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Chapter 266:

Sunlight poured through the windows of Hillside Villa the following morning, and Amelia wore a troubled expression as she pored over the document in her grasp.

“I need to see Nadia,” she said.

A single glance at the photo had left her startled. That face barely resembled the Nadia she used to know. Only the faint lines around the eyes and mouth told her that the woman in the photo was really Nadia. Otherwise, she might have believed Hiram had investigated the wrong person.

When she left the Flynn estate three years ago, Nadia had been vibrant and healthy. Now, in just three short years, the once young and healthy woman had aged significantly and had even suffered a stroke. That seemed suspicious to Amelia.

“I’ll go with you,” said Wyatt.

𝗨p𝗱a𝘵eѕ 𝖾vеr𝗒 𝘄𝘦ek 𝗼𝘯

He had anticipated Amelia’s desire to see Nadia and had already asked Hiram to make the arrangements.

They soon went to a rundown care center on the outskirts of town, where Nadia was said to be living. While they drove, Hiram shared updates about Nadia’s condition and the poor state of the place. He tried to soften the truth, describing the facility as less than satisfactory.

Stepping out of the car, Amelia saw immediately that Hiram’s words had been too kind. Her eyes fell on a neglected building, still bearing the old hospital sign above the faded doorway. All that stood before her were two small structures: one housing the staff, the other filled with patient beds.

Nadia, weakened by her stroke, had been placed on the ground floor. As they made their way down the dim hall, Amelia caught glimpses of rooms crammed with beds. Inside every cramped room, three beds stood shoulder to shoulder, leaving only the slimmest path to walk.

Hiram paused at the very last door in the hallway.

A knock brought a swift response, and a woman answered the door, looking them over with sharp eyes. This was Sariah Flores, one of the caregivers on duty. Amelia had believed Sariah only looked after Nadia, but Hiram told her that the woman managed three different rooms of patients.

“Sariah, we’d like a few moments alone. If we need anything, we’ll call for you,” Hiram said, gently stepping forward and blocking Sariah’s gaze at Amelia. Having received money from Hiram, Sariah left without a fuss.