Billionaire Ex-wife: I Can't Live Without You
Chapter 1981

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 Norton’s room.

Once Ronan was gone, Lucinda promptly found reasons to dismiss all the attendants from the room, leaving only Kern behind.

“The 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?”

“Understood, madam.

”

The room quickly emptied of attendants.

The bedroom now felt more open.

Norton lay unconscious, with only Lucinda, Hilliard, Kern, and the Payne family’s medical professionals remaining.

After examining Norton and reviewing his recent medications, Hilliard concurred with the Payne family’s medical team’s diagnosis.

“It appears he consumed something that didn’t agree with him, leading to food poisoning and his current unconscious state.

”

With the room secured for privacy, Lucinda questioned, “Kern oversees grandpa’s diet.

How could he have ingested something harmful?”

Kern pondered before responding, “I 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.

”

Taking extra care with his meals.

There should have been no issue.

A heavy silence filled the room upon his words.

Lucinda’s thoughts drifted to Ronan, who earlier had knelt beside Norton’s bed, weeping loudly.

Despite his apparent sorrow, Lucinda couldn’t 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.

“Was Ronan present at grandpa’s Lunch?”

Kern shook his head.

“Mr.

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.

”

A cup of tea?

Lucinda, puzzled, pressed on, “Did he consume anything else?”

“I can’t be certain.

The study had fruits and refreshments, but since they were alone, I didn’t intrude.

When Mr.

Norton left the study, he mentioned he hadn’t eaten, and Mr.

Ronan hadn’t brought any food with him today,” Kern reported.

The room sank into another silence.

Despite Kern’s words, Lucinda sensed something amiss.

The timing of Norton’s illness seemed suspicious.

And she had little faith in those beyond the room, complicating any investigation.

Determined, Lucinda proposed, “This doesn’t 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.

We’re likely to uncover some leads.

”

Kern hesitated, “That might not be wise, madam.

If Mr.

Norton awakens, he’d prefer not to escalate the situation.

If it’s found to be an attempt on Mr.

Norton’s life, with Mr.

Nathan away, it could throw the family into disarray.

”