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Chapter 164
Chapter 164
At the same time, in Ellie’s father’s hospital room, Nancy was pulling Joanna to sit beside the fold–out couch for visitors. Gone was the strong and commanding aura of the wealthiest woman in Jaslands; she seemed more fragile than ever,
“Joanna, you know my eldest son…” Nancy’s voice choked as she spoke about him. “We were so strict with him. He was hardworking and brilliant, but in the end, he never settled down or built a life for himself. Just like that, he’s gone?
Joanna, as a mother herself, could understand the pain of losing a child, but she felt helpless and could only pat Nancy’s hand in consolation.
Nancy continued, “Those years, my husband and I felt like we were living in hell. We poured all our love into Alex. Whatever he wanted, we gave him. Whatever he wanted to do, we let him follow his dreams…”
“That rebellious kid turned out the way he is because we spoiled him rotten.”
“With my eldest son gone, I wish I could adopt Ellie as my daughter. It would bring some life into our home during the holidays and give me someone to talk to. I genuinely like her. Who knew that Alex would…” Nancy said, her words trailing off as she felt anger rising in her.
Mentioning Alex made Nancy dizzy with frustration.
Joanna replied, “Even though I gave birth to her, she was raised by your family. I owe the Warren family for their kindness to my child, and I could never repay you. If Ellie doesn’t have a problem with it, neither do we.
When Ellie and her brother returned, Nancy had already left. Ellie stood by her father’s bedside, her head bowed, unable to find the words to express her guilt.
Joanna sat beside the folding bed, looking at the side profile of her son she had just scolded, her eyes full of sorrow.
Aaron was crouching next to Joanna, holding his mother’s hand. “Mom, I’m not hurt at all. You don’t need to worry about
me.”
How could a slap on the face not hurt? When Aaron spoke, the dam broke for Joanna. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “If anyone’s to blame, it’s me for not being capable. Just promise me you won’t go looking for trouble again.”
“If it weren’t for Carlos, you two wouldn’t be here today. We can’t repay that debt of gratitude, so just bear with it,” she said, her words mixing with resignation. Ellie exchanged a glance with her brother.
“Aaron, you stay here with Dad. I’ll take Ellie to see Carlos,” Joanna decided, getting up and pulling Ellie out of the room without waiting for a reply.
Ellie accompanied Joanna to the elevator, spotting Carlos’s ICU room from a distance. Haley and her mom were being blocked from entering by Nancy.
As soon as Ellie saw Haley, she approached quietly.
Nancy came up enthusiastically, grabbing Ellie with one hand and Joanna with the other, glaring at Haley blocking the door.
“Get lost!”
Haley had no choice but to step back with a frown, moving out of the way. Seeing Nancy pull Ellie into Carlos’s room made her turn to Alex with a look of grievance.
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Chapter 164
Following Alex’s gaze toward the room where Ellie was, Haley could hardly suppress her feelings. “Alex.”
Alex finally pulled his eyes away from the room. “You’re not fully healed. What are you doing running around?”
Haley clutched at Alex’s sleeve, her voice filled with regret. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to check on your grandpa and see if he was okay. I thought I was being caring.”
Alex sighed and took off his jacket, draping it around Haley’s shoulders. “Let’s go. I’ll take you back to your room so you can
rest.”
When Alex returned, he saw his mom and Joanna deep in discussion by the elevator.
He entered Carlos’s room directly. Inside the ICU, only Ellie was there. She sat in a chair beside her grandfather’s bed, gently holding his hand while wiping away tears.
Seeing the pale face of his cousin Ellie, Alex felt an indescribable weight in his chest. He grabbed a couple of tissues and quietly approached her, ready to comfort her in this time of sorrow.
Chapter 165
