Chapter 20
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“Yes, Boss!” Ethan jumped into action. The Shea Group’s year–end bonus wasn’t just some random holiday cash. It was calculated by the day, and all those days stacked up to nearly half a year’s pay. There was no way he could lose that bonus.
Olivia didn’t head back to the old neighborhood. Instead, she made her way to Willow Lane,
The old neighborhood was packed with wealthy and influential people, and Jenny was someone important. If anyone recognized her, it’d be a real mess. Besides, there weren’t many medicines available there anyway. Willow Lane was much quieter, with hardly anyone around.
Number 88 Willow Lane was Grace’s place. Olivia, with Jenny in her reached a small house, the words “Mercy Clinic” scribbled crookedly across the door. With nothing else marked, it was an obscure spot.
arms, wound her
May through the twists and turns until they
Olivia walked in with long, confident strides, and the moment she stepped into the yard, a kid in an elementary school hoodie bolted straight toward her.
“Hold it right there,” Olivia said, her tone cool and matter–of–fact as she stepped back a little. “Sean, where’s Grandma?”
Sean was a kid Olivia picked up off the street. He hardly ever talked, always seemed half–asleep, and loved to nap. Grace felt sorry for him and ended up raising him like her own grandson.
But for someone with such a big appetite, Sean never seemed to grow. At ten years old, he was barely as tall thing that really stood out about him was his eyes: bright, and an unusually rare shade of blue.
as a five–year–old. The only
“Grandma… sleepy… nap…” Sean mumbled, pointing inside, rubbing his bleary eyes and letting out a huge yawn. Then he caught sight of Jenny in Olivia’s arms, and his eyes sparkled. “Eat?” he asked, clearly mistaking Jenny for food.
Olivia shook her head, her tone firm. “Sean, she’s like a little sister to me. She’s my patient, not for eating.”
Sean gave a vague nod, as if he only half understood.
Olivia carefully carried Jenny inside. The inside was a whole different world from the shabby look outside. It was surprisingly classy and elegant, all done up in simple shades of black, white, and gray.
Olivia gently placed Jenny on the bed and called out to the system, “Scan the patient’s condition.”
Right away, a robotic voice chimed in, “Master, here’s the report: the patient has arrhythmia, is unconscious, and her breathing is abnormal. Recommend immediate use of a beta–blocker.”
“Sean, fetch the medicine,” Olivia called out, opening a wooden box and picking out some herbs to grind up.
Sean scratched his head, and then hurried over to rummage through the cabinets.
After Jenny took the medicine, she looked a lot better, but her cold little hand clung tightly to Olivia’s, refusing to let go.
Sean leaned in next to Olivia, curiously checking out the tiny Jenny. She lay there so quietly, her long lashes fluttering, baby cheeks making her look extra adorable. Her face was pale from being sick, and her little mouth moved as if she were trying to say something To Sean, this was all a whole new experience. He couldn’t resist reaching out and gave her chubby cheek a gentle poke. Even in her unconscious state, Jenny seemed to feel it. She frowned a little and murmured, “Olivia…” in a soft voice.
Sean thought her cheek was so bouncy and cute, he just couldn’t resist poking it again.
Olivia immediately swatted his restless hand away. Hands off,” she said.
Scolded, Sean stood obediently behind Olivia, popping his head out to sneak a look at Jenny.
After a while, a cough sounded from inside. “Is that you, Olivia?” It was Grace, the former director of Sunrise Orphanage. She shuffled out, her eyes full of warmth. “Why’d you come by today?”
Ohvia smiled softly. “I haven’t seen you in ages. I missed you?
“Do you really have to lie to me?” Grace sighed, looking at Olivia with a sad, loving gaze. “I know all about what the Shermans did. It’s
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Chapter 20
my fault. I never should’ve agreed to let them take you in. You’ve suffered so much because of me.”
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