Chapter 27
Helena and her family hurried to the villa.
They arrived at the old man’s room, and upon seeing that he had woken up, a heavy sense of dread settled over them. The relief on their faces was evident, though there was an unmistakable undercurrent of unease.
Herman glanced at them calmly, then turned to Harrison. “Harrison, go outside for a while.”
With a deep sigh, Harrison slowly nodded and left the room, his steps echoing as he walked away.
Two hours later, Helena’s family emerged from the room, their faces now bearing smiles, though they seemed forced. The old man was now dressed in a simple gray traditional garb, his hair neatly combed back, looking remarkably refreshed.
Seeing his father walking without a cane for the first time in days, a small smile tugged at Harrison’s lips.
“Harrison, Dad wants to take a walk at Rococo. Would you like to join us?” Hubert asked with a friendly smile.
Before Harrison could answer, Herman spoke, his voice calm but firm. “You should go back to Baroque. I’ve recovered. There’s no need for you to worry about me anymore.”
Harrison’s smile faltered slightly as he nodded. “Yes, Dad.”
His heart sank as he watched his father retreat into his own world, now more focused on his eldest brother’s family than on him. The shift in attention was palpable, and Harrison couldn’t shake the feeling that the situation wasn’t looking good for him.
Hubert led the way out of the villa, with Herman following closely behind. As they stepped outside, they encountered two law enforcement officers standing nearby.
Angelica stepped forward, her demeanor polite but firm. “Good afternoon, Mr. Lewis. We’re from the Criminal Investigation and Inspection Office, and we need to ask you a few questions. Is this a good time?”
“No, it’s not,” Hubert immediately interjected, stepping in front of the officers. “My father has important matters to attend to at the company.”
Without hesitation, Helena and her mother helped Herman into the car, ushering him away from the officers.
Angelica’s expression hardened as she opened her mouth to protest, but Jupiter held up a hand, signaling her to hold off. “Let’s not rush it. We can wait for them to return.”
Both Herman and Hubert were influential businessmen in Jonford, and if the officers hoped to speak with them, they would have to wait for a more opportune moment.
Hubert got into the car, and Helena quickly started the engine, pulling out of the driveway and driving off with speed.
Herman turned to his family, a look of confusion crossing his face. “Why are the people from the Inspection Office looking for us?”
Rooney, sitting beside him, pursed her lips, her face clouded with concern. “It’s probably about Hannah…”
“What’s wrong with Hannah?” Herman asked, the tension in his voice rising.