Chapter 481
"Is this Melanie Linton's room?"
Scarlett Galatea stood at the doorway, her gaze sweeping over the haggard middle-aged couple inside. She had already investigated the Linton family but pretended this was their first meeting.
"We're Melanie's parents. And you are?"
Mr. Linton eyed the well-dressed young woman warily, instinctively stepping in front of the hospital bed.
"I'm Scarlett Galatea, director of the Starlight Initiative." She offered a professional smile. "I meant to visit sooner, but work kept me busy. I brought some small gifts today."
Her assistant promptly placed several elegant gift boxes on the table.
Scarlett didn't linger. As she left, she cast a meaningful glance at the sleeping girl.
In the following days, Scarlett became a regular visitor. She brought expensive tonics and patiently listened to Mrs. Linton's struggles. Gradually, the older woman began confiding in her.
"Scarlett, we're so grateful..." Mrs. Linton's rough hands clutched hers, tears tracing the wrinkles on her face.
Scarlett suppressed her discomfort until a nurse called the family away for paperwork.
"Go ahead. I'll stay with Melanie."
The room fell silent. After ensuring they were alone, Scarlett swiftly retrieved a small vial from her bag. White powder dissolved soundlessly into the girl's water cup.
She stared at the bed, a flicker of conflict in her eyes.
"Don't blame me," she whispered. "Blame Evelyn Roland."
Melanie's eyes snapped open. Those clear pupils locked onto her, making Scarlett's heart skip.
"Awake? Have some water." She donned her gentle mask, helping the girl sit up.
Melanie drank mechanically.
"Did you know?" Scarlett leaned close to her ear. "Your parents grovel before us like dogs for your sake."
The girl's pupils contracted sharply.
"Watching them beg is pathetic." Scarlett continued softly, observing the girl's breathing grow ragged.
"You're so kind, Scarlett!" Mrs. Linton reentered, moved by the scene.
A week passed. Scarlett's "charity" earned unanimous praise from the medical staff. The Lintons' worried expressions eased, and Melanie's vitals stabilized miraculously.
No one noticed the growing vacancy in the girl's eyes.
Meanwhile, Evelyn Roland scrolled through a report on her phone, her frown deepening. She abruptly made a call.
"Who's responsible for Melanie Linton's medical data?" Her voice was glacial.