Rural Belle & Three Heirs

Adelaide was fuming as she read the online news.

"These media outlets, how dare they write such nonsense? Chloe, don't worry. I'll call Juliet right now and have her handle this," she said, her voice filled with anger.

Chloe had seen Juliet's PR skills in action before. Whenever Juliet stepped in, she had a way of keeping things from blowing up online.

But if Juliet suppressed the news, Chloe would be labeled as an attempted murderer.

Chloe didn't want to be wrongfully accused.

After thinking for a moment, she said, "Auntie, there's no need for Juliet to step in. Rena texted me saying the police have the surveillance footage from the pool. It won't be long before they release a statement."

"But I'm worried about you being wronged," Adelaide said, her concern for Chloe evident in her voice.

Adelaide had no children of her own and had long considered Chloe her own daughter.

"Auntie, the truth will come out. Innocent people will be proven innocent, and the guilty will be exposed. It's better to endure a little now than to carry the burden of a murder accusation forever." Chloe comforted, "Don't worry, the police will clear my name."

Adelaide was convinced by Chloe's words.

Grant had been busy nearby, his expression serious as he worked on his laptop.noveldrama

Chloe whispered to Adelaide, "Auntie, let's go for a walk."

"Good idea. The doctor said walking would help with your recovery." Adelaide helped her out of bed.

After saying a quick goodbye to Grant, they headed to the hospital corridor for a walk. The Martin Family's bodyguards had cleared the area around Chloe's room, ensuring her safety.

As they reached the nurse's station, they overheard two nurses talking quietly.

"Did you hear about the little girl who almost drowned yesterday? The one in room thirteen? Her parents are odd. They insisted on her being hospitalized but haven't visited her once."

"Really? If that's true, those parents are awful," the other nurse replied.

"Yeah, when I started my shift this morning, the poor girl was lying in bed all alone. I asked if she was hungry, and she said no. Then I saw an unopened takeout breakfast by her bed."

"Leaving such a young child alone and feeding her takeout? That's terrible."

"Apparently, her parents are busy trying to use the drowning incident to extort money. It's disgusting."

The nurses' conversation caught Adelaide and Chloe's attention. They exchanged a glance and headed to the little girl's room.

As they opened the door, they saw the little girl lying in bed, looking forlorn.

The girl's eyes were vacant as she stared at the ceiling.

Chloe and Adelaide's entrance caught her attention. She turned to look at them, and a

hint of joy appeared on her face when she recognized Chloe.

"It's you! You saved me yesterday, didn't you?" The little girl exclaimed, she remembered Chloe.

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Chloe walked over to her bed, took her hand, and asked, "Sweetie, where are your parents? Why aren't they here with you?"

Chloe glanced at the name tag on the bed: [Kathy Faye...]

The girl lowered her head at Chloe's question. "My dad disappeared a long time ago. I've never seen him since I was born. My mom is working to make money. She's very busy. I haven't seen her in a month or two."

Chloe frowned at Kathy's words.

Adelaide gently patted Kathy's head.

"And Sophia? Who is she to you?" Chloe asked.

Kathy replied, "My mom asked Sophia to take care of me while she's working. She told me to call her Auntie..."

"Oh..." Chloe was curious.

Adelaide turned to Chloe and said, "She is so pitiful."

"Is Sophia the one who usually takes care of you?" Chloe asked Kathy.

Kathy shook her head. "No, my mom hired a nanny to take care of me. There's also a doctor who looks after me. The nanny took a few days off, so Sophia has been taking care of me."

"But I haven't seen her since last night. I miss my mom."Kathy's voice was slow and sad, and Chloe could see tears welling up in her eyes.

But Kathy was trying to be strong, holding back her tears.

Her attempt at bravery broke Adelaide's heart. She reached out and hugged Kathy.

Sophia clearly had no time to care for her, busy as she was trying to twist the rescue into an attempted murder.

Using a child as a weapon, Sophia was truly despicable.

Kathy, wise beyond her years, said to Chloe, "The nurses said Sophia claimed you tried

to drown me. But I know that's not true. You were saving me."

Chloe nodded at the perceptive Kathy. "Yes, I was trying to save you. You're a very good girl."

A smile appeared on Kathy's face. "I really like you. I'm so bored here alone. Could you ask the doctor to move me to your room?"

After thinking for a moment, she added, "Or maybe you could help me get discharged. My nanny will be back in Sovereign City tomorrow and can pick me up from the hospital."

Seeing Kathy so pitiful, without anyone to care for her, Chloe felt a pang of sadness.

She asked Adelaide, "Auntie, can we move her to my room? I don't feel comfortable leaving her here alone."

Adelaide nodded. "Of course. I'll talk to the doctor right away."

A few minutes later, Kathy was moved to Chloe's room.

Meanwhile, Sophia continued her media blitz, using her "aunt" status to garner sympathy.

"Everyone, you have to help me. The person who tried to kill my niece must be brought to justice. Think about it, my niece is only five. She couldn't have swum to the deep end by herself. Someone must have dragged her there."