Observing Kern align with Lucinda and advocate on her behalf, Ronan found himself at a loss for counterarguments.
With a huff, he adjusted his suit in an exaggerated manner and exited Nortonâs room.
Once Ronan was gone, Lucinda promptly found reasons to dismiss all the attendants from the room, leaving only Kern behind.
âThe house is bustling today, and the noise is overwhelming.
Please, ask the staff to offer our guests some fruit, pastries, and fine tea.
I want no one near this door until the physicians have concluded their examination of Mr.
Payne.
Is that clear?â
âUnderstood, madam.
â
The room quickly emptied of attendants.
The bedroom now felt more open.
Norton lay unconscious, with only Lucinda, Hilliard, Kern, and the Payne familyâs medical professionals remaining.
After examining Norton and reviewing his recent medications, Hilliard concurred with the Payne familyâs medical teamâs diagnosis.
âIt appears he consumed something that didnât agree with him, leading to food poisoning and his current unconscious state.
â
With the room secured for privacy, Lucinda questioned, âKern oversees grandpaâs diet.
How could he have ingested something harmful?â
Kern pondered before responding, âI was with Mr.
Payne constantly.
I checked everything he consumed to ensure its safety.
Moreover, our chefs are well-informed about his hypertension and hyperlipidemia.
â
Taking extra care with his meals.
There should have been no issue.
A heavy silence filled the room upon his words.
Lucindaâs thoughts drifted to Ronan, who earlier had knelt beside Nortonâs bed, weeping loudly.
Despite his apparent sorrow, Lucinda couldnât shake her disdain for him, perceiving his outburst as insincere and theatrical, seemingly performed for an audience.
With that in mind, she turned to Kern.
âWas Ronan present at grandpaâs Lunch?â
Kern shook his head.
âMr.
Ronan Payne o
nly arrived this afternoon.
He and Mr.
Norton Payne spent some time together in the study, reading.
Mr.
Norton did have a cup of tea.
â
A cup of tea?
Lucinda, puzzled, pressed on, âDid he consume anything else?â
âI canât be certain.
The study had fruits and refreshments, but since they were alone, I didnât intrude.
When Mr.
Norton left the study, he mentioned he hadnât eaten, and Mr.
Ronan hadnât brought any food with him today,â Kern reported.
The room sank into another silence.
Despite Kernâs words, Lucinda sensed something amiss.
The timing of Nortonâs illness seemed suspicious.
And she had little faith in those beyond the room, complicating any investigation.
Determined, Lucinda proposed, âThis doesnât seem like an accidental ingestion.
It feels intentional.
Our best course is to involve the police and have them question everyone who was close to grandpa today.
Weâre likely to uncover some leads.
â
Kern hesitated, âThat might not be wise, madam.
If Mr.
Norton awakens, heâd prefer not to escalate the situation.
If itâs found to be an attempt on Mr.
Nortonâs life, with Mr.
Nathan away, it could throw the family into disarray.
â