Chapter 144: Chapter 144: Suspicious Of Yue Ning
The banquet hall was in chaos. Gasps and shouts filled the air as Madam He slumped forward, unconscious.
Father He reacted first. "Call the doctor!"
He Yuchen had already moved, his voice calm but urgent as he made the call. "Prepare one of the rooms!" He instructed.
Guests whispered in confusion, some rising from their seats, others craning their necks to see. The joy that had filled the hall minutes ago had vanished, replaced by tension and fear.
Father He carried Madam He out of the hall in his arms, his usually composed expression tight with worry. The Yun couple followed closely, their faces pale.
Yun Li gathered her gown and hurried after them, He Yuchen keeping pace by her side. Huo Feng and Yue Ning followed quietly behind.
Thankfully, the banquet hall had several adjoining suites. Father He pushed one open, and together they helped settle Madam He onto the bed.
Her complexion was ashen, her breathing shallow.
"Chen’er, have you called the doctor?" Father He asked, his voice low but strained.
"Yes, Father," He Yuchen replied, lowering his phone. "He’s on his way."
"What could have happened?" Father He muttered, staring at his wife. His hands hovered over her for a moment before he finally sat down beside the bed, visibly shaken.
Yun Li stood beside He Yuchen, her fingers intertwined with his. He turned toward her, and she nodded softly, offering reassurance without a word.
Yue Ning stayed near the doorway, quietly observing. The maids had brought a basin of warm water and towels, and one began dabbing Madam He’s forehead.
"Her pulse is steady," one of them said hesitantly.
Father He exhaled, his shoulders easing only slightly.
The room was tense, but gradually, the initial panic began to fade. The hum of voices outside the hall had quieted to murmurs, the guests too afraid to speculate openly.
Yue Ning’s gaze drifted briefly toward Madam He—calm, unreadable. Then she turned toward the window, watching the city lights flicker in the distance.
Behind her, Huo Feng murmured, "It’s fortunate the doctor isn’t far away."
She nodded lightly. "Yes... fortunate."
Huo Feng looked at her odd expression, and his brows furrowed.
Within minutes, hurried footsteps sounded in the corridor, followed by a knock.
"The doctor is here," someone announced.
Father He rose immediately. "Quickly, let him in."
The doctor entered, carrying his case. He examined Madam He with professional efficiency—checking her pulse, her breathing, her pupils.
After a moment, he straightened. "There doesn’t appear to be any serious harm," the doctor said at last. "Perhaps exhaustion or stress. Still, I’ll need to run a few tests to be sure."
Father He’s shoulders finally dropped, relief flooding through him. "Thank you, Doctor."
He Yuchen exhaled quietly beside Yun Li, relief flickering through his eyes.
The doctor began to pack up his tools, promising to return in the morning for further checks. As he left, Father He turned to the others. "Let’s give her some space to rest."
One by one, they stepped out of the room.
Yue Ning was the last to leave. She paused for a brief second at the door, her gaze resting on Madam He’s unmoving form. Then she turned silently and followed the others down the hallway, her expression composed but unreadable.
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"You didn’t look surprised when Madam He collapsed." Huo Feng commented staring at his wife who had a calm expression.
Yue Ning snapped her head towards him, and smiled softly. "Perhaps I just knew how to mask my thoughts."
Huo Feng chuckled. "You have had a tense expression throughout the wedding." His voice dropped lower, "tell me, what’s wrong?"
Yue Ning shook her head. "Nothing is wrong."
Huo Feng narrowed his eyes, not quite believing her words. But he didn’t press any further. He knew her character. If she wanted to let him know what was bothering her, then she’d have done so.
"Come," he said, pulling her into his embrace.
Yue Ning sighed. It’d be better if only she knew about Madam He’s plans.
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The glow of the late afternoon seeped through the curtains. The quiet whispers of cicadas filled the air when Madam He’s lashes fluttered. She groaned softly, her temples throbbing as she blinked into focus.
For a moment, confusion clouded her thoughts. Her eyes took in the unfamiliar ceiling, the faint scent of medicine, the heavy stillness. Then it all came rushing back to her mind.
The wedding. The laughter. The toast.
And the sudden dizziness before the world went dark.
Her hand gripped the sheets tightly. That wine...
"Madam, you’re awake!" a maid exclaimed, rushing to her side. "Please, don’t move. The doctor said—"
Madam He cut the maid off. Her voice was low and hoarse, but it didn’t lack the commanding tone she always had. "Where is my husband?"
"He and Young Master He went to reassure the guests. Everyone was terribly worried."
Madam He didn’t respond immediately. Her gaze drifted, her mind replaying the last moments she remembered before collapsing. The servant bringing the tray the clinking glasses... and—
Her eyes narrowed.
Yue Ning standing near the table, adjusting the glasses, and smiling faintly. She remembered it all.
Her breath got caught in her throat. ’I see...’
She leaned back slowly, her lips curving into a thin, dangerous smile.
"So... she noticed." Yue Ning had spoilt her game.
The maid looked confused. "Madam?"
Madam He’s tone turned chillingly calm. "Fetch the servant who served the wine during the toast."
"Now?" the maid stammered.
"Yes. Now."
As the maid scurried out, Madam He’s gaze hardened. Her mind raced. She had been extremely careful. It was meant to be a fool-proof plan. Only that servant knew the true plan. No one else could have guessed she meant to ruin the Yun girl’s perfect day.
But if Yue Ning had noticed and interfered—
Her fingers tightened over the quilt.
"She dares play games with me?" she whispered, her shoulders and voice trembling with cold fury. "Very well, Yue Ning. Let’s see how long you can hide behind that calm face."
Outside, the sunlight dimmed, streaks of crimson appeared across the sky. It was a fitting color for the storm that was about to rise.