Revenge is best served cold

Mom completely agreed with me. After all, ever since Elsa was diagnosed with "depression", it wasn't just me who had suffered—our entire family had been on edge. Even Mom and Dad avoided speaking too harshly to her, afraid of setting her off.

"I've already consulted the doctor. They can prescribe medication that won't affect her cognitive function. Besides, she has already shown self-harming tendencies. The doctor strongly recommends that she stay in the hospital for treatment."

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Elsa tightening her grip on the blanket.

Mom had never dealt with anything like this before. Hearing what I said, she nodded with interest, signaling me to continue.

"The hospital has a specialized psychiatric unit. The rooms are designed to eliminate any possible dangers. Keeping Elsa there for a while would be much safer than letting her stay at home."

At that, Elsa immediately gasped, panic flashing across her face. She blurted out, "No!"

She looked helplessly at Jack while biting her lip, fear written all over her face.

Jack caught on instantly and snapped, "Why should she be locked up? Elsa gets scared easily. How could you even think of leaving her alone in a hospital?"

I didn't get angry. Instead, I smiled. "This is the best way to help her get better. You don't want her to stay sick forever, do you? What if she has an episode and you're not around? Wouldn't you regret it for the rest of your life?"

I had struck a nerve. I knew exactly where Jack's weakness lay.

He never complained about the trouble Elsa's illness brought him. He never thought she was being dramatic. But he was terrified of losing her. Sure enough, as soon as I said that, Jack's resolve started to waver.

He knew he couldn't always be by her side.

Seeing her only ally about to switch sides, Elsa panicked. She clung to Jack's sleeve, tears streaming down her face. "Jack, if the medication really won't mess with my mind, I promise I'll take it. I'll cooperate with the treatment. Just don't leave me alone in the hospital, okay?"

Elsa was truly panicking now. If she ended up being admitted to the hospital, she would be completely cut off from the outside world.

She wouldn't be able to do anything and would be trapped in a place filled with real patients. There was no way she would accept that.

Her desperate pleas finally got to Jack. He shot me a glare and scoffed, "You heard her. Elsa said she'll take her medication. Stop trying to lock her up."

I shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me."

I just wanted to see how she planned to fake another episode once she was actually taking her medication regularly.

With my goal achieved, I said goodbye to Mom, reminding her to head home and get some rest. Then, feeling quite satisfied, I left the hospital ward.

Walking down the hallway, I quickly edited the video I had just recorded. In the final version, I only kept Elsa's statement clearing my name and my concern for her.

My caption read, "Liars always get what they deserve."

After posting it, I locked my phone and sighed contentedly.

After this, Elsa would probably behave for a while. I could finally get some peace.

"Why are you smiling like that?" At the corner of the hallway, Eric was leaning against the wall, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"Obviously because I just took care of something annoying." I stepped closer, meeting his gaze.

"So... was this a coincidence? Or were you waiting for me on purpose, Mr. Flint?"

I emphasized the word "purpose", watching as the amusement in his eyes deepened.

"I'm here to take you home." Eric took a step forward, closing the distance between us. His warm breath brushed against my skin, sending a subtle shiver down my spine.

My heart warmed as I lifted my gaze to meet his.

The empty, sterile hallway suddenly felt charged with an unspoken tension.

I knew I should step away and create some distance, but for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to move.