Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Elspeth was allergic to jade, but there were not any symptoms showing on her hands before this. Therefore, any reasonable person would have figured out that someone had framed her. At that moment, she continued, “Alright. I’ve finished my explanation. Mrs. Winthrop, I’d like to ask the reason why you transferred two hundred thousand to Nora yesterday.” Both Nora and Margot paled when they heard that. “What are you talking about?” Then, Elspeth took out her phone and opened a picture that showed the statement for Margot’s transaction into Nora’s account. “I just asked around and found out that a servant’s salary is only three thousand a month, so why did you give Nora two hundred thousand?” She knew that a servant had no reason to frame her, so the servant must have been bribed. Therefore, after getting Nora’s name, she checked her bank transactions and found evidence that Nora was indeed bribed, just as she had expected. Everything was just a show put together by Margot! When the others saw the bank statement, they were shocked and seemed to have understood the whole story. Only Callum had a trace of doubt in his eyes. How did Elspeth get her hands on that statement? “I… It’s because Nora’s mother is sick, so she asked for her salary in advance,” Margot stammered. She was not expecting such a huge turn of events. All she wanted was to get Elspeth out of the Winthrop Residence, but her plan failed because she did not know that Elspeth was allergic to jade. After sighing, Theodore replied, “I was there when Nora applied for this job. She’s an orphan… Elsie, be assured that I’ll give you an explanation about this matter.” After saying that, he turned to Callum. “Bring Elsie to the hospital to get her hand treated.” With a nod, Elspeth followed Callum out of the house. Right after she opened the car door, she heard him utter in his deep voice, “I’m sorry.” She was stunned for a moment before realizing that he was apologizing to her on Margot’s behalf. “It’s nothing.” After she said that, she laughed. “You guys must be disappointed. If her plan had succeeded, I would’ve been chased out of the Winthrop Residence.” She then added, “By the way, did you think it was me who did it?” “No. You don’t seem to be that dumb.” Hooking her lips, she agreed, “You’re right. What are all those mere objects compared to being Mrs. Winthrop? I’m not that dumb.” That reply rendered Callum speechless. At the hospital, the doctor examined Elspeth’s hand and criticized, “Young lady, you clearly know you’re allergic to jade, yet you still went and wore it? And your boyfriend is so careless. You’re lucky it’s not serious. I’ll prescribe you some ointment to apply to your skin and you’ll be fine after a few days.” Callum pursed his lips to explain, but he did not manage to say anything in the end. After receiving the doctor’s note, the two headed in the direction of the pharmacy to get the prescribed medication. Elspeth was waiting while sitting on the chairs by the side and he returned a while later. “Give me your hand.” She stretched out her hand and saw him taking out a box of ointment before applying it to her wound. “Does it hurt?” The cold sensation and the pain that came along with it traveled throughout her brain. Of course, it hurt, but she still managed to keep a smile on her face. “Callum, I never expected you to be so considerate despite your cold personality. I seem to be liking you even more now!” When he heard her flirtatious words, his face froze as he emphasized, “I said it before. I won’t fall in love with you.” “Party-pooper.” Elspeth laughed. Of course, she was joking with him. After all, she had to observe these five Winthrop men slowly and carefully. However, a strange feeling gradually emerged in Callum as he looked at her back.