Further Deductions
Nevertheless, Brandy did not think much of it. He simply assumed that it was one of Zayn's tactics.
Maybe he has a motive for doing this? Is he using the carrot and stick approach with Kallum?
The more he thought about it, the more troubled he was. Hence, he reported the situation to Carla, who had just arrived at the hospital.
Holding her phone, Carla replied calmly, "Perhaps, he just wants to have a good talk with Kallum."
"Okay. Since you don't see any issue with it, I won't dwell on it further." The earlier suspicions Brandy had fleed his mind. "I just find that there's something strange about Mr. Giblo ever since he returned."
"Before the fire, he was experiencing memory loss due to the poison invading his brain. Hence, it's not surprising for him to act strangely." Carla did not plan on telling him the truth. "We have to be more understanding and accommodative of him."
"I understand." Brandy could not help but feel disheartened by her words.
"Take good care of him. I'll handle my matters first."
"Yes, Ms. Lierger."
After ending the call, Carla frowned. She was surprised at how quickly Kallum showed up and even met "Zayn" in private.
"Do you want me to capture Kallum and interrogate him?" Freda knew what was going on in her mind.
"It's fine." Carla analyzed the situation rationally, "Considering that he's meeting Kallum at Northridge in front of so many others, it's unlikely for him to do anything drastic. Or else, the conflict
would be out in the open, and their well-laid-out plans would go to waste."
"In that case, what should we do?" Freda asked.
"We don't have to do anything other than wait for them to make their move." Carla hurried into the ward. "Venus…"
After going through therapy with the psychologist, Venus was no longer as paranoid as before. Nonetheless, she was still constantly unsettled. When the little girl saw Carla, she did not jump into her arms excitedly like she used to. Instead, she scrutinized her intently as if to see if the latter was truly her mother.
"Venus, it's me. Don't you recognize Mommy anymore?"
When Carla saw the look on Venus's face, she was heartbroken. Pulling Venus in to give her a tight hug, she consoled, "Venus, don't be afraid. Mommy is here. No one will be able to hurt you."
However, Venus did not speak, nor did she move. Instead, she trembled in Carla's embrace as though she was stricken with fear.
"Venus, what's wrong?" Carla was overwrought. "Why don't you recognize me anymore? Huh?"
Venus remained silent. In fact, she did not even dare to look at her, lowering her head and recoiling in fear until she reached her bed. Hugging her pillow, she burrowed herself underneath the covers.
"Venus…" Carla called out when she saw the covers tremble along with Venus's body.
"Ms. Lierger!"
At that moment, Naya hurried into the room and held her back. "Venus hasn't recovered yet. Let's not rush her. Give her some time."
"Why is this happening?" Carla was seized by desperation. "Why doesn't Venus recognize me?"
"Let's talk in my office." Naya consoled her, "Don't worry, there are plenty of medical staff here. They will look after her."
"Freda, stay here, " Carla instructed.
"Yes, Ms. Lierger."
After Carla followed Naya into her office, Naya invited the child psychologist to explain Venus's situation to her.
"Ms. Lierger, I gave Venus a myriad of tests and realized that she's deeply traumatized. In fact, she is suspicious of those closest to her. I have reason to believe that she has been hurt or frightened by her family members."
"Frightened by her family members?" Carla's heart sank. "How can that be? Why would anyone in the family hurt her?"
"We find it hard to believe too. Nevertheless, that's what we have concluded from the results. In truth, most of the traumas suffered by children are caused by those closest to them. Ms. Lierger, can you think of anyone that's particularly suspicious?"
Upon hearing the psychologist's words, Carla had a strong hunch that the person who looked exactly like Zayn had frightened Venus.
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