Chapter 255: Chapter 255: Psychiatric Assessment Report
"I went to the hospital to see Abigail Perry a few days ago."
Edward Stephens glanced at her with a half-smile, seemingly aware that she was changing the subject. He played along, "Oh?"
The steak was served, and Daisy Ginger lowered her head, slowly cutting it with a dining knife, "She woke up, but her will to live is very low. The infection in her amputated thigh is quite severe, and they’ve been treating her with antibiotics for days. I told her I would make sure she gets well."
Edward poured her a glass of red wine, "You didn’t do anything wrong; there’s no need to blame yourself." If it were him, and someone dared to harm his mother, he probably wouldn’t give them the chance to lie comfortably in bed.
"Her vocal cords are damaged, and she can’t move anything below the neck." Daisy’s expression was calm, "I wish she was even worse off, how could I possibly feel guilty?"
"..."
"When she saw me, she was very scared. I mentioned Emily Ginger to her, and she didn’t have much reaction, just stared at me in fear. I think you’re right; the person she loves most is herself." Even at a time like this, she hadn’t thought about her daughter.
Edward noticed her mood deteriorating as she spoke more and finally said, "You don’t need to visit her in the future. Anyway, someone will take good care of her."
Daisy sighed softly, eating her steak with her head down, "I just want to sort everything out, so I won’t have to care anymore."
Whether it was Emily Ginger or Abigail Perry, she wanted to see them one last time, and once she had, she wouldn’t need to see them anymore.
For her, this matter was already settled, the dust had settled.
After finishing their candlelit dinner, as they left the restaurant, Daisy saw Chloe Brooke, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time.
She seemed to be dining with her parents, looking less vibrant and youthful than when she was with Ian Linton, but her complexion seemed decent. Ian Linton’s deception hadn’t left too much of a mark on her.
Daisy, holding onto Edward’s arm, gave her a glance, wanting to avoid any awkwardness, then averted her gaze, not greeting her.
As they walked out the door, Chloe’s clear voice called out from behind, "Daisy!"
Daisy paused slightly, hesitated for a moment, then turned to look at her.
The girl broke free from her parents’ arms, hurried over to her, and stood in front of her, appearing somewhat nervous, her small face furrowing at the brows.
Daisy blinked, and said softly to Edward, "Edward, I’ll go talk to her first."
Edward nodded, motioning with his chin not far ahead, "I’ll wait for you over there."
Daisy smiled slightly at Chloe, "Let’s go over there."
Chloe seemed a bit excited, her delicate face showing a faintly complex expression when she saw Daisy’s smile.
Daisy averted her gaze and took her to a corner.
"I’m sorry!"
Once they reached the corner, Chloe bowed abruptly, apologizing to her.
Daisy was momentarily stunned, looking at Chloe.
Chloe raised her head and said to Daisy, "I didn’t expect Ian Linton to have those feelings for you. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have invited you to my wedding! It’s my poor judgment that hurt you, if I’d seen through his real self earlier, none of this would’ve happened!"
She spoke quickly, then anxiously watched Daisy, waiting for her reaction.
For a moment, Daisy didn’t know what to say.
She had seen plenty of people like Abigail Perry and thought Chloe had come to blame her too.
But she didn’t expect Chloe to be the first to feel guilty.
She had seen too much of the dark side of human nature these days, and Chloe’s words quite moved her.
"I don’t blame you..." Daisy said slowly, "However, since you don’t blame me, I on the other hand..."
"How could I blame you!" Chloe interjected, "I, I don’t even have the face to see you! I actually misjudged and thought Ian Linton was my prince charming..." She looked down, somewhat regretful, "When I heard he tortured you, I felt so ashamed, you’re the person I admire most, yet I didn’t protect you properly..."
Daisy took a deep breath, finally smiling.
"It’s okay, I really don’t blame you, instead... I feel somewhat apologetic to you." Daisy raised her hand, gently patting Chloe’s small head, and said warmly, "You say you couldn’t see through people, but neither could I. Given that, you don’t need to blame yourself, he just disguised himself too well."
Chloe blushed from her touch, looking up at Daisy, rubbing the spot Daisy touched a few times, then shyly said to her, "I’ve been negotiating a disengagement agreement with the Linton family recently, soon I won’t have anything to do with them anymore."
Daisy looked at her, feeling a bit reassured.
Fortunately, Chloe was stronger than Emily Ginger.
Daisy nodded, "As long as the assets are clearly separated."
A few days ago, Ian Linton’s mental evaluation came out.
Her lawyer called to apologize, saying that after authoritative psychiatric experts examined him, Ian Linton was found to have severe delusional disorder, and he passed a polygraph test, so during the time she was kidnapped, he was having an episode, meaning they couldn’t file a lawsuit against him.
After all, criminals with mental illness have no civil capacity, and compensation can only be sought from his family.
Once Ian Linton was released, the Linton family immediately sent him abroad, currently his whereabouts are unknown.
Daisy had already mentally prepared for this outcome, as it’s not easy to use the law to lock up someone like Ian Linton, a high-intelligence criminal adept at disguise.
Based on the way he talked to her and his logic, Daisy suspected he had taught himself psychology.
With his mental state, it’s really easy to pass a polygraph test.
Daisy didn’t believe he was genuinely insane, but since the hospital had already issued a mental evaluation report, her lawyer’s doubts were to no avail.
Chloe looked at her, still seemingly excited to see her idol.
She asked quietly, "Director Ginger, can you still give me your autograph?"
Daisy was slightly startled, then finally laughed, "Sure. But this time, do you still want it with lipstick?"
Chloe’s face turned red, and she took a pen from her bag, "I brought a pen!" Then she held out her hand, "Can you sign on my palm?"
Daisy chuckled, signing her name on her palm and drawing a small heart next to it.
Chloe was so delighted that her cheeks turned red. She gave Daisy a shy glance, said goodbye, and then ran off excitedly.
Daisy, in a good mood, found Edward waiting for her at the hotel front desk.
The man stood with his arms crossed, resting his eyes, and opened them as she approached.
"Let’s go." She walked up, took his arm, and tugged, but he didn’t move, "What’s wrong?"
Edward placed something into her palm.
Daisy looked down.
A shiny gold key card gleamed in her hand.
Daisy looked up, expressionless.
Edward: "Let’s go."