Chapter 67 The Deceptive Scheme

After being unconscious for so long, Grandpa had finally woken up. Seeing how excited Sabrina was, a slight smile tugged at Curtis's lips. "Great, let's head to the hospital then." Despite the chaotic day they had endured, nothing compared to the joy Sabrina felt now. Without wasting any time, they rushed to the hospital. The ward that had once been filled with medical equipment encircling Parker was now free of the tubes and wires. Although he had been unresponsive for some time, Parker seemed rather spirited when he woke up. His eyes sparkled with an unmistakable joy at the sight of his granddaughter and her husband. "You two are here!" Having just awakened, Parker's voice was feeble. He looked around, his expression turning to one of concern. "Why just the two of you? Where's Barry? And Ada? Where are they?" Sabrina hesitated at Grandpa's questions. "Barry had a bit of trouble and is in another ward recovering. And Ada too, but she's at home." At that, Parker’s expression soured, a hint of disapproval emerging. "So, your brother got himself involved in trouble, did he? Well, that's what he gets for meddling in messy business." This unexpected rebuke from Parker caused Sabrina to glance at Curtis, confusion evident in her gaze. What had caused this sudden animosity towards Barry? "Before, I held back from airing our dirty laundry in front of Curtis and Daniel, but I can't be concerned with appearances anymore." Sabrina’s worry deepened, considering the potential impact of Parker’s anger on his health. "Barry has been restless the past couple of years, always after quick money. He's been conspiring with some private hospital doctors to scam me out of my savings. They've even used my illness as an excuse to lie to me. If it weren't for your intervention, who knows how many more people he would have deceived." Sabrina felt a lump in her throat as she listened. 'Could Barry really do something like this?' "But why would he do something like this? And to you, Grandpa, of all people?" Sabrina was baffled. It was hard enough to believe Barry would con strangers, but his own grandfather? And with the house sale pending, what was Barry planning with the money? "I don't know what benefits he sees in it. Your brother's been up to no good for a long time. And that Ada, I don't think she's any good either. She's probably the one encouraging him. Before he met her, he used to be so obedient. After meeting Ada, all he did was complain about life. It's disgraceful. I never raised him to act like this!" Sabrina suddenly understood. She had suspected as much. Her brother would not have said those things unless someone was influencing him. It could not have been their grandfather, so it had to be Ada. But what confused Sabrina was, what did Ada have to gain from this? "What does she stand to gain? He's easy to fool, that's what. She wants to use him to con even more people. Your brother's so smitten with Ada that he can't see anyone else, and he's getting played for a fool." Parker, who had just woken up, found his rage too much to handle. He wanted to tell her what he had been up to, but his body would not allow him to speak too much. Overcome with emotion, Parker's body shook, triggering the medical monitors into a frenzy. This alarmed Sabrina, who immediately called for a doctor and a nurse to check on Parker. She assured Parker that she would set her brother straight. After the medical team stabilized Parker, Sabrina and Curtis exited the hospital room. Sabrina was seething, ruminating on Parker's words. "I have to give Barry a piece of my mind," she said, picking up the pace. Taken aback by her intensity, Curtis hurried after her. By the time he caught up, he heard a sharp slap echo from the room, followed by Barry's outraged voice. "Have you lost your mind, Sabrina? How dare you hit me. I'm your brother!" "You should consider yourself lucky that you're my brother. Otherwise, I'd have you arrested right now," Sabrina retorted sharply. The mention of arrest made Barry flinch. Curtis gave Sabrina a worried glance, her rage seemed overwhelming. "What the hell's gotten into you?" Barry was defiant, refusing to acknowledge any fault, which only deepened Sabrina's despair. "Grandpa's awake. I just left his room. He said you've been involved in fraudulent schemes. When did you become like this?" She took a deep breath and locked eyes with Barry. "You used to preach the value of honest work. What happened to those principles? Are you trying to kill me with your actions?" Seeing her eyes started to mist, Barry remained silent. He did not know what to say. Though he felt that he had done nothing wrong, he knew admitting this would likely end their frayed sibling connection. "Have you and Ada been scamming people? What about Grandfather's savings? Did you help yourself to those as well?" Sabrina's eyes bore into him like blades. Questions about the family's finances had been relentless since Grandfather's health declined. She used to trust him unconditionally, but now doubt clouded her judgment. Barry felt a deep sense of despair. Looking at Sabrina, his voice trembled, "Do you really think I'd do something like that?" Sabrina's voice choked up. "I don't know what you're capable of anymore. But Grandpa said that family affairs should be kept within the family. He knew you were hospitalized due to your shady dealings. And yet here you are, still playing dumb with me. Barry, you've disappointed me beyond words."