Chapter 70 What a Small World
“Mom, these reports could be fake. Don’t trust Angle’s words.” I quickly stutted the medical report into my bag
Mom nodded mumbly. When she tried to get up, she fainted
After Lushed Moms to the hospital, she was swiftly taken to the emergency room. The doctor later informed me she had anbyllenia
Ispected the bombshell Angle had dropped at the cate earlier must have deeply distressed Mom.
Fortunately, Mom’s condition wasn’t s severe. She just needed a few days in the hospital and some follow–up care.
In the hospital ward, I sat alone and observed Mom as she slept on the bed, Quilt washed over me as I realized she had never disclosed the pain she had endured in my previous life.
Thadn’t been a supportive daughter. But fate had granted me an opportunity to set things right,
Soon, I drifted off to sleep but awoke to the voice next door.
A man shouted, “I don’t want to be admitted to the hospital or undergo surgery. You’re wasting money and worrying about nothing!“.
The voice sounded familiar, but I was too lazy to get up and check. I simply rolled over and went back to sleep.
After freshening up the following day, I told Mom, “I’m going to get you some breakdast.”
Asi passed by the adjacent room, I recognized a few faces. Ashley and Ella were gathered around Jonah’s bedside. They were engaging in a conversation
“Mrs. Payne!” Ella spotted me and approached me excitedly. “What brings you here? Are you feeling okay?”
“Ella, you’re not working with me anymore, so there’s no need for formalities, just call me Ivory.” I smiled faintly and glanced over at Ashley.
Ashley greeted me with a smile. “Ivory, I didn’t expect to see you here. It’s a surprise that my mom used to work for your family”
I smiled wamily. “It’s a small world, isn’t it? So, how’s your dad doing?”
Jonals seemed to recognize me as well. I was the unfortunate one who got lacked out by his brother with a stick. He looked slightly embarrassed and quickly looked away,
“He had a heart condition and required surgery.” Ashley turned to look at her father.
“Oh, that’s serious.“I was surprised, “Is there anything can do to help?”
Ella chimed in, “You’re very kind, Ivory. Thank you for your offer. Ashley has already found a friend to assist us, so we’re okay now.”
1 smirked internally as I finally pieced together why nowan had hurried back a fewrights ago
Ashley looked at me with a smile, but her eyes had lost their innocence.
I could tell she viewed me as her love rival. However, I didn’t mind because was already planning to ask town for a divorer.
“Alright, Ella, I’m heading out to grab breakfast for my mom. She also has a heart problem and is in the hospital.” After a brief greeting, I waved to her and lett.
I stood silently in front of the elevator. As the doors slid open, I spotted Ivan inside.
He wore a white coat and wire–rimmed glasses that matched his usual cool demeanor. He was holding a medical chart in his hand.
He frowned when he saw me. “What are you doing here?”
I was surprised to see him, so I asked, “Why are you back so soon?
“I finished my exchange program ahead of schedule.” Ivan stepped out of the elevator and stood before me. “What happened to Hilary?”
filled him in on Mom’s heart condition. He nodded and said, “Well, patients with heart issues need to rest and manage their emotions carefully,”
“I know. Well, Dr. York, I’m sure you’re busy.“I glanced toward Jonah’s ward Involuntarily
Twondered when ban had developed feelings for Ashley. They had met a few times, so I guessed he must be smitten by now.
Jonah had been hospitalized for surgery, and he was Ivan’s patient. So, Ashley and Ivan would be spending a lot of time together. Love could quickly blossomin such cimumstances.
But why did I feel so guilty? had no goudgraaghest Ivan, Why did I feel like I was pushing him into a romantic entanglement? Honestly, I just wanted to cause
trouble for Rowan.
I speaking with them. When he noticed me at
After I grabbed brealdast and returned, I passed Jonal’s ward again. Unexpectedly, Ivan hadn’t left and was still ap door, he glanced in my direction
1 quickly turned and walked away.
Once Mom had finished her rakast, Dad arrived. He was consumed by guilt for her to faint and end up inthe hospital.
So, he berated himself upon entering her ward, He vehemently denied being involved with Angle and insisted that he had been frased
1 quirily slipped out of the ward. After all, they needed to resolve their issues privately.
In the stairwell, texted Bowan, “My mom’s Inthebospital”
| 72: What a Small World
2.2
He replied promptly this time. “Send me the address.
I sighed. Rowan was preoccupied with arranging surgery for his mistress‘ father, offering them financial assistance, and visiting Mom at the hospital. Ironically, Jonah’s and Mom’s hospital wards were adjacent to each other.
“What are you doing here?” Ivan’s voice startled me from behind as I tumed to see him at the stairwell door.
“Just taking a break,” I replied casually.
“Do you know Jonah’s surgery costs around 400 thousand dollars?” he asked.
Why should I be concerned about Jonah’s surgery expenses when he wasn’t even my father? So, I responded coldly, “Nope. And why should I care?”
Ivan dared to smile as he descended a few steps. Then, he leaned casually against the railing and said, “Half of the marital assets are yours.
In other words, Rowan was footing the bill. It was a child’s play for him. His devotion to Ashley meant he would do anything for her.
Soon, Ivan would experience firsthand how far that kind of crazed, lovestruck devotion could go.
“And I’m supposed to talk to Ashley and try to get the money back?” I asked.
“Yeah, that could work” Ivan nodded.
“Yeah, right!” I retorted. Then, I sat on the steps and muttered, “Duo Chemicals just got demolished, right? Why does Rowan need to shell out money?
knew the compensation from the demolition was enough for Jonah to be able to undergo several more operations.
“They used all the money to buy a new house,” Ivan explained.
I suddenly realized he hadn’t just been discussing Jonah’s situation earlier. He had been gathering information for me, and his actions touched me deeply.
I looked up at him and smiled. “Thanks for clearing that up.”
I was more concemed about Angie’s scheme than Rowan and Ashley’s affair. So, I asked Ivan to help me find a caregiver for Mom while I focused on dealing with Angle.
Ivan didn’t refuse. He just asked me to retum Boba to him when I had time.
After leaving the hospital, I went to see my go–to advisor, Jean. She always had better ideas than I did.
Herexpression tumed serious after I told her about my dad’s matters. “That bitch wants to many your dad and become your stepmother.”
“I thought she wanted money, but she dropped a pregnancy test on me.“1 sighed. “Now I need a plan to get her to hand over the negatives and confirm if she’s really pregnant.“–