Chapter 180:
“You asked me to investigate Miss Bradley’s illness, and I’ve completed the inquiry.” Gerard’s thoroughness explained why Kristian tolerated his occasional impertinence. “The findings differ somewhat from your previous understanding.”
Kristian positioned himself by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing into the darkness outside. “Tell me.”
“Miss Bradley has documented hospitalizations and treatments for stomach cancer abroad,” Gerard explained, carefully framing the information. “However, domestically, there are no outpatient records whatsoever.”
Kristian paused, the phone clutched in his hand as realization dawned. “You’re suggesting Ashley’s critical illness is fabricated.”
“Outpatient records are typically maintained for two years,” Gerard offered diplomatically, seeking to avoid uncomfortable conclusions. “She might have undergone examination some time ago.”
Without another word, Kristian terminated the call.
His mind raced back six months to when Ashley had called him. She had mentioned receiving her diagnosis report just one day before their breakup. The document allegedly confirmed her terminal condition, accompanied by treatment records from overseas facilities.
If she had received the report the day before their separation, the examination must have occurred only days earlier.
Though hospitals officially kept outpatient records for two years, many institutions didn’t purge their systems immediately after this period elapsed. Retention periods were often extended beyond official policy. Was Ashley deceiving him? The thought materialized and was dismissed almost instantaneously.
What motive would drive her to such deception? If she desired his companionship, why initiate their breakup at all?
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Conflicted thoughts swirled through his mind.
He typed a message to Gerard, “Is your investigation accurate?”
“Absolutely,” came the swift reply. “To eliminate any possibility of error, I conducted three separate verifications, with identical results each time.”
Kristian absently rubbed his phone, his mind formulating a strategy. He trusted Gerard’s competence but hesitated to doubt Ashley’s integrity.
Learning from Liam that Ashley remained awake, Kristian initiated a call.
She answered immediately, her voice trembling with emotion. “Kristian…”
“Why haven’t you gone to bed?” he inquired, his analytical mind engaged.
“I feared you’d be angry with me,” Ashley confessed, addressing the matter directly. “I don’t understand my own behavior earlier. I truly never intended to malign Ms. Briggs or your brother.”
“That’s behind us now,” Kristian replied, his lips parting slightly. “Once your health improves, I’ll arrange a comprehensive medical examination for you.”
Ashley’s body tensed involuntarily.
Sudden anxiety gripped her as her deception hung precariously in the balance. “Oh, please don’t trouble yourself. I’ve already had one recently. I’m perfectly healthy.”
“A miscarriage can significantly impact your health,” Kristian explained, his eyes betraying a flicker of concern. “Having you examined would alleviate my anxiety.”
“Alright,” Ashley conceded.
His subtle investigation had yielded nothing conclusive.
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