73 The Sickbed Confession
I dragged myself down the sterile hospital corridor, my heels clicking against the polished floor. The fanihar antiseptic smell hit my nostrils bringing back unwanted memories of all the times Td visited hospitals to donate blood for Alistau
My heart felt hollow after my interaction with Sebastian The distance Fd created between is left an unexpected void, but couldn’t dwell on that now. I needed to focus on the business at hand-getting my shares and ending this twisted game once and for
all
As Fapproached Ivy’s room, I spotted Harold and Tanya huddled outside. They looked up at the sound of my footsteps, their expressions immediately souring
You actually came, Harold said, his voice laced with surprise and contempt
Lignored hum and turned to Tanya. “I thought you two were supposed to be under house arrest
Released this morning, she replied smugly. “The charges were dropped.”
Of course they were. Money talked, especially Alistair’s money
“Where’s Alistair?” I asked, not bothering with pleasantries
“Inside with ivvy? Tanya replied, her eyes narrowed. “She’s not doing well today.
I pushed past them without another word and entered the room. The space was filled with expensive medical equipment, monitoring Ivy’s failing body Alistair sat beside the bed, his head bowed in exhaustion Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and lus normally perfect hair was disheveled
He looked up when entered, unmediately alert despite his fatigue “You came
“I said I would My voice was cool, devoid of emotion. I keep my promises, unlike some people
His jaw tightened, but he didn’t take the bait Instead, his eyes flicked to my wrist “You have the bracelet /
Thave the transier agreement I countered
Austan reached into his jacket and pulled out a manila envelope. “My lawyer prepared everything as discussed Fifty one percent of Evening Gala is yours
I didn’t take it. Td like my lawyer to verify the documents first.
His expression hardened. “You don’t trust me?
Would you? I asked simply
Without waiting for an answer, I called my lawyer, Lisa, who arrived within fifteen minutes. She methodically reviewed each document, checking for hidden clatises or loopholes while I stood by the window, staring out at the city skyline
“Everything appears to be in order, Lisa finally announced. “The transfer will be effective immediately upon signing.”
I turned back to face Alistair, who hadn’t moved from Ivy’s bedside. “When is the next board meeting?”
“Monday” he replied tersely. “Nine a.m.
Til be there.” I took the pen Lisa offered and signed my name on the dotted ime
Lisa collected the documents, handed copies to Alistair, and left with the originals to file them. The moment the door closed behind her, I approached Ivy’s bed.
Alistair tensed visibly. His hand moved to cover Ivy’s protectively, as if night harm ber.
Ivy lay pale against the stark white sheets, her face gaunt from the cancer ravaging her body. Her eves fluttered open at my approach, recognition dawning slowly in her drug-hazed gaze
“Why do you want this so badly?” I asked, holding up my wrist so she could see the jade bracelet, “What does it mean to you?”
Alistair frowned. “Does it matter? Just give it to her
I want to hear it from her insisted
Ivy’s lips parted, but her ware was too weak to carry. Alistair gently helped her sit up slightly supporting her with his arm
Because
she whispered, ber voice frail but her eyes suddenly sharp with lucidity
because your value it
“What?” I wasnt sure I’d heard correctly.
“Llike anything that you value,” she continued, her breath labored. “Anything you want
Anything son love
The room fell silent, I stared at my stepsister, stunned by her confession. It wasn’t about the bracelet itself. It was about taking something precious from me
That’s why you took Alistair?” I asked, my voice barely audible
A ghost of a smile touched Ivy’s lips. He was the biggest prize.
Alistair’s face drained of color. “Ivy, you don’t mean that.
I’ve always wanted what Hazel had she continued, seemingly emboldened by finally speaking her truth. “Mother always said I deserved better than her. That I should have
everything she had.
I took a step back, a cold realization washing over me. This wasn’t just about the
wedding or Alistair. This had been happening my entire life-every gift, every achievement, every moment of happiness systematically targeted and destroyed
I turned to Alistair, whose face reflected shock and disbelief. “Do you see now? Do you
finally see what I’ve been telling you for years?”
“She’s sick” he stammered. “She doesn’t know what she’s saying
“She knows exactly what she’s saying. Freplied, my voice steady despite the hurricane
of emotions inside nie “This is the clearest she’s been in years.
Ivy’s eyes locked with mine, challenging me even from her deathbed. There was no remorse there, no regret-only the same jealousy that had consumed her for as long as
could remember
Do you still want the bracelet Lasked her unfastening it from my wrist. “Knowing that it won’t make you happy? That nothing you take from me ever will?
Alistair reached out to stop me. “Hazel don’t
“Let her answer” said firmly, holding his gaze. “For once let’s have the truth
