Chapter 377
Chapter 377
日 95% ■
“I never wanted to join your family or recognize this connection. It was you who begged for my acknowledgment. I have this birthmark, and Mom has confirmed who I am. Why don’t you believe it?”
Haley said, “Since you don’t believe me, why not say it to me?” Haley cried as she turned and walked away.
Patrick gave Winnie a look, prompting Winnie to stop Haley. “Quinlee, we’re trying to keep up appearances so people don’t talk.”
“You pretend to accept me openly but secretly doubt me. It’s so insulting. I’m done with this relationship. Even if I end up without a family or get sent abroad, I won’t stay here and be humiliated!”
Haley was emotionally unstable and wanted to leave, but Winnie stopped her from going. Patrick discreetly moved behind Haley and quickly pulled a strand of her hair before stepping back.
Haley felt a sharp pain in her head and turned around. She saw Patrick a few steps away, tending to a potted plant, and relaxed, shifting her gaze away.
Patrick calmly approached Winnie. “Since the Janssen family agreed not to do the paternity test, let’s not do it. We shouldn’t let a few words from others disturb our family’s harmony.”
Haley let out a quiet sigh of relief when Patrick decided not to proceed with the paternity test.
*****
Two days later, Ellie was doing her rounds when Alex suddenly appeared. In the hospital corridor, Ellie kept a two to three- step distance from Alex.
Seeing the undeniable tiredness on Alex’s face and his bloodshot eyes, Ellie couldn’t help but frown.
Just yesterday, Alex called Ellie from an unknown number, threatening to break down her door. Ellie thought, ‘What happened to him today?‘
Giving a brief nod to her colleagues, Ellie said with no expression, “I’m busy, so be quick!”
Alex was quiet for a good while before he spoke. “Grandpa is critically ill in the ER. Do you want to come see him?” His voice was soft and humble, a change from his usual arrogance.
However, Ellie didn’t believe him. Her first thought was that Alex was lying. “That’s the Warren family’s matter. You don’t need to tell me.”
conditio
Just a couple of days ago, Ellie had checked with Carlos’s attending doctor, who said his was stable, Ellie’s indifference deeply affected Alex.
Alex stood there, emotions swirling in his eyes, but he was holding back. He stared directly at Ellie without saying a word for quite a while.
Ellie felt uneasy under Alex’s intense gaze and turned to leave.
“Ellie, you’re more heartless than I imagined!” Alex’s voice broke he silence, full of restrained emotion, but Ellie kept walking It was a hard–earned realization, and she vowed not to look back, even for a moment. If she dared to, she deserved the consequences.
10:48 Sun, Feb 16 GE
Chapter 377
95%
+13)
Nancy and Todd saw Alex come alone. “So, did Ellie agree?” Nancy asked eagerly as soon as Alex exited the ER. Alex shook his head, too weary to speak.
“Before Carlos fell unconscious, he kept mumbling about Ellie. He must have had something to say to her. What will we do if Ellie refuses to come?” Nancy sighed deeply with concern.
Alex stood in the hallway, observing his parents who seemed utterly exhausted after staying up all day and night. His guilt and self–blame peaked at that moment.
Todd and Nancy handled social interactions outside and took care of everyday needs at home. They had to look after Carlos and worry about Alex’s matters; every task seemed crucial to them. Alex thought, ‘But what about me? How do I repay them?‘
“Dad, Mom, it’s my fault!” Alex’s voice cracked with despair, tears forming in his eyes. If it weren’t for him, Ellie might have come to see Carlos, even in critical condition.
