Chapter 42: Talking about Erica
“Hello, Ansel.” Nika looked towards Ansel and spoke up. He didn’t notice Erica’s presence in the room.
“Nika, what brings you here?” Ansel asked, surprised. “Didn’t you say you were busy tonight and wouldn’t come here?”
“I came here to report the results of your request. I have completed…”
Nika paused in the middle of speaking, noticing Ansel’s twitching eyebrows, a gesture that seemed to signal something to Nika. Nika didn’t understand anything, so Ansel recklessly turned to look at Erica. Nika followed Ansel’s lead and briefly felt confused upon discovering Erica’s presence. However, Nika quickly regained control of her emotions.
“Erica… Good evening. It’s nice to see you again.”
Hearing Nika call, Erica pretended to be polite and said, “Hello.”
“I didn’t know you were here,” Nika hesitantly replied. “Did I disturb you? If I did, I apologize.”
“I just came here to check on things a little,” Erica explained. “I’ll be leaving now.”
After speaking, Erica picked up the items on the table and headed toward the door. Before stepping outside, she said again, “If possible, give the medicine to Ansel to drink; help me.”
“I understand. Leave it to me,” Nika replied, nodding slightly, replacing both the farewell and gratitude for Erica.
The door closed, and only then did Nika turn back to face Ansel. They looked at each other, both exhaling a gentle sigh of relief. Their plan was almost discovered by Erica.
There was a moment of silence before Ansel broke it.
“Do you have good news for me?” Ansel probed, looking intently at Nika, awaiting an answer.
“I have learned some things about Erica,” Nika calmly revealed. “That’s why I hurried here to meet you.”
“Really?” Ansel exclaimed happily, “Tell me now.”
“You take it slow; what’s the hurry?” Nika stepped closer to the bed, reassuring Ansel, “Whether we know early or late, we can’t come up with a quick solution.”
“Tell me quickly; I’m really eager to know,” Ansel urged. “I’ve been feeling uneasy since morning. So, don’t make me wait any longer.”
“But…” Nika started to argue, but Ansel interrupted.
“Don’t say anything more, Nika. I understand all your concerns,” Ansel interjected.
If Ansel was this impatient, how could Nika refuse any longer? Eventually, Nika had to speak up, sharing everything he had just learned. But before doing so, Nika had taken some time to prepare. Nika pulled up a chair and sat down softly. Nika reminded Ansel:
“Before I begin, you must promise to stay calm and maintain control over any negative emotions that may arise.”
After hearing Nika’s request, Ansel furrowed his brows in confusion. He couldn’t quite understand why Nika was making such a request. He wondered why Nika made such a request. Is the situation serious? Unable to find the correct answer, Ansel ventured to agree.
“I understand,” Ansel said. “I will try my best not to react too negatively.”
Seeing Ansel’s determination, Nika felt satisfied, and they began to delve into the main issue.
“Please stay calm and listen,” Nika requested, and Ansel nodded in understanding.
Taking a deep breath, Nika spoke solemnly:
“According to the information I got from my people, Erica Watson used to be a medical school student. However, she was suspended from the university for allegations of physically assaulting someone and causing serious injuries.”
“Has this information been verified?” Ansel questioned with skepticism, “It could be fabricated or manipulated by someone. That’s why it’s not easy to trust.”
“I understand your point; that’s why I have thoroughly verified it before drawing any conclusions,” Nika affirmed. “Furthermore, we can directly confirm it from Erica.”
“I don’t think Erica will disclose anything about herself to us, let alone discuss such matters,” Ansel said. Ansel’s prediction was probably 100% accurate.
“We have to find a way,” Nika calmly stated.
“What approach? Do you have any feasible ideas?” Ansel looked at Nika with anticipation. Through Nika’s confident tone, Ansel believed that Nika had a way to deal with Erica’s stubbornness and resistance.
“We will set a trap for Erica,” Nika explained. “In other words, we will pressure Erica to speak the truth.”
“Will this plan be successful?” Ansel expressed concern. “I’m afraid Erica will strongly resist, and the consequences could be terrible.”
“We won’t know until we try,” Nika affirmed. “Besides, don’t you want to know the truth about the rumors surrounding Erica?”
“Let’s do it, Ansel. We have to take a risk,” Nika added when Ansel remained silent. “I believe there must be some underlying reason behind this incident. I don’t think Erica is someone with a malicious nature. Someone who dedicates themselves and enthusiastically helps others cannot intentionally harm anyone. You think the same, don’t you?”
Ansel contemplated and was completely convinced by Nika’s sharp reasoning. Instead of speaking, Ansel nodded in agreement.
“Furthermore,” Nika spontaneously revealed, “I have also looked into Erica’s background. Are you interested in knowing?”
Nika asked with a probing look. Without hesitation, Ansel immediately responded with enthusiasm:
“Tell me, what did you find out about Erica?” Ansel was genuinely curious. Seeing Ansel’s eagerness, Nika didn’t prolong the suspense and went straight to the details.This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.
“According to the investigation results, Erica Watson’s parents died in a car accident when she was seven years old. She was taken in by her uncle for foster care. Two years ago, that uncle also died in an accident. The man had a wife and a daughter. It is rumored that Erica was violent towards the man’s daughter.”
“Do you know the reason behind it?” Ansel wondered, “What motivated Erica to do such things?”
Deep down, Ansel wanted to stand by Erica and trust her. But he couldn’t do so blindly. That’s why Ansel needed to understand the situation better.
Nika shrugged, superficially guessing, “I have yet to find out about this. But it seems that the motive behind the incident has been deliberately concealed. However, considering other aspects, it is highly possible that the event occurred due to deep-seated conflicts and animosity between the parties involved.
“I understand,” Ansel ordered solemnly. “Nika, we must uncover the truth about Erica at all costs. I need to know who Erica truly is.”
Ansel’s eyes burned with serious determination, revealing the righteous fire within him. Nika understood that Ansel was a champion of justice, always ready to help and defend the weak. If Erica is innocent and falsely accused, Ansel will definitely demand justice for her.
“You can rest assured. In case Erica refuses to cooperate with us, I have quietly initiated an investigation, hoping to obtain results soon,” Nika revealed. He had taken that step early on, anticipating that it would be something Ansel would want to do as well. Furthermore, to prevent Ansel from becoming agitated, what could be better than preparing something related to Erica that would soothe him? Nika was clever enough to foresee the situation and take action promptly.
“Well done!” praised Ansel. “I hope we will succeed.”
“Of course,” Nika confidently declared. “Don’t forget who I am. My abilities should not be underestimated.”
Ansel nodded in agreement, but don’t forget to express your insecurities. “I hope I won’t be disappointed.”
“There’s no need to worry about that. Stay optimistic,” Nika advised. Suddenly remembering something important, Nika stood up from the chair, approached the table, and picked up a pill lying on it, handing it to Ansel.
“It’s time to take your medication,” urged Nika. “Take it on time and regularly to recover quickly. I prefer to see Ansel active and moving rather than confined to a room.”
“Don’t tease me,” Ansel objected to the playful remark. “Watch your words, or one day you might experience what I’m going through.”
“At that time, feel free to mock me. But for now, obediently take your medication. If Erica comes back for a check-up later and finds out, both of us will be scolded by her,” Nika reminded with concern, handing the medication to Ansel. Then he brought a glass of water for Ansel. Ansel didn’t resist and quickly drank it all in one go.
Ansel forgot the bitter taste of the medication as his mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of Erica. He felt restless inside. He eagerly awaited the next day to come so that he could ask Erica directly about her story. Alternatively, Nika would have the investigation results in his hands.