on. "Thanks for covering for me. If you need anything, just let me know." Blake remained seated, making no move to leave. "I said I'd cover for you for half a day, so I'll stay. If you're free, take a walk and return in the afternoon." Stella hesitated while fastening her coat, sensing something was off. Her brother had insisted she return early, yet now that she had, he seemed in no rush to go. Noticing her confusion, Blake smirked. "What? Don't you want a break?" "You run this hospital. Would I dare refuse? I'll leave now." But just as she was about to leave, a thought struck her. She turned back with a teasing smile. "Does this have something to do with that girl? I saw how you looked at her—it wasn't like the others. Could she be the one you ... "