Chapter 9

Later, I didn’t know how the kidnappers contacted the Lewis family.

When I woke up again, Phoebe had brought several bodyguards to rescue me.

The kidnappers were nowhere to be seen. As soon as she saw me, she slapped me hard.

"Fiona Lin! You’re such a disaster! Didn’t I warn you not to be so high-profile in this circle? Did you listen?!"

She untied my ropes, her tears falling onto me.

"I don’t want to be picking up your body next time!" I smiled at Phoebe from the back of a bodyguard. "I owe you my life, sister."

Blood is thicker than water, after all.

However, when I returned to the Lewis family, Grandpa just gave me a cold glance and sent me back to Oakridge.

"Fiona, everyone knows you’ve been kidnapped for three days. You’re a girl, you know what people will think. Your third uncle has already drawn enough attention because of this case, and it’s not good for the Lewis family. Our family is already in turmoil and can’t afford any more gossip." Even Phoebe couldn’t stand it.

"Grandpa! What gossip could be more important than family health and safety? Besides, sending her away now only confirms those nasty rumors!"

"Fiona, everyone knows you were held captive for three days. As a young woman, you're aware of the assumptions people will make."

"Your uncle has already been under intense scrutiny because of this incident. This is not beneficial for the Lewis family. Our family is already on shaky ground, and we cannot withstand any more rumors."

Phoebe finally couldn't stay silent.

"Grandpa! What rumors could be more important than the safety and well-being of our own family? Plus, sending her away now would only validate those terrible rumors!"

His response was a stern reprimand.

"What do you kids know? I have my own arrangements. Focus on your studies; that's what truly matters!"

He took a deep breath and turned to me.

"Return to Oakridge. With your grandma looking after you, I'll be more at ease."

I let out a bitter chuckle. I was well aware of Grandpa's indifference. What I didn't foresee was that he wouldn't even bother to help treat my dislocated finger.

My belongings were hastily packed and placed by the front gate. Grandpa arranged for two bodyguards to escort me back to Oakridge overnight.

I didn't go straight home. In this condition, I would frighten Grandma. I borrowed a phone from one of the bodyguards and called Asher.

Even though he immediately took me to the best hospital in Oakridge, my finger was not treated in time due to the delay. Now, it shakes uncontrollably.

It doesn't significantly impact my daily activities, but it's not as agile as before. I know that from now on, I can no longer play the piano.