Johanna froze, then blurted out instinctively, “Jamie, are you sure you’re not mistaken? Thomas has no enmity with you. Why would he want to kill you?”
Jamie’s voice ground out from between clenched teeth, every word edged with fury.
“He did it for Sharon.”
“For Sharon?” Johanna gave a disbelieving laugh. “You must be mistaken about Thomas. Not long
ago,
his family faced a crisis, and he had to rush back to handle it. From what I’ve heard from people close to the Ferrero family, the chaos there only settled down in the past couple of days. How could he possibly have had the time to come after you?
“And besides, he has no reason to harm you.” 2
Jamie hadn’t expected his sister–who had always trusted him unconditionally–to take the side of an outsider. Rage flared in his chest.
“You think I’d lie to you?”
“I’m only telling you what I’ve seen,” Johanna insisted. “Victoria and I reviewed the surveillance from the signing ceremony in detail. The shooter was positioned three buildings away, across from the venue, and used a sniper rifle.”
Jamie had been signing a deal with the President of Testainea. The event, though attended by many and broadcast worldwide, required the strictest security checks for every entrant.
No guns, no blades–not even the smallest sharp object–were allowed inside. The screening was more rigorous than airport security. Surrounding buildings had been searched and locked down one by one to guard against assassins.
“Only a top–class killer could pull off something like this,” Johanna continued. “That’s not something Thomas could manage.”
Her gaze flickered as she added softly, “And besides, Thomas sees me as his first love. Why would he ever target you?” (3
Jamie tried to speak again, but his anger boiled over, sending him into a violent coughing fit. His already pale face drained of the last trace of color.
Alarmed, Johanna rushed to press the call button. “Doctor! Doctor!”
Hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor. By the time the medical team arrived, Jamie had succumbed to another dangerous collapse, and they wheeled him back into the emergency room.
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Chapter 952
+25 BONUS
Meanwhile, in Listoria City.
Not long after Richard and Rick left the hospital, John and Casey arrived to visit Sharon.
They had learned of her withdrawal from the competition online, then confirmed the truth through Wendy. John had even flown back from overseas upon hearing the news.
Seeing Sharon lying weak and pale in her hospital bed, John’s heart twisted with pain. He had
promised Shayla he would protect Sharon, yet he had failed again and again.
“Sharon… your hand…” His voice thickened, eyes reddening at the sight of her injury.
Sharon smiled faintly. “Uriah’s medical skills are the best. My daily life won’t be affected.”
Daily life.
The words struck Casey like a blow. Her breath caught.
If only Sharon’s daily life were unaffected, that meant… she would never be able to play the violin the way she used to.
At that moment, Sharon turned her gaze to her.
“Casey, don’t worry. I won’t shut down the studio. You can work there with peace of mind. Consider it my personal investment project.”
Casey’s nose stung, her eyes hot with unshed tears.
Sharon was a genius unlike any other–and now she was ruined.
What a waste. Such a devastating waste.
Anyone who knew Sharon’s talent would feel the same crushing regret.
“Who did this?!” John’s fists clenched so tightly his knuckles blanched, his eyes blazing red.
Sharon fell silent for a moment, then decided to tell him.
“It was Jamie. He’s cruel and ruthless. Be careful when you deal with him in the future.”
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