Chapter 4: Hidden Poison
1015 Words
The next morning, after finishing breakfast, Moon went to visit the old lady.
Although Old Mrs. Gray lived in a small house at the back of the villa, the place was surprisingly spacious and elegantly decorated. Moon's room was right beside hers.
While they were chatting, Moon noticed that the old lady kept coughing repeatedly.
Concerned, Moon asked softly,
"Grandma, where do you feel uncomfortable?"
After taking her medicine, the old lady smiled faintly.
"I'm getting old. It's normal to have some health problems. I probably won't be around for much longer. I don't even know if I'll live long enough to see the day you get married."
As she spoke, the old lady brought up the arranged marriage between Moon and the Ashford Family's second young master.
"Your mother passed away early, but she had already arranged everything for you. She wanted you to marry into the Ashford Family. They are one of the most powerful families in Haneul City. If you marry into that family, you will have a lifetime of wealth and honor."
The old lady sighed.
"I just don't know whether the Ashford Family is still willing to acknowledge this marriage."
Thinking of Bryan, Moon clenched her fists in anger.
Previously, she had been too foolish and blinded by Bryan's fake kindness.
She had healed his injured legs with her medical skills and helped him build connections, never realizing that she had only been a tool he used to climb higher.
"Good girl, don't worry too much."
The old lady looked at Moon's worried expression and misunderstood her.
She thought Moon was afraid the Ashford Family would refuse the marriage.
"Even if I have to fight for you with my last breath, I will make sure this marriage is yours."
Moon had no desire to marry into the Ashford Family.
However, hearing the old lady's words, her eyes became slightly red.
She had always been someone who repaid kindness.
Anyone who treated her even a little better would receive her complete trust and loyalty.
Now that the old lady was willing to protect her, she had become Moon's only true family.
She couldn't allow her only family member to disappear.
Besides, Moon had a strong feeling that the old lady's illness was connected to Joan.
With that thought, Moon suddenly smiled brightly.
"Grandma, let's not talk about this anymore."
"When I was living in the countryside, I learned some medical skills from a very skilled Chinese doctor. Why don't I check your pulse?"
Old Mrs. Gray and her personal servant, Aunt Emily, exchanged amused looks.
"Alright," the old lady replied. "Then check my pulse and see how many more years I have left."
They only treated it as a child's curiosity and allowed Moon to examine her.
Moon took a deep breath and placed her fingers on the old lady's wrist.
Closing her eyes, she carefully examined her pulse.
Suddenly—
Her eyes snapped open.
Her heart skipped a beat.
The old lady wasn't sick.
She had been poisoned.
At this rate, she would not live past three months.
In her previous life, Moon had sensed something strange about the old lady's condition.
But because she trusted Joan completely, she never considered the possibility that someone had poisoned her.
Her father was selfish and cold-hearted, but he was extremely devoted to his mother.
He would never do something like this.
That left only one suspect.
Joan.
"What is it?"
The old lady noticed Moon's unusual expression and coughed lightly.
"Did you discover something?"
Moon immediately recovered and smiled awkwardly.
"I'm still inexperienced. I couldn't find anything wrong."
She scratched her head innocently.
"But I can tell that your pulse is strong. I think Grandma can easily live another fifty years!"
The truth was, Moon didn't dare reveal anything yet.
If she announced that the old lady had been poisoned, the family doctor — who was clearly hiding something — might interfere.
Worse, Joan would definitely target her.
She needed to think carefully and find the safest way to treat the old lady.
The old lady laughed.
"Fifty more years? Won't I become an old monster by then?"
Although elderly people often talk about death, deep down, they still fear it.
Seeing Moon giggling beside her like an innocent little rabbit, the old lady's heart softened.
...
By evening, the sun had already disappeared.
Master Gray James was still away on a business trip, so he would not be returning for dinner.
Moon didn't see him at all.
The old lady was the last person to arrive at the dining table.
When she appeared, she was holding an invitation card.
Joan immediately noticed the Ashford Family's signature steel seal on it.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
But she quickly hid her expression and pretended to be confused.
"Mom, what is that?"
The old lady placed the invitation on the table.
Her voice was calm but firm.
"This is an invitation from the Ashford Family. Tomorrow is Old Madam Ashford's 80th birthday celebration."
"I will take Moon with me."
Then she looked at Joan and Olivia.
"You two will come as well."
The moment those words left her mouth, Joan's expression changed.
The Ashford Family's 80th birthday banquet.
And the old lady was actually bringing Moon?
Could it be...
Did she want to use this opportunity to officially confirm Moon's marriage?
Joan's hands slowly tightened into fists.
This was exactly what she feared.
This marriage could never belong to Moon.
Moon noticed Joan's discomfort and immediately guessed what she was thinking.
However, she pretended not to notice.
She simply lowered her head and continued eating.
But inside, her thoughts were racing.
In her previous life, she had left a terrible impression on the old lady.
Even after hearing about the arranged marriage, the old lady believed Olivia was more suitable for the Ashford Family, so Moon never had the chance to attend such an important event.
But this life was different.
She had returned for revenge.
And getting close to the Ashford Family earlier than expected was the best opportunity she could ask for.
- Writer
