Chapter 2 Did You Drink Fake Alcohol

"I've studied some traditional Chinese medicine. When I took your pulse just now, I felt something was off."

"You've never been to school, have you?" Alexander frowned even more, his inherent suspicion and vigilance surfacing.

"I learned it while living in the countryside with my grandfather. Self-taught."

"Your grandfather was a doctor?"

"Also self-taught."

"Why didn't he attend your wedding?"

"He passed away."

"I'm sorry."

Touched on a painful subject, his tone was apologetic. Rebecca didn't dwell on it and continued, "Back to the point-I'm just telling you what I sensed. Believe it or not, that's up to you."

"Go on."

"Would you mind if I check your pulse properly?"

Alexander said nothing but released her and cooperatively extended his arm.

Rebecca sat up, kneeling slightly at the edge of the bathtub as she took his pulse.

She wasn't the type to be infatuated easily, but she had to admit-seeing Alexander's face up close was quite the experience.

How to put it?

His face was far more attractive in person than in the photos on TV and in the news.

During her four years as a foster child in The Campbell family, she had heard about him from time to time and seen some pictures.

After all, The Harody family was the most prestigious in Boston-known by everyone.

And just a month ago, when the betrothal gifts were delivered, Alexander had personally visited The Campbell family.

She hadn't been allowed to sit at the table, but she had stolen a glance from afar.

His aura was undeniable, but she hadn't gotten a clear look at his face.

Now, seeing him up close-and shirtless, no less-was certainly a feast for the eyes.

"Have you stared enough?"

"If you're done staring, focus on checking my pulse properly."

Rebecca quickly averted her gaze, closed her eyes, and concentrated.

Her slender, fair fingers gently pressed against his strong wrist.

The cool touch of her fingertips sent a subtle sensation through his nerves-an indescribable feeling.

"Give me your other hand," Rebecca said.

"Troublesome," he muttered but still obediently extended his other arm.

A moment later, she slowly sat up. "I'm done."

"So? What's your conclusion?" Alexander asked calmly.

"You've been poisoned."

"Oh?" That was clearly something he hadn't considered before.

"I'm just speaking from personal experience. I've never formally studied medicine, nor do I have a medical license, so take my words as a reference."

"Go on."

"Your pulse shows clear signs of poisoning, and the poisoning must have happened within the last two weeks. The toxins are still active and detectable in your pulse."

"Do you know what kind of poison?" Alexander asked.

"Methanol poisoning-you've been drinking fake alcohol, haven't you?"

Rebecca's words made Alexander laugh outright.

"Me? Alexander? Drinking fake alcohol? Do you even hear yourself, little girl?"

"I'm just stating my opinion. Believe it or not, that's your choice."

Being doubted about her medical skills made Rebecca a little annoyed. She stood up and turned to leave. Think whatever you want.

"Wait."

"What now?" She turned back.

"If you're willing to help me, I won't treat you unfairly. But if you have any ulterior motives, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Rebecca scoffed at his warning.

"Mr. Harody, you haven't been polite to me from the moment you walked in."

"And by the way, paranoia is also an illness. I suggest you visit a psychiatrist when you have time!"

With that, she slammed the door and walked out.

Bang!

The sound was so loud that Alexander's ears hurt a little. Having lost his sight in the past week, he had been relying heavily on his hearing.

If it had been the old him, a woman behaving like this would have been thrown out without hesitation.

But he didn't do that now-he had more important things to focus on.

He picked up his phone and made a call.

"Look into the toxicology report of the truck driver who died in the accident that day. Also, arrange a full medical check-up for me tomorrow-bring several doctors."

Alexander stayed in the bathroom for a long time. When he finally came out, Rebecca was already asleep on the bed.

Listening to her even breathing, he smirked. This little girl has quite the relaxed heart-she's sleeping soundly.

Alexander chuckled, found a comfortable spot on the couch, and drifted into a light sleep.

The Next Morning

When Rebecca woke up, Alexander was already fully dressed, sitting still on the couch.

Even the soup the maid brought last night remained untouched.

Her mind was still booting up as she greeted him in a husky morning voice, "Morning."

"You're awake. Get up and eat." His face was as expressionless as ever.

"Okay."

"Change into something more festive-we're going downstairs to serve tea to the elders."

"Alright."

Rebecca knew that wealthy families had many customs. Even The Campbell family-a second-tier aristocratic family-was unnecessarily pretentious.

If not for Nancy using her beauty and charm to win over Mrs. Harody...

There was no way The Campbell family would have been chosen for this marriage. There were plenty of women in Boston eager to marry Alexander.

The Campbell family's business had been struggling recently, and they were facing financial difficulties.

The hefty dowry from The Harody family had solved Justin's crisis.

Yet in the end, it was Rebecca-rather than the true Campbell heiress, Nancy-who had to bear the consequences.

Rebecca pulled out a simple suitcase and chose a light red dress.

Without the heavy headpiece from yesterday, she felt much more relaxed, tying her hair into a simple ponytail.

With her youthful face, she instantly looked full of life again.

When they walked downstairs, the whole family was already waiting.

Alexander couldn't see, but Rebecca could.

A long dining table was filled with people.

She gently supported Alexander as they walked down the stairs.

"They're coming," Mrs. Harody said with a smile.

"Grandmother, please have some tea."

"Father, Mother, please have some tea."

"Aunt, please have some tea."

"Uncle, Aunt, please have some tea."

The Harody family's matriarch, over 80 years old, was still in good spirits. She was happy about her grandson's wedding.

But before she could speak, Alexander's second aunt sneered.

"Since The Campbell family replaced their true heiress with a fake one, shouldn't we reconsider how much dowry they deserve?"

Alexander's third uncle chimed in, "The Campbell family's actions were truly disgraceful. If they didn't want to marry, they could have refused. But to substitute someone else-that's a sign of disrespect to our family."

With both his second aunt and third uncle taking turns belittling her, Rebecca felt out of place. She clenched the hem of her dress, trying to remain composed, but she still felt humiliated.

Nobody wanted to be treated like an unwanted substitute.

Bang!

Alexander slammed his chopsticks on the table.

"Why didn't you say this yesterday?"

"You waited until after the wedding and legal registration to complain-don't you think it's a bit late?"

"If you had said it yesterday, I'd assume you were just making things difficult for The Campbell family."

"But saying it now? I can only assume, Aunt, Uncle, that you're making things difficult for me."

Isabel and Berton exchanged a knowing glance. Isabel quickly tried to smooth things over.

"Alexander, of course I didn't mean that. How could I make things difficult for you? We're family! I just feel sorry that you were wronged. Even your mother said this new bride isn't as pretty as Nancy."

A truly venomous woman-pretending to explain while dragging Alexander's mother into the argument.