Chapter 267: Doesn’t Like Kids, But Doesn’t Dislike Gemma
“I don’t know.”
Sharon said it outright, no hesitation.
“But I can give you a lead.”
Gemma was about to drop the conversation. She’d already felt like this was going nowhere.
And yet, Sharon had a way of keeping her hooked, pulling her back in just when she thought she was out.
It was frustrating, having the pace of the conversation controlled by someone else.
But she did want to hear the clues.
At least this time, Sharon didn’t drag it out.
“Esapring Island.”
Gemma’s heart clenched.
That name again. She’d heard it before.
That island had become synonymous with fear and madness.
“The last time I spoke to her, she was heading to Esapring Island to find a rare, endangered plant.
When she was on the phone, I could hear a man’s voice in the background.
All I remember is that he had a really nice voice.
I could tell they were close, but I can’t say for sure if he was your father.
Not long after, your mother disappeared.
I searched everywhere, asked around, but all I found out was that she made it back from the island… and then vanished without a trace.
If I had to guess, she was already pregnant when she returned. How far along she was? That, I don’t know.”
Gemma hadn’t expected this.
She dropped her gaze, deep in thought.
If Charlotte Dolton had been pregnant before going to Esapring Island, traveling back would’ve been difficult with a growing belly.
Which meant she was probably conceived on Esapring Island.
As for who her father was….
That mystery might never be solved.
“Thank you for telling me this.”
Gemma lifted her gaze again, her expression steady.
“Ask me whatever you want now.”
Sharon looked surprised then smiled.
A rare, approving mile.
“You’re sharp.”
Gemma didn’t respond, just waited for what came next.
Sharon fell silent for a moment, then finally spoke.
“I know you have a treatment for eye diseases. I’d like to buy the rights to use it.”
Gemma’s expression turned serious.
“It’s your eyesight, isn’t it?”
Sharon immediately turned her face away.
“You’re overthinking it.”
Gemma frowned.
“When you look at me, your gaze is off. I may not be able to diagnose you just by looking, but I can tell something’s wrong.
If it is for daily care, it doesn’t matter if you take some ready–made prescriptions for health preservation.
However, if you really have problem with your eyes, the ingredients and dosage of the medicines used are strictly linked with your personal
situation.”
A flicker of emotion crossed Sharon’s face.
The hospital’s nearby. If you ever decide to deal with it, come see me.”
Setting
10.18
Chapter 267: Doesn’t Like Kids, But Doesn’t Dislike Gemma
With that, Gemma stood up, ready to leave.
Sharon suddenly spoke again.
“You’re not mad that I tested you?”
Gemma turned back, smiling faintly.
“I was testing you too.”
Sharon froze.
Truth be told, she hadn’t noticed.
And in that moment, she saw Gemma in a whole new light.
Talent had nothing to do with age.
Charlotte Dolton’s daughter… really was a genius.
“Alright. I’ll make an appointment.”
She exhaled, as if a weight had finally lifted off her chest.
“Oh, and-”
She stepped closer, lowering her voice.
“Be careful around your three uncles. They’re not easy to deal with.”
Gemma cut straight to the point. “Do they have something to do with my mother’s disappearance?”
“They couldn’t have touched Charlotte.
But after she disappeared, they didn’t exactly try very hard to find her.”
Gemma frowned again.
The logic didn’t quite add up.
So Sharon explained further.
“Charlotte Dolton was extraordinary. Even in a family that favored sons, she didn’t need their support–she could’ve taken control of everything
herself.
The taller tree catches the wind.
But Charlotte was kind. She didn’t want to tear her family apart fighting for power, so she walked away and focused on saving plants instead.
Still, her talent made people wary. Afraid that one day, she’d come back and take everything from them.”
Now it made sense.
The records she’d found barely mentioned the Dolton siblings.
They’d hidden their true selves well from the outside world. Only those close to them knew what they were really like.
A family’s wealth and resources were always up for grabs.
From the outside, the Doltons seemed unshakable. But dig a little deeper?
Nothing was simple.
Take that little princess, Kaiya–she was not as innocent as she acted.
Mhm. I’ll be careful.”
Sharon patted her shoulder.
“Anyway, I’ll have Bradley keep an eye on things for you.”
“No need. I don’t trust him,” Gemma said, shrugging. “I’ll handle it myself.”
Sharon burst into laughter.
“So you saw through him too.”
“Well, your whole Jennings family is full of researchers. He’s the only one who ran off to be a movie star.”
Gemma had nothing against the entertainment industry. It was just… acting wasn’t exactly on the same level as scientific research.
Sharon laughed even harder. “So it’s that obvious, huh?”
Gemma patted her arm. “Just make that appointment soon.”
Sharon nodded, watching her go, something softer in her gaze.
She’d never married, never had kids. And yet, here was her best friend’s daughter–grown up, brilliant, already an accomplished doctor.
If Charlotte were still alive, she’d be bragging nonstop.
Sharon chuckled to herself, watching Gemma’s back disappear. She was getting old. She’d always hated kids.
But somehow… she didn’t mind Gemma.
Sunn
10:18
Chapter 267: Doesn’t Like Kids, But Doesn’t Dislike Gemma
That afternoon.
Margaret finally met the Doltons.
Jonathan, Madeline, and Kaiya arrived at an upscale restaurant. The place was private. No risk of prying eyes.
Madeline began.
“You should already know why we asked you here.”
Women understood each other. That made negotiations easier.
Margaret nodded. “I admit, we were a little harsh on Gemma before.
But it was only because we wanted her to adjust to being Mrs. Wilson as soon as possible. We didn’t want people to look down on her.
I see now that we rushed things. Some things can’t be forced..
So today, first and foremost, I want to apologize.”
Madeline was pleased with her attitude.
She shot Kaiya a look.
Kaiya smiled sweetly.
“Mrs. Wilson, there’s no need to apologize. You were just thinking about my cousin’s future–we understand. We just want to remind you… when disciplining her, maybe adjust your approach a little.”
“Oh, and one more thing.”
Kaiya’s tone was light, but her meaning was sharp.
“Even though she’s divorced, you still holds a lot of influence over my cousin, do you?”
1018
