Davis and Jessica arrived at the door of Elder Allen's study in silence. The hallway well lit with several rooms facing each other.
Jessica slowly tapped on the door. A weak imperceptible voice filtered through ushering them inside.
Jessica held the handle and pushed lightly, the door opened with a squeak. Ethan pushed it with wider as she wheeled Davis in and the door shut with a click as Ethan remained outside.
Elder Allen sat behind the large mahogany table, his friend and butler Alfred standing beside him a glass of warm water in his hand as he helped Elder Allen take a sip to moisten his hoarse throat.
Jessica's eyes swept over the room as she took note of the arrangement. The study though dimly lit exuded an air of authority and a long standing tradition of the Allen family blended both with sophistication and legacy.
On the walls lined a floor to ceiling bookshelves and one side of the shelves housing various awards, a testament of their prowess in so many aspects. A bed at the far extreme corner of the study, a clear indication of balancing work and rest.
A large mahogany table positioned at the center has several files arranged on it. A reading lamp on the desk with some exquisite antique orderly arranged in various positions of the room bringing to light its vintage furnishings.
Her gaze scanned the study lightly before it settled on Elder Allen's pale complexion. Though his posture was straight and composed, the faint tremor in his hands did not escape her eyes.
His shoulders sagged lightly, Vera's incident has really taken its toll on his weak body and despite the warm water Alfred offered him, he is still tired.
Davis's expression was cold and almost detached as he studied his grandfather but his eyes held several emotions swirling in them, his thought conflicting. He had been told his grandfather was hospitalized immediately after his accident due to shock and heart attack.
But like other members of the family he had been away from his ward until he woke up, he had not done anything to stop Desmond and Aaron from their plans. He had also approved his deal of forcing him into marriage with a woman he never knew or met.
There was no mistaking the exhaustion in the old man's gaze, but beneath it, there was something else— a calmness of someone fully prepared for eventuality. A look that left Davis wondering what he has in stock for calling them.
Elder Allen lowered the glass Alfred had helped him with and placed it gently on the table. His eyes lifted to meet Jessica's first before shifting to Davis. "Sit," he instructed, his voice slightly hoarse but still carrying its usual authority.
Jessica didn't hesitate. She moved Davis to a more comfortable position before she took the chair before Elder Allen. His gaze never leaving hers. It was as though he wants to see the in-depth of her soul and heart.
Jessica met his gaze head on, a silent battle of wits between them. His lips curled up in approval, she had not cowered under his gaze. A deep sigh escaped his lips.
"Jessica Brown right?" He asked glancing at her. His tone wasn't a question but more of a confirmation. His gaze lingering in the distance as one reveling on an old memory.
"Desmond might have chosen you as Davis wife and also forced him into the marriage but I want you to see this union as fate", he said calmly, his voice carrying a nostalgic tone.
"Fate?" Jessica queried with curiosity. She couldn't shake the feeling that Elder had something he is not saying — or doesn't want to say.
Elder Allen nodded at her question "Yes, it is fate. You will understand with time", He muttered. He wouldn't want to go into that details because as much as he would love to it is better they discover it themselves.
"Grandpa, do you know my mother?", she asked staring at him. Her knowledge about her mother has been for the short number of years she spent with her.
She wished she could come into contact with someone who had known her for a longer time past the time she spent with her. She has the feeling that Elder Allen might be one of those people.
"Your mother was a wonderful woman in her time, a very wonderful woman". He responded, a smile on his lips. Jessica felt his reluctance to say anything further and decided to let it be.
"Grandpa, how have you been feeling lately?" Jessica asked while she took in the various changes on his face and his body.
Elder Allen exhaled slowly, then turned his gaze to Davis. "I have been feeling… different lately. At first, I attributed it to old age, but now…I" His voice trailed off.
His face twisted in pain, his face paled and his fist clenched as he gasped for breathe. A sharp gasp escaped his lips. His entire body swayed, his hand clutching at his chest.
"Oh no, not good", Jessica muttered.
Then, in the blink of an eye, he collapsed. Jessica acted instantly. Her instincts kicked in, and she was by his side before his body fully hit the ground.
"Grandpa!" Davis called out, his eyes wide with panic. Alfred hurried to his room to get his medication. His movement attracting the attention of some of the family members with Desmond raising the alarm.
He had been worried because of Elder Allen's summoning of Davis. He might have a hidden agenda but hearing the frantic voices in the study vested him with relief.
Jessica quickly swung into action, she checked on his pulse which was very weak, his breath shallow coupled with the previous symptoms she noticed in the dinning room, she made her deductions. "He was been drugged slowly and timely". She muttered.
Davis made to call for help but she stopped him. "Don't call anyone in, I will try my best to handle it", she said with a strong conviction.
"Why?" He asked though he has the suspicion that she might be a doctor due to the various cases and incidents but hearing her instructions, he needs to inquire further.
"Don't alert the enemy", she said in a quiet and calm tone. Ethan had already rushed in when Davis shouted and was standing there in the room.
"He is been poisoned but in a gradual process without anyone's notice. Sending him to the hospital without a first aid means he will be a goner before they will arrive the hospital." She recounted while checking his vitals, the same time Alfred entered. His eyes widened in surprise at what he heard.
Davis grabbed his phone, but Jessica's voice cut through. "Trust me. I can handle it."
Davis hesitated before nodding, he wanted to object strongly but after a thought decided to trust her.
Jessica quickly unbuttoned Elder Allen's collar, tilting his head slightly to clear his airway. Her hands moved with practiced precision as she stabilized his condition.
With a swift motion, she retrieved a small medical kit from her handbag which she had dropped on Davis legs as she hurried to hold Elder Allen from hitting the ground, a habit she had never abandoned despite hiding her true profession.
She retrieved a potent vial, she had long researched and prepared by herself. The vial has always been with her in case of an emergency situation as this. She injected him with the content of the vial to ease the pain and clear the toxins that had accumulated over tie time due to persistent drugging.
"Ethan, help me let's lie him on the bed". She instructed.
After a few minutes, Elder Allen's breathing evened out, though his body remained weak and unconscious.
Meanwhile, outside the study, the rest of the family was on edge.