Ch. 391..400

Chapter 391

They Look Like A Family Kathleen sighed ruefully. "I lost my memories."

She had forgotten about the people and memories from her past, so Ryder's words puzzled her. He gavea thoughtful smile.

"Being constrained by memories isn't a good thing.

People change; you may dislike something you liked when you were younger, right?" She returned his smile.

"That makes sense, but sometimes changes can be difficult." "Unless you have recovered your memories." His smile turned sly.

"Are you trying to probe if my memories have returned?" Kathleen chuckled. Hefroze. "Save your time.

I don't remember anything yet." She gave a wan smile. "Do you think this is a God-given opportunity to reincarnate? You have aclean slate and a new beginning, so you're not bound by past emotions." She barked a laugh, and he closed his hand over hers.

"I like you.

Do you feel the same for me?" She was going to answer him when she heard Desiree's voicefrom behind her. "Mommy!" The little girl's voice shook when she saw Kathleen. Kathleen tugged her hand away from Ryder's and got out of the car.

Desiree followed suit and scampered to her. "Mommy, you're so beautiful." Her eyes filled with awe and admiration.

It's no wonder that everyone likes Mommy! Samuel's eyes drank in Kathleen's beauty, and his throat bobbed on a swallow.

"Why are youguys here?" Kathleen played innocent. "Daddy brought us here." Desiree glanced back at the electric tourist vehicle. Kathleen followed her gaze and looked away as soon as she met Samuel's dark eyes. Samuel followed Ryder's lead and got out of the car.

She glanced at the former's wrist and felt he was being careless with his injury, despitethe fact that he was wearing protective gear. "Mommy, please talk to Daddy.

His hand is injured, yet he isn't resting properly," Desiree tattled.

Kathleen held her tiny hand.

"I don't think I'll be able to persuade him otherwise." If I could, he wouldn't be here now. Samuel cleared his throat.

"Well, you didn't try." She lifted her gaze and smiled, but the smile never quite reached her eyes.

"Didn't I tell you to rest before leaving the house today?" Samuel remained silent.

Ryder took a stepforward.

"Nice to meet you, Mr.Macari."

The cold look returned to Samuel's eyes.

"Pleasure's mine, Mr.Xenakis."

"You must be Desi.

I'm Ryder Xenakis." He stretched his hand toward Desiree. She looked up at him with twinkling eyes.

"You're very handsome, Mr.Xenakis."

He laughed.

"And you're very adorable."

Samuel snorted under his breath.

She blinked.

"Mr.Xenakis, are you Mommy's boyfriend?" Ryder hesitated before chuckling.

"Not yet." Desiree furtively sighed in relief and yanked on his arm.

'I''m hungry, Mr.Xenakis." "Okay, I'll get you something to eat." He bent down to scoop her in his arms.

She was awarm and soft bundle, provoking his fatherly instincts and overriding his typical indifference toward kids. His life would be more fulfilling if he could have such a cute, charming daughter. Kathleen approached them as Ryder headed toward his car carrying Desiree.

"Let me take her while you drive." "All right." He flashed her a smile.

Kathleen was about to carry Desiree from himwhen a suit jacket landed on her lap. Kathleen's head shot up, and she saw Samuel wearing only his black shirt, his eyes darker than it as he stared at her before turning to leave. Her short skirt would have ridden up with Desiree on her lap, displaying more than intended. Kathleen looked at the tailored suit jacket, and a soft laugh escaped her. "Let's go," she said to Ryder after settling Desiree on her lap. He nodded and pulled away with Kathleen and Desiree. Just then, Eilam swiveled toward Samuel.

"Daddy?" "Drive, Tyson." Samuel's gaze was flinty. Tyson was taken aback since he expected Samuel to manhandle Kathleen from Ryder's car,but instead, Samuel shrugged out of his suit jacket and gave it to her. It was baffling. Tyson followed them from a distance, and Eilam commented after catching a glimpse of the three of them in the car, "They look like a family." Samuel's handsome face darkened into a scowl, and Tyson pleaded inwardly.

Say no more, Mr.Eil, or Mr.Macari might rupture a blood vessel in anger. Samuel's gaze sharpened, never leaving the car before them.

"Is Desi a traitor?"Eilam snuck a peek at his father's side profile.

"After all, Mr.Xenakis seems kind." Samuel had the world's blackest scowl on his face, and Tyson wanted to cry in the front seat.

They reached the restaurant soon, and patrons could choose betweenbuffet or a-la-carte. A man of Samuel's and Ryder's calibers would naturally opt for a-la-carte. However, Desiree had other plans. "I want buffet style.

It has a lot of choices," the little girl declared. She rarely had the chance for an excursion dueto health and safety reasons. She was resolved to make the most of her newfound freedom and have a good time. The adults adored her, so she could have whatever she wanted.

Coincidentally, Leonard stood by the entrance and wore an odd expression when he saw them. "Mr.Sullivan," greeted Desiree warmly. Leonard immediately reached out and took her in his arms.

"Ah, my princess, are you here for dinner?" She nodded and noticed there was a beautiful, long­haired lady standing next to him.

The lady seemed shocked to see Leonardhandling a child easily and remarked, "I didn't know you liked kids, Mr.Sullivan." He slanted a look at her and bit out, "Have I ever said I didn't like them?" She was taken aback.

No, he didn't.

"Mr.Macari, Mr.Xenakis," Leonard greeted.

Desiree chimed in indignantly, "Mr.Sullivan, why didn't you include Mommy?" "Because I'm not sure how to address her appropriately." He smiled wryly.

"Daddysaid Mommy is starting her own company, so you can call her Ms.Johnson," she said with unblinking eyes. "Well, aren't you a smart one?" He laughed and shifted his gaze to Kathleen.

"My apologies, Ms.Johnson, I really didn't know how to address you." She sketched a wan smile.

"You normally wouldn't have this problem." "Precisely, problems accumulate as time gets late," he agreed.

Kathleen maintained her smile and motionedto the woman beside him.

"And you are?" She was caught off guard and introduced herself.

'I'm Kelly Hoover." Kathleen arched a brow.

"Your last name is Hoover?"

She nodded.

What a coincidence.

Chapter 392

Outsider Samuel's brows drew together when he heard her last name. "What's your relationship with each other?"

Leonard’seyes cut to him.

"We don't have one."

Kelly's gaze darkened noticeably.

"Yeah, we're just friends."

Kathleen gave her a pointed look.

It doesn't look like they're just platonic friends. "Let's go in, Mommy.

I’m hungry." Desiree pouted.

"All right." Kathleen nodded.

"You can put Desi down, Mr.Sullivan.

She can walk on her own." Leonard did as told, and Desiree held Kathleen's hand.

"I want shrimp, Mommy." "Sure." Kathleen smiled and led Desiree inside. Meanwhile, Samuel glanced at Eilam and asked in a deep, affectionate voice,"Aren't you hungry?" "I'm a man; I can endure hunger for a bit," Eilam answered sensibly, holding onto Samuel's other hand. Samuel's gaze softened.

"All right, come along.

We'll go look for Mommy and Desi." "Okay!" The little boy nodded enthusiastically. Leonard smirked at Ryder.

"He has a wingman.

What about you?" Ryder grunted softly and strode into the restaurant. Then, Leonard turned toward Kelly.

"You can handle your parents alone, yeah? I won't be heading up, then."

Her parents were here on the second floor as well.

She said, "If you don't showup with me, I'll be in for a tongue lashing." Leonard's expression cooled.

"Kelly, I think I've made myself very clear." "I'm not twisting your arm here, Leonard.

This is not an indication that I like you.

I wouldn't have met you if my family hadn't pressured me," she asserted. "To be clear, it's for the best if you don't havefeelings for me.

I don't want any trouble.

Please tell your parents to give up trying to matchmake both of us," he stated matter-of-factly. Kelly bristled with indignation.

"Do you think my parents are the only ones to blame? Why don't you say that to your grandpa as well?"

Leonard merely gave her a long look.

"Imust have been blind to fall in love with you.

You were a coward seven years ago, and you are worse seven years later.

You're nothing but a piece of trash!" she spat angrily before leaving. His gaze darkened.

She has some nerve to call me trash.

She's not the same person she was seven years ago.

Did someone reincarnate into her body? She used to be meek and cute, and that version of her is far preferable to her personality rightnow. Leonard adjusted his tie and made his way toward Samuel. Meanwhile, Kathleen let Desiree hold a plate as she spooned Desiree's favorite foods onto it, and Desiree watched with wide eyes. Kathleen cocked her neck to look at her son.

"What would you like?"

Tm not picky," he answered.

"Daddy said to eat proteins and vegetables to grow taller." She smiled.

"He's right, and you should drink more milk as well." "Mommy, do you think I'll grow to be as tall as Daddy?" Eilam asked eagerly.

"Of course, he's your daddy, and you'rehis son.

You'll be just like him when you grow up." She laughed.

He met her gaze squarely.

"Mommy, I want food that will make me grow taller." "Coming right up." Kathleen made a platefor him and eyed Samuel's injured hand. Eilam caught the look and said to Leonard, "Mr.Sullivan, would you mind walking Desi and me to the table over there?" "Oh, sure." He hesitated before ushering the kids there.

Kathleen didn't wantto trouble Leonard, but Samuel spoke up.

"What should I eat?" That caused her to still and successfully returned her attention to him. "You said I don'tlisten to you.

I'm injured now and don't know what to eat.

You should decide for me."

"This isn't listening to me.

This is slavery," she huffed. She picked up a plate and took spoonfuls of greens.

"These." Samuel accepted the plate and didn't show a hint of annoyance.

"Thank you." He would gladly eat anything she put in front of him, even if it was poison. He carried a plateheaped with a variety of greens and stood upright alongside Kathleen. Her brows furrowed.

"Aren't you going to sit down and start eating?" "Waiting for you." His answer was succinct. "No need, go to Eil and Desi instead.

It's better to look after the kids ourselves and not bother other people.

I'll be there in a minute." Other people? Samuel's brows rose.

"Is Ryder an outsider?" She faced him with her arms crossed across her chest.

"What do you think?"

He remained silent.

My thoughts don't matter.

What matters most is what you think. "Hurry on," Kathleen urged and moved to take her favorite dishes.

Samuel's attention was pulled to Ryder approaching them, and he didn't move an inch. Ryder'seyes narrowed.

"Mr.Macari, are you converting to a vegetarian diet?" "Kathleen took these for me," Samuel replied coldly.

Ryder cracked a smile.

"Ah, Ms.Johnson, why don't you make me a plate, too?" "You have two perfectly fine hands," said Samuel.

Ryder had been grating on his nerves for quite some time now. Kathleen said, "Do it yourself, Ryder.

I only did it for Samuel because he's incapacitated." "Must be nice.

If only I had been wounded as well." Ryder sighed. Samuel had a permanent scowl on his face. "Nonsense.

No one wishes to get hurt," she chided.

Especially not on their hands. "That's not always the case." Ryder smiled, his eyes cutting to Samuel.

Samuel's expressionwas a mask of stone, and Kathleen ignored them as she made a plate for herself and turned to leave.

Samuel was on her heels immediately. Ryder hastily took some food and caught up with them. "Here, Mommy," Eilam called out.

Kathleen wentto him and sat down with Desiree and Eilam on either side of her. Samuel, Ryder, and Leonard each took a seat next to each other. One of Samuel's hands was out of commission, so he could only eat with a fork. Fortunately, Kathleen had taken food easy to spear with a fork. Leonard teased, "Is a vegetarian diet really the right choice for you, Mr.Macari?" "Zip it." Samuel wasn't in the mood. Kathleen glanced at everyone's plate and felt a pang of guilt.

She admitted that she wanted to get even with Samuel, but having only vegetables wouldn't be enough.

"Mommy, I want shrimp," Desiree requested, and Kathleen peeled it for her.

Samuelwanted to help Desiree and instinctively reached his hand out before remembering it was injured. "Let me." Ryder drew the plate to him and took over the task of peeling shrimps for the little girl. Kathleen didn't miss Samuel's eyes dimming as he dropped his hand without saying anything, and she felt her heart squeeze with inexplicable emotion. Ryder finished peeling the shrimps and placed them in front of Desiree. "Thank you, Mr.Xenakis," she said.

His face split into a warm smile.

"Tell me if you want more." "Okay." She nodded. Samuel had lost his appetite during the meal, but he soldiered on for the sake of hispride. It was already late when they finished dinner. "Mommy, I want to spend the night with you." Desiree tugged on Kathleen's hand.

Chapter 393

You Are A Good Person Kathleen smiled. "Okay." Desiree looked at Eilam. "What about you, Eil? Do you want to come with us?"

Eilam looked at Samuel as theformer shook his head.

'Til keep Daddy company." Samuel was stunned and said quietly, "You don't have to worry about me."

Eilam was very considerate.

"But no one is here to take care of Daddy." Samuel caressed Eilam's head.

"I don't need anyone to take care of me." Tyson uttered quietly, "I'm still here." Eilam gazed at himwordlessly. Tyson was stunned.

Maybe I should've stayed silent.

I'm sure Eil has his plans. "It's okay," Samuel replied plainly. Eilam hesitated for a brief moment.

"Okay then.

I'll stay with Mommy tonight." Either way, I won't let Mommy have the chance to go on a date with Ryder!

Ryder smiled.

There was no waykids would have ill intentions.

They only wanted their parents to get back together. Kathleen smiled.

"Don't worry; Tyson has been friends with your daddy for many years.

He knows your daddy’s temper very well.

I'm sure he can take good care of your daddy." Eilam sighed.

Tyson doesn't understand Daddy at all.

If he did, he wouldn't have said anything earlier. Kathleen pulled Eilam and Desiree.

"Let's go." "I'll send their clothes over later," Samuel said in a deep voice.

She nodded.

"Okay."

Ryder smiled.

"I'll send you home since we stay close by." Kathleen nodded.

"Thank you."

Samuel's gaze turned grim.

We also live near to one another! Kathleen brought Eilam and Desiree over to Ryder's car and got in.

Ryder drove them to the resort.

He watched Kathleen get off hiscar.

'Til come to see you later to continue where we left off earlier during the day." Kathleen was stunned for a while.

Not long after, she remembered that Samuel and the others had arrived before she had the chance to respond to his question.

She looked at him.

"Actually, I can give you an answer right now." Ryder smiled with a gentle expression.

"I hope you can take your time to think about it and answer me without any distractions.

I'll wait for you." After that, he turned and left. Helplessness was written all over Kathleen's face. "Let's go," she said to Eilam and Desiree.

She brought thetwo of them inside. After some time, the doorbell rang. Hearing that, she went to open the door. Samuel was standing at the door, carrying a bag in his left hand.

"There are some clothes for the kids and you in the bag."

She was surprised.

"You prepared clothes for me too?" He nodded. She looked at him coldly.

"Samuel, did you know I was here with Ryder from the very beginning?" Samuel froze.

"Thanks." After taking the bag, she shut thedoor. She laughed in exasperation. What he's doing is completely unnecessary. Eilam tilted his head to look at her.

Mommy looks happy.

Desiree grew curious.

"Mommy, what are you laughing about?" "I'm laughing at a dummy.

Come; let's get cleaned up," she replied with a gentle smile.

"Okay."

With that, she brought them to shower.

After that, she tucked them in and accompanied them.

Desiree had been playing theentire afternoon, so she was already exhausted. Soon, she fell asleep. After that, Eilam and Kathleen talked. Eilam asked curiously, "Mommy, do you like Mr. Xenakis?" Kathleen was shocked and replied with a half-smile, "What do you think?" He said quietly, "He's pretty gentle, and he's really patient with Desi. Daddy has finally met a worthy opponent."

She laughed lightly.

"So, that was Desi and your motive today?" Eilam was embarrassed. He asked curiously again, "Mommy, are you going to gettogether with him?" She shook her head.

"No. I don't like him, but it's true that he's a good guy. No women can resist men who are gentle." Eilam asked hesitantly, "Is Daddy gentle?" "He's not, and somehow, his gentleness scares me," she replied.

Eilamcouldn't understand.

"Why?"

She sighed.

"I don't get it either.

I don't know why I'm so afraid of him." I get scared when he's near, when he’s being gentle toward me, and the dark and dangerous look inhis eyes. She didn't know what to do. Although Eilam was smart, he couldn't understand too. As expected, adults are complicated. "Mommy, you should go and meet Mr.Xenakis.

I'll look after Desi," he said after some contemplation. Kathleen sat up and looked at him.

"How did you become so considerate?" "That's because you and Daddy are busy.

Besides, I'm the big brother," he replied. She pulled him into her arms.

"But you're a child too.

You're my son." Eilam's face turned red. This is a little embarrassing, but as expected, Mommy's scent is different from Daddy's.

Samuel's was masculine, while Kathleen's was gentle.

"It's okay, Mommy. I can handle it." It was heartbreaking to see him being that thoughtful.

Kathleen patted his head.

"Okay. I'll come back very soon."

He nodded.

"Mm." She let go of him, and he lay on the bed.

After that, she covered him with a blanket.

"I'll be downstairs. Call out to me if you need me." He nodded.

"Okay." She lowered her head and kissed Eilam on his forehead before leaving.

Eilam let out a sigh.

Life is tough.

Although I want Mommy and Daddy to be together, Mommy said she's afraid of Daddy, so maybe they have no chanceof getting back together.

I've tried my best. Kathleen went out to the courtyard. Ryder was standing under a tree.

It was a cold night.

Shewalked over to him.

"Ryder."

Hearing her voice, he turned slowly.

"Are the kids asleep?"

She nodded.

"Yeah. Actually, I've already given you my answer to your question." Ryder smiled faintly.

"I wanted to hear it from you in person." She looked at him calmly.

"Ryder, I don't like you. You're a very sweet and gentle guy, but, I'm sorry, I don't have feelings for you." Hesmiled.

"Well, I've expected that."

Kathleen looked at him deeply.

"I'm sorry. I only agreed to go on a date with you because of Charles. You know that."

Ryder's gaze was dark but gentle.

"Kathleen, you really never considered dating other guys? You’ll only know who suits you best after you get to know different men."

She replied coldly, "Ryder, it's notthat I don't have the guts to do so or that I overthink things.It's just that I don't like it.I don't like forcing myself.Besides, I don't want to attract more trouble by taking another step forward.I prefer peace.That's all."

Ryder looked at her with a half-smile.

"I respect all your decisions. I knew you'd say that, but I still had to ask so that I could giveup on you completely. I really like you very much." There was a sincere look in Kathleen's eyes.

"Thank you for liking me.

You're a good man.

I'm sure you'll find someone you like who likes you back."

He smiled as he asked, "Will Samuel be the oneyou choose in the end?" She shook her head instead.

"I don't know.

Chapter 394

Someone Is Angry

Ryder laughed out of exasperation. “Since you’re saying that the future is uncertain, why are you rejecting me so quickly?”

Kathleen replied helplessly, “That’s because I know I won’t fall for you. Besides, I don’t want you to waste your time because of me. You’re already thirty-five years old, aren’t you?”

He laughed. “Haha. Am I that old?”

Kathleen flushed.

He looked at her. “Samuel’s thirty-three. We’re only two years apart.”

She couldn’t help but scoff, “You sound like you want to get together with him.”

He looked at her thoughtfully. “Kathleen, you can turn me down, but I have the right to continue liking you.”

She was speechless.

He said softly, “I don’t think it’s painful to wait for someone. I knew you since I was twenty-two. Although my confession this time has failed, I won’t give up.”

“You…” She didn’t know what to say anymore.

Could it be that my rejection wasn’t straightforward enough?

She had no other choice. “Suit yourself. It’s your business, anyway.”

Ryder let out a deep laugh. “You’re right. This is my business.”

She had no choice but to say righteously, “Nonetheless, I hope you won’t affect my life.”

He smiled plainly. “You don’t look stern at all, although I can see that you’re trying to. On the contrary, you look adorable.”

Exasperation was written all over her face. “Is that so? A lot of people are afraid of me in the past, though.”

“How can someone who likes you be afraid of you? In the eyes of someone who likes you, you’re adorable,” he replied with a half-smile.

She pursed her lips. “I’ll do my best to be more strict next time.”

He laughed. “Toward me?”

She nodded fervently.

Ryder narrowed his eyes at her. “You may not know this, but I like girls who can be both adorable and fierce.”

His kind smile under the gentle moonlight did not look like he was joking at all.

She blushed.

He smiled and hugged her suddenly as he whispered next to her ear, “Good night. I don’t regret confessing my feelings to you. Even if you fall in love with someone else and get married to him one day, I won’t have any regrets. I know that feelings can’t be forced, but at least I’ve tried.”

After that, he let go of her.

She stood under the tree as she watched him leave with a glint in her eyes.

Just then, she heard some movements near her.

Kathleen asked without looking back, “You’ve been watching for a long time, haven’t you?”

Samuel murmured with his voice lowered, “I’m just here to see the kids. I didn’t mean to see that.”

She turned. “Samuel, you’re not being honest at all.”

He looked at her dark eyes and muttered in a low voice, “What about you? Are you being honest?”

She frowned.

“Do you dare to admit that you still have feelings for me?” he asked her in his hoarse voice.

She scoffed, “What? You want me to admit that I still have feelings for you? I’ve already lost my memories! How can I have feelings for you?”

“Kathleen, do you remember when you passed out after saving Desi last time? You kept calling my name. Do you dare to say that you don’t remember anything?”

She was stunned and shook her head fervently. “No!”

He mocked, “Do you need to get so worked up?”

Kathleen was enraged. “Can’t I explain myself when you’ve clearly misunderstood me?”

He looked at her coldly.

She snapped, “Eil and Desi are perfectly fine here with me! Don’t you forget! I’m their mother! There’s no way I’d hurt them! It’s late, and they don’t need you to worry about them. You can leave now!”

Samuel looked at Kathleen under the moonlight. To him, she looked elegant, fresh, and charming.

“Good night!” With that, she stomped away angrily.

Looking at Kathleen’s slender figure, he suddenly said pitifully, “Kathleen, I’m hungry.”

Kathleen was stunned as she turned to look at him. “Am I your mother? Why are you telling me that for?”

He looked at her quietly. “Then, who should I tell?”

“I don’t care. You can ask for Tyson, Leonard, or anyone’s help here. Just don’t look for me,” she huffed.

“Tyson’s wife isn’t feeling well, so he has already left. Leonard isn’t here either. Besides, I’m not close with anyone else here,” he explained.

She asked coldly, “So, you’re saying that we’re close?”

Samuel was taken aback for a moment before he asked composedly, “Aren’t we?”

We even have two kids together.

She snorted coldly. “Sorry. We’re not.”

With that, she turned to leave.

He let out a self-deprecating laugh as he watched her close the door in his face.

As expected, I shouldn’t have provoked her.

However, when he saw Ryder hugging her, he couldn’t control himself.

Great. Now she doesn’t want to talk to me anymore. I should’ve kept my mouth shut.

The next day, Kathleen went for breakfast with Eilam and Desiree.

Eilam called Samuel, but the latter didn’t pick up.

Kathleen looked at Eilam’s worried expression. “What’s wrong?”

He frowned. “Daddy has never slept in before, but there’s no response from him at this hour. I called him, but he didn’t answer at all. Did something happen?”

Hearing that, Kathleen got very worried as well.

Tyson’s not with Samuel. I wonder if he can walk or do anything by himself.

At that moment, she saw Ryder.

“Ryder, can you help me look after Eil and Desi for a while? I’ll be back soon,” she said instantly.

Ryder nodded. “Okay.”

Looking at how anxious Kathleen was, he couldn’t help but wonder if something had happened to Samuel.

Suddenly, he felt someone pulling his hand.

He lowered his head to look at Desiree. “Yeah?”

“Mr. Xenakis, my mommy’s not right for you. You should look for someone else,” Desiree said with a conflicted look.

Ryder laughed lightly. “You’re truly Samuel’s precious daughter.”

Eilam, on the other hand, drank his milk in silence.

Ryder patted Desiree’s head. “Don’t worry. Your mommy has already rejected me.”

Desiree was stunned before she beamed. After that, she pulled his hand and comforted him, “Mr. Xenakis, I’m sure you’ll find yourself a good wife since you’re so handsome! Maybe you will even have a cute daughter like me.”

Ryder was amused. “I’ll take your word for it.”

After that, he shifted his gaze to look at Kathleen, who was walking away, and he couldn’t help feeling resigned.

That’s probably how love is. Even if she has forgotten about him, her love for him is already deeply engraved into her bones that she herself doesn’t notice.

Kathleen stood before Samuel’s resort entrance and knocked on the door.

However, no sound was heard from the inside.

She furrowed her brows deeply. Did something really happen to him? It can’t be, right?

She looked around as she thought about how to get to the second floor.

She saw a chair at the side and dragged it over to the balcony.

She got on it and held onto the railings with both her hands.

If it weren’t because of her dress and leather shoes, she would’ve already climbed up.

At that moment, the door opened with a click.

Samuel walked out of the door in his robe. He lifted his head to look at Kathleen who was trying hard to get onto the second floor and frowned slightly. “Kate, what are you doing?”

Kathleen was shocked. “You’re alive?”

Chapter 395

Did You Wish I Was Dead

Samuel had a gloomy look on his face. “What? Did you wish I was dead?”

Kathleen felt embarrassed.

He walked over to her. “Get down. I can see your panties.”

Feeling awkward, she quickly got off the chair.

She knitted her brows. “Why didn’t you answer Eil’s call when you’re fine? He’s worried about you, so I’m here to check on you on his behalf.”

He shot her a long and meaningful glance as he asked, “Aren’t you worried about me?”

She snorted coldly. “Why should I be worried about a self-righteous man like you? I’d rather not get involved with you.”

He felt miserable.

“If you’re fine, then get changed quickly. Eil and Desi are waiting for you,” she said indifferently.

He looked at her without saying anything.

She wanted to leave, but he pulled her hand.

“Kate, I need your help.”

She was annoyed. “You told me you’re hungry last night; what do you need this time?”

He pointed at his injured wrist. “I can’t lift my entire arm.”

She was shocked and walked toward him. “What? Get in! Let me see.”

He followed her into the villa and sat on the couch.

She untied his bandage and saw how terrible his wound was.

Her eyes turned red. “Did you use your injured hand?”

“I wanted to take a shower last night, and I accidentally slipped,” he replied.

She bit her lip. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

His voice was hoarse. “It was late, and you were all asleep. I thought that it would be okay after enduring the pain, but I only realized that my arm hurt too after I woke up. Maybe it was caused by the fall yesterday.”

Kathleen pursed her lips. “I don’t get it. Is that how you should be taking care of yourself? Would it kill you to skip showering for a day?”

Samuel remained silent as he sat there.

She looked at him angrily. “Get changed. We’re going to the hospital.”

He stood up. “But I can’t wear my clothes.”

“I’ll help you,” she replied quietly.

He smiled. “Thanks. You’re really a good person.”

“I feel that you’re mocking me,” she said angrily.

It’s like he’s mocking me for ignoring him last night!

He didn’t dare to look at her. “You’re overthinking things.”

Hah!

Kathleen promptly made her way upstairs.

She took out a suit from the closet and placed it on the bed before taking a white shirt and turning to look at him.

He was looking plainly at her too. “What’s wrong?”

She furrowed her brows. “Take off your clothes. Why are you looking at me?”

A pained look appeared on Samuel’s handsome face. “Kate, I really don’t have any energy left. I’m not faking it.”

She walked over to him. “I get it. I’ll help you with that.”

The next moment, she reached out and helped him out of his robe.

He was not wearing anything inside. His figure was tall and sturdy, he had no flab at all, and his abs were sexy.

Kathleen blushed and said in an irritated tone, “Why didn’t you wear anything underneath your robe?”

He smiled in exasperation. “If I could, I wouldn’t have waited for you to help me. Besides, do you wear anything when you take a shower?”

She puffed up her cheeks. “Sit down.”

He sat down obediently, and she helped him put on his pants.

After he put on his pants, she felt much better.

Next, she helped him put on his shirt and button it up before tucking it into his pants.

Lastly, she helped him with his belt.

To her surprise, she had reached the end of the belt, but it was still loose.

That meant that he had gotten thinner than before.

She lifted her head to look at his handsome face. Indeed, he had lost weight lately. His cheeks were sunken, and his skin was pale. He looked unhealthy.

His body condition wasn’t good to begin with. If it wasn’t for her, his condition wouldn’t have worsened.

However, he never complained to her. Yet, when he told her he was hungry the day before, she ignored him.

He panicked all of a sudden when he saw her reddened eyes. “Don’t cry.”

She sniffled. “I’m not crying.”

After helping him with his belt, she went on to help with his tie.

It had been a long time since he was that close to her, and he was looking at her with his gaze lowered.

He felt like they had gone back to several years ago.

At that time, they had just gotten married, and she was always keen on helping him with his tie.

Wearing a pink sleeping gown, she would stand in his embrace and help him with his tie.

In the past, he didn’t understand. Only then did he finally comprehend what her action meant.

He lowered his head down slowly and pulled her into his arms.

Kathleen froze.

He closed his eyes. “Kate, I get it now. All of it. But it’s too late now, isn’t it?”

She asked quietly, “What are you talking about?”

“Back then, you treated me as your husband, but I…” His voice was hoarse.

Back then, to Kathleen, Samuel was her husband and someone whom she would spend the rest of her life with.

She took care of everything around the house wholeheartedly, and it was obvious from everything she did.

However, he misunderstood her and hurt her.

If he could turn back time, he would never make her sad.

“Samuel, that’s in the past. Talking about it now is useless. Let go of me first. I asked Ryder to help me watch the kids. I feel bad for troubling him.” She took a deep breath.

“Mm.”

Samuel nodded and let go of her.

She continued helping him with his tie. Suddenly, she was shocked. “Your tie’s already torn.”

He replied plainly, “It’s just a little worn.”

She furrowed her brows. “Don’t you have money to get a new one?”

“You bought me this tie in the past,” he explained.

She was speechless.

So, he has been wearing the same tie for five years?

She remained silent as she helped him with his suit.

He still looked like the handsome and heartless Samuel that she knew.

“Let’s go,” she said to him.

Samuel nodded and left with her.

Kathleen asked him to get into the car first while she went to the restaurant.

Ryder and the two kids had already finished their breakfast.

“Thank you, Ryder. Samuel’s not feeling well, so I’m taking him to the hospital,” she said.

Ryder frowned. “Do you need me to send you there?”

She shook her head. “No. I can drive.”

“All right, then.” He didn’t want to force it.

With that, Kathleen held onto Eilam and Desiree’s hands as they walked toward the car.

Samuel was sitting in the passenger seat as he looked at them quietly.

Kathleen asked Eilam and Desiree to sit at the back and passed a paper bag to Samuel. “There’s some pancakes inside. I heard that they added some black truffles. Have some for now.”

With that, she closed the door of the passenger seat and walked over to the driver’s seat before getting into the car.

She drove toward the city.

Soon, they reached the hospital.

Tyson was already waiting for them at the entrance.

Kathleen and the others got out of the car.

She asked Tyson to watch the kids while she brought Samuel to see the doctor.

After the checkup, the doctor commanded Samuel to be hospitalized. If Samuel didn’t take good care of his wrist and let it recover, he would become crippled.

The doctor said quietly, “Mr. Macari, I’ve told you this before! Your hand will become crippled if you carry on like this! What do you plan to do if that really happens?”

Chapter 396

I Will Kill That Bastard

Samuel shot the doctor a sharp glare.

The doctor pursed his lips.

Kathleen stood at the side with her arms crossed. “Stop glaring at him, would you? Samuel, I’m a doctor too. Did you really think I wouldn’t know?”

Samuel remained silent.

“Besides, a doctor is someone who saves your life! You’d better watch how you treat him!” she reprimanded.

Samuel instantly became obedient.

The doctor looked awkwardly at her. As expected, only she can tame him.

She was angry. “Doctor, please make arrangements for his ward. I’ll follow up with his treatment myself.”

Naturally, the doctor was happy about that.

Since Samuel wouldn’t listen to anyone but Kathleen, the doctor felt relieved that Kathleen wanted to take over Samuel’s treatments.

“Okay.” With that, the doctor passed all the information that he had to her.

She looked at Samuel sternly. “Come to the ward with me!”

He stood up and followed her.

Meanwhile, Tyson was watching over Eilam and Desiree outside the consultation room.

Samuel said, “Tyson, send them back to the Macari residence first. Have my parents take care of them.”

Tyson nodded. “All right.”

Kathleen hesitated for a while. “Tyson, your wife isn’t feeling well, right?”

Tyson nodded. “Yeah. Luckily Mr. Macari let me go home and take a look at her yesterday, or else she wouldn’t go to the hospital.”

Kathleen shot Samuel a glance. “That’s great. If your wife still needs anything that the doctors can’t solve, you can come to me for help.”

Tyson nodded. “Okay. Thank you, Ms. Johnson.”

“You’re welcome.” Kathleen turned and left.

Samuel looked at Tyson with a satisfied look before he followed her.

Eilam crossed his arms. “All of a sudden, I feel that Daddy’s a big simp.”

Desiree wasn’t happy to hear that. “Eil, how can you say that? But it’s true that Daddy’s a simp when it comes to Mommy.”

Tyson was bemused. “How can you say that about your own daddy? Well, I must say that I agree with you, though.”

Eilam and Desiree looked at him awkwardly.

“Come on. Let’s send you home.” With that, he took them away.

Meanwhile, Kathleen led Samuel to a VIP ward.

After they arrived at the VIP ward, she tossed a hospital gown to him. “Put it on.”

He smiled. “Dr. Johnson, can you be more gentle toward a patient?”

Kathleen snorted. “Of course. I’m always gentle to obedient patients.”

Samuel laughed in exasperation. “I really didn’t do it on purpose. Tyson said so himself that his wife is really sick. Who would use his own wife as a joke for no reason?”

She snorted, “You’d better call him and ask him to bring some daily necessities over.”

He stood in front of her. “Don’t worry. Even if I didn’t say anything, he’d bring them. Dr. Johnson, please help me change into the hospital gown.”

Kathleen frowned deeply.

Samuel smiled. “Sorry for the trouble.”

“If it isn’t because you have a full body checkup later, I’d definitely ignore you,” she grumbled angrily.

He continued to smile without saying anything.

Oh, you won’t ignore me. You get soft-hearted easily.

That was how she was. It had nothing to do with her losing her memory or not.

After putting her things down, she helped him change into the hospital gown.

Whatever she had helped put on earlier was taken off by her.

After helping him change into the hospital gown, she asked him to wait while she made arrangements for his full body checkup.

Samuel sat on the hospital bed, smiling. Although it was a big price to pay, at least she was talking to him.

Meanwhile, Tyson arrived at the Macari residence with Eilam and Desiree.

Wynnie asked curiously, “Tyson, where’s Samuel?”

It had been days since she last saw Samuel, so she only heard about the latter’s injuries not too long ago.

She frowned. “I heard that Samuel’s injured. Is he okay?”

“Ms. Staines, Mr. Macari is in the hospital now,” Tyson explained.

She continued to frown. “Is it that serious?”

“Umm…” He didn’t know how to explain.

It’s true that Mr. Macari’s injuries are serious, but he told me not to tell his family.

Seeing his hesitation, Wynnie thought of something else. “Is Kate treating him?”

Tyson nodded.

She snorted. “He’s really something. Now, he’s even acting pitiful.”

“Ms. Staines, if acting pitiful is useful, he wouldn’t have waited until now to use it,” Tyson said awkwardly.

“Listen. That act works every time, especially with a soft-hearted person like Kathleen. Eil and Desi, you’d better not become like your parents, okay?” Wynnie lowered her head to look at the two kids.

Eilam shrugged his shoulders. “Grandma, I won’t.”

“Yeah!” Desiree shrugged as well.

Wynnie laughed lightly. “Okay. Let’s get inside.”

“Ms. Staines, I have to pack some items for Mr. Macari, so I’ll take my leave first,” Tyson said.

Wynnie nodded. “Okay. Go on.”

With that, Tyson left.

Right when Wynnie wanted to see what the two kids were doing, her phone rang unexpectedly.

It was an unknown number.

However, not many people knew her number.

After a moment of hesitation, she finally answered the call.

“Wynnie, is that you?” An icy voice of a woman sounded from the phone.

Wynnie frowned. “Who are you?”

The woman on the phone replied, “It’s Hannah.”

Wynnie’s expression darkened instantly. “Why are you calling me?”

“Wynnie, it’s been a long time since we last met. Don’t you want to see me?” Hannah Tate asked with a half-smile.

Wynnie felt disgusted. “No. I don’t want to. I really regretted helping you before!”

“Oh, come on. We’re classmates. I’m in Lightspring now. Besides, do you know who my husband is?” Hannah chuckled softly.

“I don’t care. Stop bothering me!” Wynnie snapped coldly.

“My husband is Shane Hoover. Besides, you know what your daughter-in-law Kathleen’s relationship with me is, don’t you?”

Wynnie asked coldly, “What do you mean?”

“Wynnie, the Hoover family has ill intentions toward your grandson and granddaughter. Don’t you wish to protect them? I’ll be waiting at Hyatt Hotel for you.” Hannah chuckled before she hung up.

Wynnie’s expression darkened.

That Hannah! I can’t believe she still dares to come to me again after so many years!

Back then, Hannah and Elena disgusted everyone in Jadeborough.

However, Wynnie wanted to know what Hannah meant.

After contemplating, she decided to meet her.

At Hyatt Hotel, Kelly was looking at Hannah exasperatedly.

“Mom, who did you call?”

Hannah put her phone down. “Since Leonard has dumped you, I have to find you a man to get married to, don’t I?”

Kelly was speechless. “Mom, I told you. I’m not going to get married.”

“Kelly, this isn’t up to you. If word about you giving birth to an illegitimate child gets out, you’ll lose your right to the inheritance! Therefore, I have to do something before that happens!” Hannah had a sharp look in her eyes.

“Mom, are you doing it for me or yourself? You know how chaotic Uncle’s family is. You’re afraid that Dad won’t be able to get anything from the inheritance because he’s weak, so you’re using me, right?” Kelly asked as she bit her lip.

Hannah asked coldly, “What do you mean by that?”

“Mom, if what you’re doing is really for my benefit, you wouldn’t find anyone from the Sullivan family! Anyway, I’m not going to marry anyone!” she snapped.

Hannah’s gaze was cold. “Listen! You’ll get married to Samuel, and you’ll do as I say! Or else, I’ll kill that bastard!”

Chapter 397

You Look A Little Familiar

“Mom! Felicia’s your biological granddaughter!” There were tears in Kelly’s eyes.

“Hmph! She’s just a bastard to me. Anyway, if you don’t do as I say, you can forget about seeing her again!” Hannah said expressionlessly.

At first, Kelly had planned to leave. But after being threatened by Hannah, how could she?

Her daughter was in someone else’s hands, so she could only do as she was told.

An hour later, Wynnie had arrived at Hyatt Hotel.

She walked into a private room and sat down.

There were only Hannah and Kelly in the room.

Kelly felt very uncomfortable. She stood up. “Mrs. Macari.”

Wynnie looked at Hannah without expression. “What do you want?”

Hannah looked back at Wynnie. “You’re still the same after all these years.”

Wynnie cast her a side-glance. “Can you stop talking nonsense?”

Hannah smiled meaningfully. “I heard that you’re very lovey-dovey with Calvin. Ah. That’s right. He loves you so much that he did everything and anything to pursue you. Now that you’re married, I’m sure he treats you very well.”

Bang!

Wynnie slammed the table. “Hannah, don’t you know how to speak like a normal human being without being so cynical?”

Hannah asked with a half-smile, “Oh? I didn’t realize our big lawyer here can’t hold her anger back.”

“I’m not here to listen to your nonsense,” Wynnie said calmly.

Hannah’s eyes flickered at that. “Wynnie, Shane’s older brother, Jaiden Hoover, has a son, and that son is the only heir to the Hoover family.”

“The only heir? What about your daughter then? Isn’t she a daughter of the Hoover family?” Wynnie mocked.

Hannah was taken aback at that.

“There’s no difference between sons and daughters. Don’t you think it’s hilarious that you’re saying that in front of your own daughter?” Wynnie continued.

Kelly lowered her head.

Hannah chuckled coldly. “Hah! Wynnie, not everyone is as lucky as you to marry into a wealthy family and get to have such a kind mother-in-law and husband.”

“We will only be respected by others when we respect ourselves. What you’re doing is belittling yourself. As expected of your superficial friendship with Elena in the past,” Wynnie said in disgust.

Hannah’s face turned purple with rage. “That’s enough, Wynnie!”

Wynnie continued speaking in a disgusted tone, “If you want me to stop, you’d better get to the point now.”

She wasn’t in the mood to waste time talking to Hannah.

Hannah took a deep breath. “The only heir to the Hoover family is very well-protected, but that child has hemophilia. The illness was cured several years back, but who would’ve known it would relapse last year? Now, the entire Hoover family is doing everything to save him. I heard that someone told them that there is a way, which is to look for a person with a special body constitution and feed the latter with a special herb before transfusing their blood to the heir. By doing so, the heir will live.”

Wynnie furrowed her brows. “Is that similar to Zion’s case?”

Hannah replied coldly, “Yes. Now, they know that your granddaughter, Desiree, has that special body constitution.”

Anger flashed in Wynnie’s eyes. “I’ll kill them if they dare to touch her!”

“Wynnie, you can’t go against the Hoover family as you please. You don’t even know anything about them. Why don’t we work together if you want to know about their plans?” Hannah asked meaningfully.

“Work together? How?” Wynnie furrowed her brows.

“Wynnie, your son is single, and so is my daughter. Why don’t they get married? That way, it’s only natural that I would help you,” Hannah said with a half-smile.

“In your dreams!” Wynnie became infuriated instantly.

“Wynnie, you’d better think clearly about it. With my help, you don’t have to worry about Jaiden.” Hannah grinned.

Wynnie’s gaze darkened as she suddenly understood something. “Hah! Hannah, you’re really full of schemes. You pretend that you wish to help me, but actually, you want me to help you get your hands on the Hoover family’s inheritance. You’re really shameless!”

Hannah asked calmly, “Can you really bear to see your granddaughter die?”

Wynnie stood up. “First, if the Hoover family wishes to touch the Macari family, they have to see if they’re worthy. Besides, Desi is my granddaughter and also the daughter of Samuel and Kathleen. Does the Hoover family dare to do anything to her given her parents’ statuses?”

Hannah was speechless.

Wynnie let out a cold laugh. “I don’t think the Hoover family is so fearless that they’d dare to touch Desi! You’d better continue dreaming if you think this can make my son marry your daughter!”

After she said that, Wynnie turned to leave.

Hannah sneered. “Haha! Wynnie, when everyone thought that Calvin was the one who pursued you in the past, I was the only one who knew you had already fallen for him before he did. However, because you are engaged to Jaiden, you used Calvin to call off the engagement. I wonder what will Calvin think of you when he finds out?”

Wynnie clenched her fists tightly at that.

Just then, the door of the private room was pushed open from the outside.

Calvin stood at the door with a half-smile. “Darling, I’m here to take you home.”

Wynnie froze.

Why is he here? Did he hear everything?

Calvin walked in and held her slender waist with his hand. “Have you finished chatting? Can we go home now?”

Wynnie pursed her lips. “How did you know I’m here?”

“Is there anything that I don’t know about when it comes to you?” he asked Wynnie with a meaningful smile before shooting a side-glance at Hannah. “I knew everything you said earlier. The engagement was arranged without Wynn’s knowledge, so it’s natural that she used me to dump Jaiden. I’m not the only one who knows that. Jaiden knows about it as well.”

Wynnie was stunned. Jaiden knows as well?

She looked at Calvin. Just how much does Calvin know that he isn’t telling me?

Hannah had an awkward look on her face.

“Hannah, I’m sure you don’t know the definition of a married couple. Do you dare to let Shane know about your many secrets?” Calvin mocked.

Hannah went stiff.

Calvin narrowed his eyes and asked, “Do you want me to help you see if Shane is willing to stay with you after he finds out?”

He had always been like that—elegant and gentle— with a smile on his face the entire time.

However, he was also ruthless at the same time.

His smile could make one shudder.

Hannah went pale. Of course, she didn’t dare to do that.

He narrowed his eyes and looked at Kelly at the side. “You look a little familiar.”

Kelly was stunned.

“She’s my daughter,” Hannah explained.

Calvin said meaningfully, “Ms. Hoover, were you at the Macari residence with Leonard to celebrate Samuel’s birthday many years ago?”

Kelly was taken aback by his words.

She didn’t expect anyone to remember her, let alone that matter.

Hannah furrowed her brows and looked at Kelly. “Many years back? You knew Leonard a long time ago?”

Why didn’t she mention that before?

“Let’s go.” Calvin held Wynnie and turned to leave.

Kelly didn’t know how to answer that.

Hannah was furious. “You’d better explain everything to me! What did he mean?”

Chapter 398

I Knew You Liked Me

Calvin led Wynnie out of Hyatt Hotel.

She grabbed onto him to rest. “Calvin, I…”

Calvin reached out his hand and brushed it across her pink lips. With a smile, he said, “I didn’t say all that for the sake of my own pride. Wynn, I’ve known you like me for a while now.”

“You’re not upset?” She stared at him.

“You’re already married to me. What is there to be upset about? Darling, don’t fret about this. Just remember that even if you turned into a villain, I would still love you.”

Wynnie laughed.

She tiptoed, hooked her arms around his neck, and gave him a peck on the cheek.

“Calvin, I love you so much! Thank you for loving me all these years,” she said sweetly.

“You fool. Why do you need to thank me for loving you?” He wrapped his arms around her. “We’re husband and wife. That means we stick together through thick and thin. I don’t love you because I want you to thank me. One day, we will both grow old. As long as I have you beside me, I know I’ll be fine.”

Wynnie was touched. “Calvin, you’re amazing. How come your son never took after you?”

Calvin was speechless.

“Can you not bring up that disappointment?” he asked in frustration.

Wynnie chuckled. “Okay. Let’s not talk about that anymore.”

“Come on. Let’s go home,” said Calvin with a smile.

“Carry me,” she pleaded.

Calvin’s thin lips curved upward as he carried Wynnie to the car.

At this moment, Hannah Tate came walking out of Hyatt Hotel with a gloomy expression on her face.

Kelly was following behind with her head lowered.

They both watched Calvin carry Wynnie into the car and go off happily.

Hannah clenched her fists as jealousy and admiration flashed through her eyes.

Kelly frowned lightly. “Mom, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Hannah was not in a good mood. “Call Leonard right now. I need to ask him what he plans to do!”

“Mom, I already told you he and I are over.” Kelly was getting a headache.

Hannah turned around and asked coldly, “Is Felicia his daughter or not?”

Kelly was stunned.

Seeing that, Hannah narrowed her eyes.

It was a rhetorical question. The child was definitely his.

That night, at the hospital, Kathleen did her rounds, and eventually, she reached Samuel’s ward.

He was busy looking at his laptop.

She went over and closed it shut. Tensing her beautiful face, she said, “Mr. Macari, do I have to set a bedtime for you?”

Samuel curled his thin lips. “If they offer those services here, then sure.”

“You must not want your hands anymore. Why don’t I chop them off for you?” Kathleen glared at him.

Samuel leaned back slightly, then laid down.

Coolly, she stated, “Samuel, I have to tell you that getting adequate sleep will help your injuries recover faster.”

Samuel nodded.

Kathleen pursed her lips. “Go to bed then.”

“Are you leaving?” He grabbed her hand.

“I’m working the night shift,” she replied.

“Oh.” Samuel still hadn’t let go of her hand. “Don’t work too hard.”

Kathleen laughed. “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be having such a hard time, and I mean that in multiple ways.”

Samuel could hear the complaint in her tone. “I’ll listen to you from now on.”

“We’ll see. If you don’t, then this will be it for you. I won’t be giving you any more chances,” she said firmly.

“Does that mean you’re willing to give me a chance?” Samuel’s dark eyes lit up.

“Let go of my hand. I have work to do.” She frowned.

However, he responded by tightening his grip. “Kate, are you really willing to give me another chance?”

“You’re such a nag!” Kathleen pulled out her arm and barked, “Go to sleep!”

“Okay.” Samuel nodded.

Kathleen turned off the lights in his ward. Before leaving, she turned on the small night light by the bed.

Samuel was very emotional. It was unlikely he was going to be able to fall asleep that night.

This feeling was akin to the very first time he ever fell in love. He was very nervous.

This time, he had to do well in order to win Kathleen’s heart back.

Kathleen came out of Samuel’s ward.

At this moment, she saw that Zion’s ward still had the lights on.

She walked over, and as expected, Zion was still awake.

“Why aren’t you sleeping?” She stood in front of him.

Upon hearing her voice, he slowly turned over. “I heard Samuel got hurt when he rescued you.”

“Yeah.” She nodded. “We suspect that your mother is the one behind it. Probably because I refused to let her take you away.”

“I’m sorry.” Zion stared at her guiltily. “If you feel like it’s too much trouble, you don’t have to help me. Just let me die.”

Kathleen strode over and put the patient files in her hand on top of his head. “I saved your life. Don’t you feel bad saying stuff like that to me?”

Zion pouted. “But…”

“If you truly feel bad, then you should understand who you should be pouring your gratitude to from now on. Study hard so you can repay him.”

“Of course, I will. I just…” Zion’s expression was solemn.

“Look here, kid. Why do you have so many problems?” Kathleen furrowed her brows. “Even if the sky falls, we’ll be here to hold it up for you.”

Zion scoffed. “You’re not that tall.”

“Hey, I’m one hundred and sixty-five centimeters tall!” Kathleen retorted.

“When I grow up, I’m sure I’ll surpass you,” said Zion teasingly.

Kathleen was furious. “If you keep sleeping late, you won’t be able to grow tall!”

“You know, having a bad temper makes it easier for you to get wrinkles,” he reminded.

Kathleen was speechless.

Click!

She turned off the lights and left.

Zion didn’t say a word.

As he lay down in bed, he wore a smile on his face.

Kathleen had given him another chance in life.

He would forever be indebted to her.

At five thirty o’clock in the morning.

Kathleen yawned as she walked out of her office. She headed to buy a cup of coffee.

At this moment, Gemma came running over. “Kate, come quick! It’s Madeline!”

All of the drowsiness immediately left Kathleen as she followed Gemma to the emergency room.

Madeline was lying on a hospital bed, covered in blood.

“What happened?” Kathleen asked as she put on her gloves.

“She got hurt while trying to save another child,” explained one of the nurses.

Kathleen looked at Gemma. “Go call Federick.”

“Got it!” Gemma turned around and rushed out.

With no time to waste, Kathleen started to carry out emergency treatment on Madeline.

The blood on her body was from the injuries on her arm and legs, but those wounds were no big deal. What mattered was her head.

Her head was injured.

Kathleen finished up the emergency treatment, but Madeline was still unconscious.

Perhaps she needed more time.

“Dr. Johnson, over here!” shouted one doctor.

Kathleen handed Madeline over to another nurse now that her condition had stabilized. “Remember to take her to do a CT scan of her brain.”

“Will do!” The nurse nodded.

Kathleen went over to the doctor that had called her. On the bed was a girl that was roughly five years old. Her age was similar to Desiree’s.

“What’s going on?” Kathleen furrowed her brows.

“This is the girl that Madeline saved. We noticed that there’s something wrong with her blood,” explained the doctor.

Chapter 399

One Chance

Kathleen ordered, “Draw some blood, and bring it to the lab for testing.”

The doctor immediately called a nurse over to carry out those orders.

Meanwhile, Kathleen gave the little girl a brief check.

Her voice was soft as she spoke. “Hey there, can you hear me?”

The little girl’s eyes remained shut.

“Can you hear my voice?” Kathleen tried calling out again.

This time, the girl slowly opened her eyes in a daze.

“You’re awake. What’s your name?” asked Kathleen.

“Where’s Madeline…” The girl was very confused.

“Don’t worry about her. She’s fine. What’s your name?” Kathleen asked again after reassuring the girl.

“Felicia. My name is Felicia…” After answering the question, the little girl passed out again.

The doctor furrowed his brows lightly. “Dr. Johnson?”

“Where’s the report?” Kathleen stood up.

The nurse came running over. “It’s here, Dr. Johnson!”

Kathleen scanned through it. “Her platelet levels are low. Everything else is showing abnormal levels as well. She might have leukemia.”

The doctor and the other nurses were stunned.

“Take her to a ward for now. Find a way to contact her family,” said Kathleen.

“Got it.” The doctor nodded.

Kathleen turned around and went out.

Just then, Federick came running over. “Kate!”

“Federick, Madeline has already been admitted into a ward. Her head is injured. We’ll have to wait for the CT scan results to determine more,” explained Kathleen.

Federick’s hands were cold. “Will she be all right?”

“Don’t worry, Federick. You have me,” comforted Kathleen. “Let’s go to the ward and take a look at her.”

“Okay.” He choked up slightly.

Soon, they arrived at the ward.

Gemma was currently taking care of Madeline.

When she saw Federick, she greeted him solemnly, “Hey, Federick.”

Federick went over. When he saw Madeline lying in bed, her face devoid of colors, tears streamed down his cheeks.

“Recently, Madeline’s condition has improved a lot.” Federick dabbed his tears. “Sometimes, she’ll speak to us. Although her sentences are simple, it still makes us very happy.”

“This past week, she has been taking the dog for walks in the morning,” he added bitterly. “We knew that it wasn’t safe for her to go out alone. However, as you all know, it was a good chance for us to train her. Yesterday, my mom’s leg was acting up. She couldn’t even walk today, so I stayed home to watch her. I never expected…”

His voice trailed off, and by then, he was sobbing uncontrollably.

Kathleen and Gemma exchanged looks with each other before going up to him.

“Federick, don’t worry. Madeline will be fine,” said Kathleen caringly.

“That’s right. Don’t be like this. Madeline will recover soon enough,” Gemma chimed in.

“Yeah.” Federick wiped his tears away. Staring at Madeline, he felt his heart ache.

“Dad… Dad…” Suddenly, Madeline started to speak.

Federick was stunned for a moment.

He raised his head and stared at her daughter. “Madeline, you’re awake?”

“Dad… Dad…” Madeline cried out.

“I’m right here!” He grabbed hold of her hand. “Are you in pain? Tell me!”

“No.” Madeline raised her hand above her head. “The girl…”

“Madeline, that little girl’s name is Felicia. She’s still in the emergency room right now, but there’s no need to worry. Nothing will happen to her,” Kathleen replied reassuringly.

Madeline turned her head to the side. “Ms. Johnson!”

“Yes, it’s me.” Kathleen held her hand. “Be good. Don’t touch your injuries.”

“Is she okay?” Madeline asked.

Kathleen nodded. “Yes, she’s fine. There’s nothing for you to worry about. Got it?”

“Mhm.” Madeline nodded. “Dad, what about the dog?”

“The dog ran back home by itself. Once you get discharged from the hospital, you’ll be able to see it again.”

Madeline sighed in relief.

Kathleen and Gemma exchanged smiles.

They both came out of the ward together.

“What a scare!” Gemma patted her chest. “I thought Madeline was in serious trouble. When I saw her covered in blood earlier, I was so afraid.”

“Madeline is really lucky.” Kathleen smiled warmly.

“Indeed.” Gemma nodded in acknowledgement.

“Are you working the morning shift?” Kathleen looked at Gemma.

“Yeah. You?”

Kathleen yawned. “I worked the night shift. I was just about to get off work, but then…”

“You’d better go back and rest now,” Gemma answered worriedly.

“No. I want to check Madeline’s CT scan results later. I’ll head back to my office for now.”

“Okay.” Gemma nodded.

With that, Kathleen turned to head to the office.

When she reached the door, she noticed several nurses peering into her office.

“What’s going on?” Kathleen frowned.

“Dr. Johnson, look!” One of the nurses pulled Kathleen inside.

On her desk, there was a huge bouquet made up of ninety-nine roses.

The entire room was filled with the fragrance of rose.

Kathleen picked up the card attached to the bouquet.

On it was the message: To my beloved Katie.

One of the nurses helped her read it out loud.

Behind them, the other nurses were even more excited than Kathleen herself, who found it rather hilarious.

“Don’t you guys need to work? Better be careful the head nurse doesn’t scold you guys.”

With that reminder, everyone immediately dispersed.

Holding the card, Kathleen turned to go upstairs.

She entered Samuel’s ward.

Upon her entrance, Samuel closed the book in his hand. “You’re here. Tyson just sent breakfast over. Let’s eat together.”

Kathleen set the card down in front of him. “Is this your doing?”

“Can’t you even recognize my handwriting anymore?” He stared at her meaningfully.

She replied in frustration, “Of course, I can. My point is, why did you have to make it so high-profile?”

“Is giving you flowers very high-profile?” His tone was playful.

If it wasn’t for the fact that he was afraid she might get scared off by him, he would be announcing his love for her to the entire world by now.

Kathleen was speechless. “You can eat breakfast alone. I’m going home to catch up on some sleep.”

“Sure.” Samuel nodded.

Kathleen glanced at him sideways. “Thanks for the roses. They really lifted my mood.”

With that, she turned to leave.

Samuel’s lips curved into a smile.

She likes them! Great!

Meanwhile, at the Sullivan residence, Leonard had never expected Kelly to show up at his door.

He was a total mess. His clothes were dirty, and he reeked of alcohol.

Just as Kelly was about to say something, a woman came out of the room.

She wrapped her arms around Leonard. “Mr. Sullivan, what’s the matter?”

Kelly froze upon seeing that.

Leonard is dating someone?

“Nothing. Head inside and get some more sleep,” answered Leonard softly.

“Okay.” The woman raised an eyebrow at Kelly. Her gaze was cold.

After the woman went back in, Leonard sat down on his couch. He lit up a cigarette and asked, “What is it?”

“Can you help me find someone?” Kelly was desperate.

“Who?” Leonard locked his eyes on her face.

She wasn’t sure what he was trying to read off her face.

“A little girl. Her name is Felicia. She’s four years old.” She paused and then continued, “She also has leukemia. Please hurry if you can.”

“Hah!” Leonard scoffed. “You’re asking me for a favor, yet you dare to rush me?”

“Leonard, please. I need your help.” Kelly’s eyes were red. “Felicia’s body is really weak.”

“Kelly, do you remember why we broke up last time?” he asked frostily. “You told me you were going out. When I went looking for you, I found you in bed with another man. I don’t suppose that child is his?”

Chapter 400

You Will Come Back

Tears were brimming in Kelly’s eyes. “She is if you believe she is.”

Leonard squeezed her jaw. “After all these years, you’ve finally admitted it. If that was the case, you’d know how much I despise you. Why did you come to me for help?”

Kelly felt bitter.

She wouldn’t have gone to Leonard if it hadn’t been for the fact that he was Felicia’s biological father and an influential person in Jadeborough.

She struggled to find the appropriate words to say as tears streamed from her eyes and down her cheeks like a broken string of pearls.

At that very moment, she was experiencing both physical and psychological pain.

After witnessing Kelly in such a state before him, Leonard could not experience any sense of pleasure.

The only emotion he felt was anger.

She had acted as if she did not know him when he bumped into her that day.

By then, he was already enraged.

He found it hard to believe that someone could be as cruel as Kelly, who had considered their prior relationship as nothing more than a dream and had since forgotten about it.

Leonard had immersed himself in his suffering from their parting, yet Kelly somehow managed to act as if nothing happened and begged him for help to find her child.

He released Kelly from his grip, and the latter immediately slumped to the ground.

“Do you think I’m still that fool from the past?” Leonard rasped. “Do you think that I’ll still do anything for you?”

Rubbing her neck, Kelly pleaded, “Please, Leonard, Please help me. Felicia was supposed to be with my mom. I wouldn’t have come to bother you if she didn’t threaten me with Felicia. I mean it.”

Leonard’s hands tightly balled into fists at her words.

It was still bearable when Kelly had not provided an explanation. But as she did, Leonard only grew angrier.

He found it hard to accept that the reason she attended the blind date was merely due to her mother’s threat.

Is my presence that unbearable to her?

“Get lost!” Leonard barked. “I never want to see you again.”

By then, Kelly knew that her pleads were no use.

She stood up and staggeringly found her way to the exit.

It seems like I can only depend on myself to find Felicia.

Leonard went to the bathroom after the incident.

He twisted the tap open and splashed some cold water on his face, feeling calmer after that.

Yet, beneath his reddened eyes was anger, pure anger that did not diminish even after splashing himself with cold water.

He exited the bathroom three minutes later, took his phone, and made a call to Samuel.

However, the one to pick up the call was not Samuel, but Kathleen.

“Where’s Samuel?” Leonard asked, slightly surprised.

“He’s showering,” Kathleen answered. “Do you need anything? I’ll help you leave him a message.”

“You guys sure are making good progress, huh?” Leonard commented drily.

“Could you just spit it out already?” Kathleen muttered. “I’m working on my thesis.”

“I need Samuel to help me find a kid named Felicia,” Leonard said, his voice sounding hoarse. “Please tell him this.”

With a frown etched on her face, Kathleen asked, “Felicia?”

“That’s right,” Leonard replied coolly. “Please ask him to inform me once there’s any news on the kid.”

With that, he was about to hang up.

“Hold up,” Kathleen called out. “You don’t have to get Samuel to help you with this; I can help you find the kid.”

“Really?” Leonard exclaimed in disbelief.

“Come over to the hospital. I’ll wait for you by the entrance.” With that, Kathleen ended the call.

Leonard was planning to ask for more details, but it was too late.

Kathleen placed Samuel’s phone on the side after hanging up the call.

Meanwhile, the latter had just emerged from the bathroom, freshly showered.

Although Kathleen initially forbade him from having a shower, he was obstinate and insisted on doing so.

Thus, Kathleen could only relent. She helped him wash his hair, whereas Samuel washed the other parts of his body.

His injured arm was wrapped in a layer of plastic wrap to keep the water from touching it.

Samuel walked up to Kathleen, wearing a black silk robe, smelling like the minty-woody scent of his body wash.

“Where are you going?” His grating voice sounded.

Earlier on, Kathleen had returned to the hospital after taking a shower at home and changing into fresh clothes.

Samuel was contented when he saw her sitting on the couch, reading through documents as she wrote her thesis.

However, he had made her angry by insisting on taking a shower.

Given that Kathleen had helped him wash his hair, he believed that everything was okay. However, the sight of her putting on her coat led him to believe she was about to leave.

Kathleen rolled her eyes. “It’s all thanks to Leonard. He wanted you to help him find a girl named Felicia. Coincidentally, the girl that Madeline saved today is also called Felicia. So, I told him to come over to the hospital. I’m going to meet him at the entrance.”

“Help me change. I’ll go with you,” Samuel said in his baritone voice.

Kathleen’s delicate face was cold as she shot him a stern look. “You’d better not forget that you’re a patient.”

“My arm’s the only part that’s hurt. It’s not like I’ll need to use it anyway. I’ll just follow you down,” Samuel croaked an explanation.

Kathleen pondered for a while before asking, “Don’t tell me you think I’m lying to you?”

Samuel cleared his throat. “No.”

“You’re being ridiculous, Samuel,” Kathleen exclaimed exasperatedly. “Why should I bring Leonard in if I wanted to lie to you? I could’ve easily made up any reason. Moreover, I can leave whenever I want. Do you think I need a reason to do so?”

Samuel remained silent.

He had nothing to counter after hearing Kathleen’s words.

Kathleen glared at Samuel with narrowed eyes. The latter stood silently in front of her, emanating the sense that he had been wronged.

“Just how childish can you get?” Kathleen questioned with an annoyed huff. Giving him her best steely look, she continued, “Be a good patient and stay put in your ward. I’ll help you dry your hair.”

Samuel nodded. As an attempt to ease the doubt in his heart, he asked, “You’ll actually come back, right?”

“I will,” Kathleen reassured. “Liar liar pants on fire, right?”

Samuel hummed, a small smile on his face. He sat down and waited for Kathleen to dry his hair.

Kathleen took out the hair dryer and started drying his hair.

She glanced at the time after she was done. “Right. Time for me to go now.”

With that, she turned around and left.

Samuel’s eyes darkened as he pursed his thin lips and stared at her diminishing back.

Kathleen was standing by the hospital’s entrance, waiting for Leonard’s arrival.

Much to her surprise, the said man arrived in his car a few minutes later.

Kathleen squinted at him. “Did you come from your house?”

Leonard nodded. “Where’s the girl?”

“It’ll take at least thirty minutes to reach the hospital from your house. Yet, you’ve reached in twenty,” Kathleen said, her eyes still narrowed. “Who is this girl to you? Why do you care so much about her?”

Leonard’s expression was cold as he replied, “She’s my friend’s daughter.”

“I feel sorry for this friend of yours then,” Kathleen said, a complicated expression on her face. “Her daughter has leukemia, and the condition is critical. The girl is still unconscious in her ward at the moment.”

Leonard froze. “What did you just say?”

“The girl has leukemia,” Kathleen repeated. “We contacted the bone marrow transplant center. However, we haven’t found a suitable bone marrow donor.”

Shock was written all over Leonard’s handsome countenance.

“You know what leukemia is, right?” Kathleen asked, an inexplicable look on her face. “You guys should have researched it while helping Samuel find a suitable bone marrow for Nicolette.”

Leonard was taken aback.

So this is when karma comes knocking at my door.

Quietly, he muttered, “Bring me to her.”

“Follow me,” Kathleen said as she led him to Felicia’s ward.

Felicia was staying in a single ward. On top of that, it was the hospital’s best ward.

Kathleen led Leonard into the ward.

Leonard could not help but freeze in his tracks upon seeing Felicia’s pale face.

Felicia looks so much like Kelly.

With her arms folded in front of her chest, Kathleen said, “I keep having this feeling that I’ve seen this child before, but I just can’t figure out when and where.”

“You’ve met her mom,” Leonard said, swallowing thickly.

Mom?

Kathleen paused, and a thought occurred to her. “Kelly?”