Novel Square
Chapter 849
Chapter 849
Charles’replied almost instantly, “Yes.”
Brittany’s heart skipped a beat.
“What about the kids? What happened to them in the end?”
She faintly remembered that on that ship years ago, most of them were under twelve, with the
youngest still in swaddling clothes.
Charles didn’t answer directly but said instead, “The institute was reported for conducting live
experiments.”
The implication was clear- none of the outcomes were good.
Brittany felt her knees weaken. “Can you look someone up for me? Joie.”
She and Isaac had escaped that ship, but Joie hadn’t. How did she survive what was basically hell on
earth in that institute?
“Sure.”
After hanging up, Brittany gazed into the mirror, her reflection ghostly pale. She patted her cheeks
gently, trying to bring some color back to her face.
Stepping out of the restroom, she met Isaac’s concerned gaze.
“You look awful. Are you feeling unwell?”
Brittany shook her head.
Isaac, not reassured, suggested they head to the hospital, but she stopped him. “No need for a
hospital. I just need some rest.”
Unable to refuse her, he scooped her up and settled her on the couch, fixing her a cup of warm honey
lemon tea, “You’ve been running yourself ragged. Rest up.”
“Okay.”
She sipped the lemon juice, leaning into Isaac’s embrace, drifting off.
That evening, Brittany was notably absent from the Salter family dinner.
“Where’s Bri?” Grace looked around in surprise, not finding Brittany.
“She just got back from a trip and wasn’t feeling well. I told her to stay home and rest.”
“I’ll have Emily whip up something for her to eat later. You take it back to her,” Grace said, her worry
evident upon hearing Brittany wasn’t well.
On the sidelines, Leda bit her lip in frustration, unable to fathom what made Brittany so special to
warrant Grace’s concern.
“Alright.”
Emily, knowing Brittany’s tastes, instructed the help to prepare something and poured Isaac a cup of
coffee, barely glancing at Leda.
Tonight’s dinner was one Leda’s family had practically begged to attend; Grace hadn’t objected.
Joie, having been rebuffed by Isaac, now set her sights on Marcel. Seizing the moment he stepped
away to the washroom, she followed.
“Marcel, darling.”
Marcel frowned in distaste, “What do you want?”
He had no affection for Joie, only disdain.
“Why do you despise me so?”
“I’m simply not interested in you,” Marcel scoffed. “I have no taste for second-hand goods.”
Joie’s past was a sore spot, and she bristled, “Think you’re too good for me, Marcel? You’re nothing but
a bastard child. If it wasn’t for Manuel’s favoritism, you wouldn’t even be part of the Salters!”
Marcel detested any mention of his parentage, his gaze turning icy in an instant.
Joie was undaunted.
What was there to fear from a man who couldn’t stand on his own two feet?
“Marcel, I’m doing you a favor showing interest. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” Joie dropped her
facade completely. “What’s so good about Zella? Marry me, and I’ll ensure your place in the Salters is
secured.”
Marcel’s eyes narrowed, “You?”
His contempt was palpable.
“Yes.” Joie lifted her chin proudly. “I’ve made my place in the Salters and survived against the odds Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
time and again. Doesn’t that prove my worth?”
Marcel laughed derisively, “Grace is too kind-hearted, that’s all. Otherwise, with your amateur theatrics,
you wouldn’t catch her eye.
“What do you mean?” Joie frowned, sensing he knew something she didn’t.
“Five years ago, you staged a car accident to gain Grace’s sympathy and secure your position in the
Salters.” Marcel spoke softly, “And now, you’re out of jail because your kidney was of use. Face it,
without value, you’d never have been released. You’re just a pawn who thinks too highly of herself.”
With that, he wheeled away, leaving her stunned.
Joie hadn’t expected Marcel to have dug up her past. She kicked at the air in frustration, cursing as she
left.
Little did she know, from the shadows, a pair of cold eyes had witnessed it all.