Caitlin's words left little room for doubt.

Keira had two children-a son and a daughter.

Her daughter had married and moved out.

Now, if something were to happen to Stuart, it was painfully clear who stood to benefit.

As the answer dawned on her, Keira went pale, staring at Caitlin. "Catie, are you saying...the person behind this is your aunt?"

Caitlin nodded slightly. "Yes. There's about an eighty percent chance it's her."

Caitlin couldn't think of anyone else besides Amanda.

Keira's eyes filled with tears at Caitlin's reply. "No, that can't be. Your aunt and your father are siblings-real, flesh-and-blood brother and sister! They're only four years apart, grew up together, always so close! Your aunt is so kind, and she's cared for your father—and for me—so diligently all these years. How could she possibly hurt him? No, I can't believe it... I just can't..."

She couldn't bring herself to imagine it.

After all, Amanda was her own daughter.

Keira's health had been poor when Amanda was born; the labor lasted two full days and nights, and she nearly lost her life to bring Amanda into the world.

She'd doted on Amanda ever since.

Even after Amanda married, Keira let her stay at home, supporting her son-in- law's business with her own savings.

How could Amanda possibly do something like this?

"It-it must be someone from the rival family, not your aunt..."

Seeing that Keira was on the verge of breaking down, Caitlin gently helped her sit

in a chair. “Grandma, please try to calm down."

Keira clutched Caitlin's hand tightly. "Freya, we should call the police. Let them handle this!"

If her daughter truly was responsible, the police would find the evidence. And if not, they'd be able to clear Amanda's name.

She was a mother-what else could she do but trust the law?

"No, Grandma," Caitlin said softly, shaking her head. "We don't have the crucial evidence yet. If we involve the police now, we'll only tip off the culprit. My dad is in no condition to protect himself, and we can't keep watch over him around the clock. We can't call the police, and we can't let anyone get wind of this- especially not your sister, her husband, or Ann. Once Dad wakes up, we'll decide what to do."

Keira listened and realized her granddaughter was right. "Alright, Freya. I'll do as you say whatever you think is best."

Caitlin's tone was grave. "One more thing: don't tell anyone about what I found here today. Not your sister, not your brother-in-law, not Ann-no one. It stays between us."

"Alright," Keira nodded. "But, Freya, I still don't believe it could be your aunt. She and your father have always been close. She'd never do such a thing!"

Until she saw proof with her own eyes, Keira refused to believe her daughter-the one she nearly died bringing into the world-could turn on her own brother.

Caitlin didn't contradict her. “Grandma, the truth about who hurt my father isn't up to you or me to decide. We'll let time reveal it. When Dad wakes up, the truth will come out."

"Dad was there when that car crash happened nineteen years ago. He must know something. That's why someone wanted him out of the way."

She paused, as if a new thought had struck her. "By the way, Grandma, there's something else I need you to help me with."

"What is it?" Keira asked.

Caitlin leaned in and whispered a few words in Keira's ear.

When she finished, Keira nodded. "Alright."

Keira never questioned her granddaughter. Whatever Freya asked of her, she would do without hesitation.

Ten minutes later, Keira left her son's house.

She hadn't gone far when she ran into Amanda.

Amanda walked up, concern written on her face. "Mom, your eyes are red-have you been crying?"

Keira quickly wiped her eyes. "No, no, I haven't."

But Amanda could tell something was off. "Mom, what happened? You've obviously been crying. Why won't you tell me?"

Keira sighed. "I just went to see Stuart. Freya says he's looking even worse than before. I'm so worried, Amanda. I don't know if your brother will ever wake up."

Her eyes brimmed with tears again. "Amanda, why does your brother have to suffer so much? We only just got Freya back..."

"Don't worry, Mom. Please don't be so pessimistic," Amanda said, hugging Keira. Out of her mother's sight, a faint, knowing smile curled on her lips. "Freya's a brilliant doctor-if anyone can pull Stuart through, it's her. We have to believe in her, Mom, and not put any more pressure on her."