Chapter 12
When Gwen arrived at the hospital, she headed straight to Beatrice’s roomu
Thankfully, Beatrice was still there, peacefully lying in bed, untouched
”
ng you so many times yesterday.
“Ms. Leblanc, you’re finally here.” the head nurse sand with a weary sigh “We tried calling
Im so sorry, Gwen apologized, embarrassed. I was tied up yesterday, and my phone was off”
“It’s alright. Here’s the update. Dr. Arwood had to step out for a meeting, but he asked me to pass on some good news—your grandmother has a
Gwen’s eyes lit up. “Really Didn’t you say you were trying to contact that foreign doctor? Did you manage to reach him? Is he willing to come?”
“Don’t get too excited just yet, the nurse cautioned. “It’s not that we contacted him directly; rather, the Hatfield family arranged for him to come. Whether he’ll actually operate here is still uncertain. And even if he does, the surgery will cost a lot.”
Gwen pressed her lips together, then said firmly, “That’s okay, I’ll find a way to get the money. Please, tell Dr. Atwood to do whatever he can to help
The nurse nodded. “Understood. I’ll let him know.
Gwen felt a weight lift from her heart.
Back in
n the room, she set down her coat and took a seat beside Beatrice, holding her grandmother’s frail hand and pressing it gently to her check.
Years of being bedridden had reduced Beatrice, once so graceful, to a shadow of her former self–thin to the bone. Her rough fingers brushed. against Gwen’s soft skin, but to Gwen, they felt just as warm and comforting as ever.
“Grandma. Dr. Atwood said the foreign doctor has arrived. You’ll be okay. I’ll make sure you’re okay.”
The only sounds in the room were
Gwen whispered..
room were the steady rhythm of Beatrice’s breathing and the quiet beeping of the medical machines.
After fetching a basin of warm water, Gwen carefully cleaned and groomed her grandmother before stepping out to speak with the nurse. “Has Uncle Vincent or Aunt Monica been here recently?”
The nurse gave her a look. “When have they ever
ever come!
Gwen forced a senile, said nothing, and walked out to the balcony to call her friend Selena
Thirty minutes later, Gwen handed a necklace to Selena in the hospital parking lot
“Are you sure about this?” Selena asked. “You’re really going to pawn it?”
“It was from Ethan. Let it go. I don’t plan to get it back,” Gwen replied firmly.
“With how crazy the secondhand market is right now, it might not fetch much, Selena said, frowning. “If we didn’t have to worry about Ethan finding out. I could we found a better buyer for you. A much better price, too.”
“As long as I get cash, I’m good Gwen shrugged.
“Alright. I’ll see what I can do” Selena studied her for a moment. “You look exhausted. Did you and Ethan really call it quits?” –
Yeah. It’s done. He promised to give me what he owes me
Selena suried. “He’s getting off easy. Don’t hesitate to tell me if you’re struggling
“Don’t worry.
- y. If I run into trouble, I’ll definitely come to your Gwen replied with a smile. “Speaking of which, how are things with Chandler?”
Selena shrugged. “Same old
Gwen raised an eyebrow. “Still haven’t surted things out with hime“:
“There’s no soring things out with him. Might as well leave it alone, Selena said, throwing up her hands. To better get going before I run into him.”
Owen watched Selena drive off before heading back to the ward
On the way, she ran into Chandler. He nodded at her politely. “What brings
s you to the hospital?
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Chapter 12
“My grandmother’s admited here, wen said.
Chandler was about to walk past her when he suddenly asked, Tave you been in touch with Selena recently!”
Gwen wasn’t about to give anything away. “You’re her Island. Why are you asking me that!” she countered.
f you do see her, ask if she plans on moving out.”
1 haven’t seen her in half a month. Chandler said in his usual calm tone. “If y
Gwen fell silent. She couldn’t help but think that Ethan and his friends all shared one common trait–they had absolutely no idea how to clk to people
After confirming that Ethan hadn’t forced the hospital to evict Beatrice, Gwen decided to pay a visit to Vincent’s house.
All of her and Beatrice’s essential documents were still in their possession, and she had no choice but to swallow her pride to retrieve them. She couldn’t let Monica manipulate her any longer.
When Gwen arrived. Monica was lounging in the living room with a face mask on, having her nails done by a technician.
This color’s off. Change it. Monica instructed the technician impatiently.
She was watching TV when she noticed Gwen standing at the door. For a moment, she almost blurted out, “You wretched girl!” but managed to hold back, maintaining the facade of a dignified wealthy wife.
“We called you so many times yesterday! Why didn’t you answer?” Monica demanded.
Gwen stared at her expressionlessly. “Where’s Uncle Vincent?”
Monica gestured upstairs without much interest. Ignoring her entirely, Owen went straight up the stairs.
“Documente What do you need those for?” Vincent asked nervously, avoiding her gaze. Tm busy with work. Why don’t you head back to your
“Have you been to the hospital this month?” Gwen asked, her gaze sharp.
“Of course I have, Vincent replied casually, clearly brushing her off
Gwen let out a cold laugh, leaning forward and placing her hands firmly on his desk. “You want your company to succeed, don’t you? But what’s the point of trailing after someone like Joshua for scraps?”
Vincent glanced up at her, startled.
“All these years, haven’t you ever wondered where I’ve been getting all that money!” she pressed.
Vincent parsed his lips, embarrassed to admit that he had assumed she was selling herself.
Gwen’s smile was icy. “I sold myself to Ethan Raymond And now, you’re trying to hand me–Ethan’s wonun-over to another man. Uncle Vincent. do you love any idea what kind of risk you’re taking by crossing him!“
Vincent’s Jund trembled as he trully looked her in the eye. “Are you serious?
Who else in Rivermoor could spend that kind of money and clear the Leblanc family’s debi if not Ethan?” Gwen replied, her tone steady.
“Oh, my! Why didn’t you tell us about this earlier?” Vincent exclaimed, his face lighting up with delight,
Though Gwen had anticipated his reaction, seeing him genuinely overjoyed still filled her with a deep sense of sorrow.
“When will Mr. Raymond come over for dinner? That whole thing with Joshua was just a misunderstanding. Vincent suddenly remembered that night and asked hesitantly, “You weren’t taken advantage of by Josina, were you??
Gwen couldn’t be bothered to answer directly. Tin here today to negotiate. Edun has instructed you to return my documents Take care of Grandma. We’re going to handle the transfer of guardianshup today”
“There’s no rush for that, Vincent replied dismissively.
NOW SIL
“Are you waiting for Ethan to come here and tell you limself Gwen said Uncle Vincent, don’t say I didn’t warn you. He’s sti happened last time. You’d better not to huggle with me.”
́s still upset about what
Tim in a hurry to get hack and wait for him. If I can appease lum, everything will be fine.
THEY crua bk. I won’t hesitate to i
o find another way to
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Chapter 12
gam legal puritianship of Grandma, she continued.
Vincent frowned, dissatisfied with her attitude, but before he could respond. Gwen turned to leave.
“You really got together with Ethan Vincent asked, startled.
That’s not exactly public knowledge, Given replied coolly: “You know he’s about to get engaged. As his mistress, I can’t exactly go around advertising it can 11”
She took out her phone, opened an encrypted:
rypted album, and showed him pictures of Ethan having dinner at her place. “Do you believe me now
Vincent gritted his teeth. “Fine, I’ll take you to handle the paperwork. But let me make one thing clean you can’t ignore this family’s issues moving
Johward
“Of course, Uncle Vincent. I’m with Ethan now. What’s a little money compared to that!” Gwen said
Relieved. Vincent nodded. “Alright.”
Vincent always thought Gwen was obedient, and he figured she wouldn’t deceive him.
If worst came to worst, he was already planning to go directly to Ethan. After all, Ethan wouldn’t miss such a small amount of money, and as Gwen’s uncle, Vincent felt entitled to ask him for some financial support.
“Wait a moment” Vincent said abruptly as he went to retrieve the documents, turning back to look at her.
C
