Watching Sophie's retreating figure, the ever-sensitive Sarah couldn't help but frown. While she had been unconscious, she vaguely sensed that a long time had passed since she was first admitted—at least more than a day. All the hospital tests should have been completed by now. Why, then, was the girl insisting on a full-body check-up? When Sophie entered the room, her eyes were red and her face was puffy, as if she had been crying bitterly. This child had always been strong and rarely cried. Could something be wrong with her health?
"Ma'am, hello. Could you tell me what day it is? I've been unconscious for so long I've lost track of time," Sarah politely asked the family member of the patient in the next bed.
Learning that three days had passed since her admission, Sarah was certain something was seriously wrong with her. That was why Sophie had been crying and, to keep her calm and in the hospital, had lied about needing a full check-up. She must have a grave illness; otherwise, Sophie wouldn't hide it from her and sneak off to cry. The more Sarah thought, the deeper her fears grew. She didn't even notice Jonathan sitting by her bedside.
"Sarah, stop letting your imagination run wild. You're perfectly fine—just overworked lately. You never fully recovered from that last fainting spell, then came to New York with your daughter without even contacting your brother Matthew Wilson. Always so stubborn." Jonathan spoke softly, taking her hand. "I took the liberty of keeping you here a bit longer to treat all those minor issues."
Sarah was startled to see Jonathan. She hadn't expected to meet him in the hospital. "Jonathan, what are you doing here? Does Sophie know?"
"She knows, she knows," Jonathan replied casually.
Sarah's pupils widened in shock. She recalled Sophie's swollen, tear-filled eyes. "I never told her. She doesn't know. She can't know."
"Huh?" Jonathan was taken aback by her response, replaying her words in his mind. "Oh—oh, I didn't say anything. I told her nothing. You warned me last time, and I promised I wouldn't let her know. What I meant was, I saw your daughter in the hospital and learned you were admitted. Also, I've arranged a private room. The nurse will move you shortly. The environment here is too poor for proper recovery."
"This isn't right. I can't let you—" Sarah blurted out in refusal.
"Be good and listen to me! It's already arranged. No more excuses. I won't stand by and do nothing for you—just do as I say." Jonathan soothed her with endless patience. "Once you're discharged, I'll find you a bigger, upscale apartment. You and your daughter can live there."
"Jonathan, it's not necessary. You know I've never needed that," Sarah said, eyes closed.
The air seemed to freeze until the nurse arrived with orderlies and equipment to transfer Sarah to another room…
Sophie, who had been eavesdropping outside the ward, followed the nurse in and helped move her mother to the luxurious private suite. The room was equipped with the latest, most advanced medical devices; it was spacious and bright, without a trace of disinfectant smell—only a faint, refreshing fragrance in the air.
Then Jonathan began issuing orders:
"Sophie, go to work at C&C with peace of mind and attend your classes. I'll take care of Sarah. I'll have the maid from home deliver soup and meals every day and stay here to look after her.
"Sarah, stay quietly in the hospital. That nursing home job is exhausting and pays peanuts—don't go back. Tomorrow my assistant will handle your resignation. Cooperate fully with the doctors, keep your spirits up, and get your health back on track as quickly as possible.
"Starting tomorrow, I'll visit and care for you every single day. Don't refuse me, Sarah. It's been twenty years—give me this chance to take good care of you both."
Jonathan started to speak again but stopped, gazing at the mother and daughter with deep affection.
Sophie, who had been listening at the door for ages, stared blankly at them, unable to grasp the hidden dynamics. Everything just felt strangely off in a way she couldn't name.
Sarah, as if resigning herself to fate, slowly closed her eyes and nodded.
...
"Angela, Angela—" Victoria called out from the living room, fresh from her facial and craving a tiramisu.
"Ma'am, Angela's not here. Do you need anything?" another maid replied.
"Where has she been these past few days? She's never around when I ask. Is she on leave?" Victoria demanded sternly.
"Oh, no leave. Per Mr. Harrington's instructions, she goes to the hospital every day to care for a patient," the maid answered flatly.
"The hospital? Caring for a patient? Who's sick?" Victoria mentally reviewed the family—no one had mentioned illness. "Which hospital? Which relative?"
"Ma'am, we don't know the details. Mr. Harrington only said Angela must bring meals to the hospital daily to look after a lady."
"A lady? A lady?" Victoria's mind flashed to the scene days ago—her husband intimately holding a young girl's arm, their backs disappearing into the hospital…
"Butler, get the car ready. I'm going out. Now." Victoria couldn't keep things bottled up; the moment a clue surfaced, she had to verify it.
…
University classes ended at noon. Sophie, heavy-hearted, barely endured until the bell and grabbed her backpack. She wanted to visit Mom at the hospital first, then head to C&C.
"Sophie, wait up!" Lara jogged to catch her. "What's wrong with you lately? Falling asleep in the professor's lecture? He'll dock all your credits. Let's grab lunch at the café—I'm not in the mood for the student canteen today." Lara linked arms with Sophie affectionately.
"Sorry, Lara, I can't. I'm rushing to the hospital," Sophie said anxiously.
"Are you sick? Last week when I was volunteering at the hospital, I saw you on my way out. You and Uncle Harrington—" Lara probed.
"My mom fainted and was admitted. Uncle Harrington went with me to visit her," Sophie answered unguardedly. "I really have to go. Lunch next time, okay? Bye, Lara." She waved and dashed to the bus stop.
"Uncle Harrington? She calls him uncle too, so it can't be…" Lara muttered to herself, standing still.
Reaching the hospital entrance, Sophie spotted Uncle Harrington. She waved happily, but he abruptly climbed into a luxury MPV and drove off without a glance. Puzzled, she entered the private room.
"Mom, I just saw Uncle Harrington. He must have seen me—why did he suddenly get into a fancy van and leave? Did something happen?"
"Mom, I've been meaning to ask—what's your relationship with Uncle Harrington? How do you know a noble like him? You never mentioned him back in Manchester. Who is he, really?" Sophie pressed relentlessly.