Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine

Chapter 213: Kellan turned to Floyd, his gaze steady.

Hows Lorna doing lately? Floyds stiff demeanor softened at the question, a faint smile curving his lips.

Shes responding well to the treatment.

Shes not as guarded aroundanymore.

Shes a sweet girl.

Despite the simmering tension between them, any mention of patients brought out Floyds professional and composed nature.

His tone lightened considerably as they discussed his work.

Im confident Lornas condition will continue to improve, Floyd added.

Kellans expression softened at the mention of his niece.

Thank you, Mr.

Pierce.

Even though the two men rarely saw eye-to-eye, Kellan respected Floyds medical expertise and patience.

He knew all too well how much Lorna had resisted contact from others.

The fact that she had opened up to Floyd spoke volumes about his dedication and skill.

This is just my job, Mr.

Lloyd.

No need to make such a fuss, Floyd replied with a modest smile.

The sharp atmosphere between them seemed to dissipate, as if the earlier friction had never existed.

Ill make sure to repay you properly for Lornas treatment and for today... Kellans brows furrowed slightly.

Thanks for stepping in earlier, but why were you here all of a sudden? And Devinhe didnt lose his mind out of the blue.

It felt too orchestrated.

Allison, who had been listening quietly, interjected with a mischievous grin.

You finally caught on, Mr.

Lloyd.

It was me.

I called Floyd over.

She raised an eyebrow playfully and continued, I figured it was best to fight fire with fire.

So, I had Floyd bring smedication, just in case.

Turns out, it cin handy.

She went on to explain her earlier plan.

Floyds medicine worked wonders.

As soon as it was administered, Devin had a strong reaction.

He ended up spilling every last detail about his dealings with Melany.

Floyd offered a faint smile.

Its just something Ive been researching.

Im glad it could help, Allison.

Kellan, lost in thought, tapped his fingers rhythmically on the armrest of his wheelchair.

He nodded slightly before looking over his shoulder.

Sherman, cin.

Sherman entered, his expression serious and attentive.

Make sure the staff at the psychiatric hospital keeps a close watch on Devin, Kellan instructed coldly.

He should never be seen in Ontdale again.

The sharpness of his tone left no room for ambiguity.

Devin wasnt truly insane, so if they didnt handle things carefully, he could cause even more damage. Kellan wasnt willing to take that risk, especially not where Allison was concerned.

There could be no more mistakes.

Sherman nodded.

Understood.

He knew exactly what his boss meant.

Devin had to disappear for good.

Meanwhile, hidden deep in the woods, Devin crouched low behind a tree, his breath coming out in ragged gasps. He clutched his injured wrist, a sickening throb radiating up his arm from where hed cut it after leaping out of the psychiatric hospital van.

Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, and every movement sent fresh waves of agony through his body.

In the van, Devin had already regained consciousness, his mind still hazy from the lingering effects of the drug.

Yet, despite his disoriented state, he managed to slip through a crack in the back window and escape.

Now, leaning against the rough bark of a tree, he began to realize just how ridiculous his actions had been earlier.

The hallucinations, the obsession with moneyit all becpainfully clear.

Someone had set him up.

He was trapped.

And as that thought crossed his mind, an image of the smiling doctor, Floyd, flashed before him.

Devins expression twisted with rage.

After his public meltdown today, he had lost everythinghis credibility, his money, and any shred of respect. He was nothing but a joke.

Even worse, hed provoked people far more powerful than hed ever imagined.

Theres no way Im going to that psychiatric hospital, he muttered through gritted teeth.

He pulled out his phone, his hands trembling, and dialed Melanys number.

Maybe she could give him enough money to disappear for a while.

But the call didnt even go through.

Shed blocked him.

Devins grip tightened on the phone, and with a snarl, he hurled it to the ground.

It shattered into useless pieces.

His chest heaved with unrestrained fury.

If they caught him and sent him back to that hospital, theyd ruin him for good, turning him into a real lunatic.

All hed ever wanted was money.

Now, not only had he failed to get paid, but hed lost a finger and destroyed his reputation.

He was being dragged into an abyss, a disposable pawn in the ruthless games of the wealthy.

Why should Allison get to enjoy luxury and power while he rotted away in misery? Why should Melany and the others brush him off like he was nothing? His lips curled into a sinister smile. If I cant live well, then lets all go down together.

Devin stumbled into a small town nearby, borrowed a phone, and dialed Melanys number once more.

Miss Johnson, did you really think blockingwould be enough? His voice was low, dangerous.

Ive got recordings of our conversations.

You wouldnt want your husband to find out, would you? On the other end of the line, Melany paused, her breath catching. She had been about to hang up, but now her grip tightened on the phone.

You actually kept backups? she asked, her voice tight.

If I didnt plan ahead, you wouldve thrownunder the bus a long tago, Devin replied with a bitter laugh.

Im not stupid.

Melanys expression darkened as the pressure began to build.

She had only just convinced Colton that she wasnt involved in the scandal.

Dealing with the media and online rumors had already drained her.

And now this scumbag had the audacity to blackmail her? Expressionless, she asked, What exactly do you want? Are you trying to threaten me? Whos going to believe a lunatic like you? I could say the recordings are fake, and no one would bat an eye. She tried to scare him off, but Devin remained unshaken.

Real or fake, it wont matter once I hand them over to Allison.

The media will eat it up, he said, his voice dripping with malice.

Miss Johnson, I might not have power or influence, but there are plenty of people whod love to see you fall.