Owned by a Rich Man |19+|

Chapter 52 - Framed

Everything happened too fast. Anika was not in her right mind as she followed to the hospital.

The image of the fire haunted her mind, and Esther's protective words for her only made her feel guilty.

That's right. She doesn't know anything. She's so stupid. That's why she had caused this tragedy.

It's her fault.

When they arrived at the hospital, fortunately, Esther was not in danger. She just needed some rest and respiratory treatment for the suffocation she experienced.

Anika insisted on staying in the hospital and waiting until Esther finished her IV infusion. The latter was resting as of the moment.

She waited outside for a few hours as the doctor advised not to let any visitors come into the room first and let the patient rest.

When suddenly, a middle-aged lady arrived, with a worried and overly distressed expression.

"Where's my niece? Is she okay?" The well-dressed lady asked in exclamation.

This should be Esther's aunt.

Anika stood up and stuttered to answer.

"She's, she's inside," She said in a small voice. She looked at Esther's aunt in fear.

The lady looked at her and furrowed her brows.

Anika felt tongue-tied by this look.

Fortunately, Steward Ben was actually beside her. He hurriedly responded to Esther's aunt.

"Miss Esther is already stable. She only suffered some mild-degree burns. The Madame should not worry too much," Steward Ben said assuredly.

Amanda, Esther's aunt, saw that it was a well-respected butler. Her expression eased but still glanced disapprovingly at Anika.

She nodded coldly and went inside the room without any more words.

Anika looked at the closed door and sighed worriedly. She turned to Steward Ben gratefully.

"Anika, don't worry. Everything is fine," The old man comforted her. While everyone felt distressed for Esther, Steward Ben was also distressed for Anika.

He didn't know how much fear the innocent girl had experienced today.

Anika looked at the butler and smiled sadly. It was only now she noticed her surroundings. She looked around and saw Leon was not around.

"Where's Leon?" She asked a bit anxiously at Steward Ben.

"The Master left to look into the matter. He asked you earlier, but you were still a bit distracted and probably didn't notice. He left you to my care. Don't worry, the Master will be back soon. If you need anything, you can tell me," Steward Ben said kindly.

Anika listened and felt sad in her heart.

Does.. Leon blame her too?

She can't help but feel insecure in her heart. She bit her lips and looked at the closed door once again.

"Steward Ben, can we.. buy some fruits?" She then asked the old man. She wanted to do something for Esther, at the very least.

Steward heard this and readily agreed. He felt worried for Anika, so he was ready to accompany her.

Anika and Steward Ben went to a fruit store just outside the hospital. She let the vendor arrange it in a nice basket.

After buying the fruits, they went back to the hospital.

She knocked on the door softly. Not long, it was opened by Esther's aunt.

"I, I brought fruits," Anika said in a meek voice, holding the basket of fruits in her hands.

Amanda looked at the fruit indifferently and turned back inside the room, but she left the door open, indicating Anika could come in.

Anika pursed her lips and stepped into the room.

She saw Esther lying on the hospital bed, still sleeping.

Amanda took her bag from the seat beside the bed.

"I'll go talk to the doctor. I hope I can leave my niece in your care?" She asked Anika in a cold voice.

Anika hurriedly nodded and placed the fruits on the bedside table, conveniently, a fruit knife and a plate were placed there.

"I'll watch over her.." She responded softly.

Amanda only glanced at her coldly and turned to leave, closing the door.

Anika slowly sat on the seat beside the bed.

It was unknown how long it was, when the phone on Esther's bed vibrated. Slowly she opened her eyes- eyes that were unexpectedly energetic.

Anika immediately saw this and became alive.

"Esther, you're awake," She eagerly called out, but still in a soft voice, for fear she would disturb the latter.

She stood up and went to the bedside table.

"Do you like some fruits? I bought some for you. I'll peel and cut it," Anika offered as she took some fruits from the basket.

She also took the plate and fruit knife and started cutting the fruits.

Esther turned to Anika, her eyes glinting.

Slowly, she sat up.

"Thank you, Anika," She said, an obvious smirk on the corners of her lips.

Anika turned to her and smiled, looking at her smirk, she blinked.

"Thank you for being stupid that all my plans worked," She said with satisfaction in her words.

Anika's hands froze, and she looked up at Esther in surprise.

Esther saw this and chuckled.

"Tsk, tsk. So innocent and naïve. I fear that until you slump to the bottom, you wouldn't know what happened," Esther stood from the bed and faced Annika leisurely.

"Poor you," She added while pouting her lips teasingly.

"Esther..?" Anika can't help but question. She didn't know why Esther was saying this.

Esther sighed exaggeratedly.

"See? You still don't get it,"

She approached Anika, getting closer step by step.

"It was all my plan. From befriending you and leeching off you," Esther said cruelly as she faced Anika.

"But who made you have a good life, and me, not?"

She drew her face closer to Anika's ear and whispered.

"It made me want to have your life," She then smiled evilly.

She backed away to watch the confusion and surprise on Anika's face.

"Oh, even the fire earlier. It was my plan. But again, thank you. Because if you weren't stupid enough, I wouldn't have succeeded," Esther laughed in satisfaction.

From grilling indoors, placing the gas beside the water, and messing with the equipment, it was Esther's plan all along. However, it was a great help that Anika knew nothing.

It was a pity Anika wasn't caught in the flames. It would be better if she burned some of those flawless and smooth skin. Esther's vile thoughts turned.

Anika saw Esther's hateful expression, and the words she spoke gave her chills.

Esther's phone beeped again, and with a glance at it, she let out a crafty smile.

"And now, it's time to step up the game,"

Suddenly, Esther grabbed Anika's hand that was holding the knife, and stabbed it on her own arm.

"Anika! What are you doing!" Esther screeched heartbreakingly.

Just in time for the door to open, and a group of people came in.

"What are you doing to my niece!!"