Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Chapter 362: He Could Not Bring Himself to Do It

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Rochelle was surprised. “What kind of way?”

“Grandma has already transferred to me all the shares she owns in the Barker Group. I’m now its second-largest shareholder. I know that Grandma no longer participates in the group’s decision-making ever since she retreated to be behind the scenes, but she’s still part of the Barker Group,” Samantha said unhurriedly.

Rochelle understood at once. “Does that mean...you’re going to take Grandma’s position and work in the Barker Group?”

Samantha merely answered, “Mmhmm.”

“That’s a solution alright, but...” Rochelle frowned and sounded somewhat worried. “Today’s board meeting had already pissed Timothy off. How can he tolerate you going to work in the Barker Group? He’s really ruthless right now and I’m worried if—”

Samantha knew what Rochelle wanted to say and immediately interrupted her, “Rewards don’t come without risks, Chelle. You know I have no other choice.”

Ensuring Matthew’s safety would be much harder if there was even a one-day delay.

Samantha had nightmares every single night and was woken up by nightmares every morning. The panic she felt whenever she woke up without seeing Matthew was very heart-wrenching for her.

She might have collapsed long ago had she not known that Matthew was still alive. That was the only reason she could still hang on.

Rochelle used to be a ‘mother’ too and knew how it felt when one wanted to protect her child but failed to do so. Her lips parted but she was unable to say anything to persuade Samantha otherwise.

In the end, she squeezed out a smile and said, “In that case, you have to promise me to be careful in whatever you do.”

“Of course. I won’t get myself into trouble, at least not until I’ve seen Matthew.”

Samantha leaned back in the chair after hanging up.

Deep down, she was not very confident in her decision because she did not know what dangers or obstacles she might encounter in the future. However, there was nothing she feared when she thought about Matthew.

From giving birth to him and watching him grow up slowly from such a young age, every second of every minute in the past three years were all deeply etched in her heart.

When she lipread her killer mouthing the words ‘Mr. Barker’, she probably would have let herself die if it were not for Matthew.

How could she move on from it when the person that she cared so deeply for had wanted her dead?

The scene at Timothy’s office earlier that day appeared in her mind and she reached out to touch her neck again.

For some unknown reason, she had an inexplicable feeling that Timothy refrained from strangling her to death that day, not because he did not want to, but because...he could bring himself to personally kill her.

If he really had multiple personalities, then...could the main personality have resisted the second personality and prevented the latter from attacking her?

Could that main personality be the ‘Timothy’ that the mysterious person claimed to have loved her?

There was a flaw in that theory.

If there truly was a main personality, why did that main personality never appear? Generally speaking, the main personality can suppress the second personality, making it impossible for the second personality to occupy the body and consciousness all the time!

Samantha’s brain started to hurt as she thought about it.

She did not understand fields that required expert knowledge and the amount of information she had was too little at the moment. Milton would not be able to solve the conundrum even if she asked for his help.

In any case, she had a very clear mission, and that was to determine whether or not Timothy genuinely suffered from multiple personalities due to a dissociative identity disorder!

After arriving at the hospital, Samantha paid the fare and got off.

Her first stop was the bathroom. She took out a silk scarf from her bag, put it on in front of the mirror, then made sure to cover the red choke marks on her neck before going out and walking to the ward.

Old Madam Barker was relieved to see that Samantha was alright. She held Samantha’s hand and said, “Tony described to me the situation in the conference room, and I was worried that the little brat Timothy might point a gun at you again.”

Samantha involuntarily let out a light cough.

It was not surprising that the old lady understood Timothy since they were related by blood. Timothy might not have held a gun to Samantha’s head, but nearly strangling her to death was not that far off either.

Of course, Samantha did not let on any expression and merely smiled. “I’m fine, Grandma.”

She then changed the subject naturally. “How are you feeling today? Any better?”

Old Madam Barker said cheerfully, “I feel splendid! Almost as if I can get out of bed soon.”

Aunt Julia, who was sitting on one side, immediately demolished the old lady’s remark. “Don’t listen to her, Sammy. She can’t even hold her chopsticks firmly and she’s already in a hurry to get out of bed. Please persuade her. She’s not at an age where she should be showing off.”

The old lady pretended to be angry. “Who said I was showing off! I’m in good health! Bring me the chopsticks and I’ll show you right now!”

Samantha’s heavy mind eased a little when she saw their bickering.

Sitting there and listening to their arguments was enough to let her relax and be at ease.

However, she did not forget what her purpose there was. After phrasing her sentences in her mind, she said, “I’d like to ask you something, Grandma.”

Old Madam Barker stopped arguing with Aunt Julia and replied, “Go ahead.”

“Well... Are the children and grandchildren of the Barkers always in good health? Do they have any illnesses that are serious or special in any way?”

Wealthy families like theirs placed very strict importance on maintaining everyone’s health from childhood to adulthood, which meant that Old Madam Barker would probably be in a position to know about Timothy’s health.

“No. My health is fine.” Old Madam Barker was confused. “What’s wrong? Why are you suddenly asking me this? Could there be...is there something wrong with Timothy’s body?”

Samantha shook her head again. “No, I’m just...a little concerned.”

Old Madam Barker looked at her and sighed again. “Silly girl. Why is it that you’re always hung up on that useless boy?”

Samantha did not explain any further because she needed Old Madam Barker to ‘misunderstand’ at that moment.

Genetic factors had been completely ruled out so close observation was a must.

Continuing from where the old lady left off, Samantha said, “Grandma, even though Timothy can’t divorce me for now, I need a chance to get close to him to win his heart again.”

“That is why I’d like to...work at the Barker Group. Can you please help me?”

Old Madam Barker and Aunt Julia exchanged glances and sighed.

A few seconds later, Old Madam Barker touched Samantha’s head. “Okay. I’ll help you arrange everything, but please don’t let yourself suffer too much.”

Samantha hugged Old Madam Barker’s arm and leaned closer. “I won’t. Thank you, Grandma.”

After accompanying the old lady until she fell asleep, Samantha got up and left the hospital. She went back to the apartment.

It was almost midnight when she came out of the shower but she was not feeling too sleepy. Therefore, she decided to open her laptop and log into her email.

Milton had already prepared some information on multiple personalities and sent it over.

She hovered the cursor over and clicked on it so she could delve into a closer study.

Samantha was unsure how long she had been reading when her eyes felt a little sore.. She wanted to turn off her laptop and rest but immediately regained her spirits when she saw a line of words.

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