Over the past few years of Leonard’s illness, the cost of treatment had been substantial. Deborah’s hotel was struggling, barely turning a profit, so she had been the one covering most of the
expenses.
The majority of her salary from the PR department went straight to the hospital. The room she had arranged for Leonard wasn’t the most luxurious, but it had great lighting, good ventilation, and a pleasant view–he was comfortable there. Naturally, she had no intention of giving it up.
The nurse hesitated, looking conflicted, as if she had something to say. But before she could, her gaze shifted toward the hallway and she suddenly said, “Mr. Grant, this is the family member of the patient in Room 206. Perhaps you could discuss it with her?”
Evelyn’s heart nearly stopped for a moment. She turned her head, surprised. Not far away, Tiffany stood beside Millie, her arm gently hooked around her mother’s.
And standing next to them, as indifferent and composed as ever, was Lucas. His dark eyes met hers, void of any discernible emotion.
Exyn, however, felt her heart sink. A bad feeling crept over her.
Tiffany was the first to speak. She turned to Millie and said, “Mom, why don’t you go inside and get some rest?”
Millie nodded and cast a brief glance at Evelyn before entering the room. Just as she reached the door, she said casually, “So, it’s you. I’ll let Lucas and Tiffany discuss it with you.”
Evelyn’s expression darkened. The way Millie spoke made it sound like Lucas and Tiffany were already a family—as if this wasn’t a request, but a notice.
It was as if they were saying, “We’re together, and you’re an outsider.”
She looked at Lucas with something close to mockery. Today was her first round of radiation therapy. She had come to the hospital alone, dragging her exhausted body from department to department, enduring pain with no one by her side.
But it wasn’t just today. For three years, she had been alone. And where had Lucas–the man who had been her husband for those three years–been? Right here, in the same hospital, taking care of Tiffany’s family. Now, he had even come to take her uncle’s hospital room.
“My mother likes the locust trees outside the window of that room. Would your uncle be willing to give it up?” Tiffany’s voice was calm, almost gentle, but there was little room for negotiation
She didn’t particularly care to speak with Evelyn, but she had no choice but to lower herself for this request.
If it weren’t for Millie’s insistence—if she hadn’t taken a liking to that specific tree, imagining how beautiful it would be when it bloomed in spring–she wouldn’t have bothered dealing with Evelyn at all.
Evelyn let out a faint, mocking smile, but her gaze never left Lucas. “No.”
It was just too much of a coincidence that Millie had set her sight on Leonard’s room. Evelyn didn’t believe in coincidences.
The last time, it had been the house. Millie and Tiffany hadn’t gotten what they wanted, and she was certain they still held a grudge.
Now, with Millie back in the country for treatment, they had found another opportunity to make things difficult for her family.
Tiffany frowned slightly. This was between her and Evelyn–there was no need for Evelyn to drag Lucas into it. She didn’t like how much attention Evelyn paid to him.
“Go keep your mother company,” Lucas said to Tiffany, his tone calm and measured
Clearly, he wanted to speak with Evelyn alone. Tiffany hesitated, and a hint of reluctance flickered in her eyes, but she knew better. Lucas had to feelings for Evelyn–there was nothing for her to be concerned about.
“All right,” she finally said. “Once you’re done talking, let’s go grab something to eat.” With that, she shot Evelyn a glare before turning and walking into the room.
Only then did Lucas shift his gaze back to Evelyn. For the first time, he noticed how pale she looked. Her expression was weak, and in her hand, she held a small bag of medication. His eyes lingered on the bag for a moment before he said, “Name your price.”
