?Chapter 137:


    Joanna was already awake when Norah stepped into her ward. She noticed Susanna standing nearby, which initially made her feel somewhat displeased. However, she quickly managed to shake off the feeling.


    Joanna reasoned that, given her current state—confined to a bed due to her injuries—it was only right for Norah to have anotherpanion by her side. Since Susanna was Sean’s sister, Joanna suspected that he had sent her over as a means to grow closer to Norah.


    Joanna could tell that Norah was fond of Susanna, and with how lovely Susanna was, it was easy to see why. Joanna hadn’t seen Sean in quite a while, leaving her uncertain about his feelings toward Norah.


    “Norah, you have no idea how much I’ve been looking forward to your visits every day! The pain from my wound has been so bad, I found myself crying…” Joanna confessed, her eyes brimming with tears, her voice trembling.


    Norah leaned over and gently wiped away her tears. “Joanna, I can see how much you’re hurting. Look here, see what I brought for you.”


    As Joanna paused her crying, she looked curiously at Norah’s hand. “What’s that?”


    Norah opened her palm to reveal a piece of milk candy. “After I finished surgery today, the patient’s child handed me this candy. I’ve held onto it for you all day.”


    A smile broke through Joanna’s tear-streaked face. “Thank you, Norah.” The milk candy, though simple, held immense value for Joanna.


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    It symbolized that Norah had kept Joanna in her thoughts, even amidst her busy schedule. For Joanna, that meant everything.


    Susanna watched from a distance, her envy unmistakable. She suddenly realized that shecked true friends. The Scott family’s insistence on keeping anyone who approached her at arm’s length, due to her delicate condition, and their intrusive surveince meant that her friendships neversted. Privacy had be a luxury, and soon, she found herself friendless.


    Moreover, due to health concerns, Susanna hesitated to actively seek out friendships, which made her even more envious of the close bond between Norah and Joanna.


    Witnessing Norah’s gesture of saving the milk candy for Joanna after a long day’s work, Susanna understood that it was more than just candy. It was a token of Norah’s care for Joanna. This made Susanna recall a moment they had shared in the vi, where Norah had given her a milk candy. That gesture had made her happy for days.


    Lost in her thoughts, Susanna followed quietly as Norah wrapped up her conversation with Joanna and exited the room.


    “Susanna, are you alright?” Norah asked, noticing the shift in Susanna’s mood since they had entered Joanna’s ward. It was a stark contrast to her usual cheerful demeanor back in the ward.


    Susanna settled into the passenger seat, secured her seatbelt, and spoke softly. “Watching you and Joanna together made me feel envious. I realized I don’t have friends like that.” She fiddled with her fingers. “I didn’t think too much when Frieda invited me out… I just went along, cheerful because of the invitation.” Susanna, in her innocence, hadn’t seen through Frieda’s ulterior motives.


    Phillipter informed Susanna that both Frieda and Bart were now imprisoned, facing the prospect of a life behind bars if the Scott family pressed charges.


    Norah, who had long been a solitary figure, found a genuine connection with Joanna. Joanna’s open-heartedness and kindness had drawn her in, leading to a deep friendship. However, after Norah’s marriage, theirmunication dwindled, leaving Norah feeling pensive and somewhat mncholic.


    Turning to Norah, Susanna asked, “Could we be good friends?”


    Susanna’s eyes widened as she considered the question earnestly. “You might think I’m only saying this to bridge a connection between you and Sean, and I won’t pretend that thought hasn’t crossed my mind. But beyond that, I genuinely wish for us to be friends.”


    Susanna sped her hands together, casting an anxious nce in Norah’s direction. She feared her words mighte across as awkward, especially after the heartfelt scene in Joanna’s room. Yet, these were her true feelings, her desire to befriend Norah unshaken by Sean’s presence or absence.


    “You’re being silly. Haven’t I always been kind to you?” Norah responded with rity and warmth. “I truly like you.”


    Norah had taken Susanna under her care as her second patient upon resuming her role as the Supernatural Doctor. She had always held a special ce for Susanna, charmed by her endearing qualities.


    Caught off guard, Susanna was left speechless, her emotions a mix of surprise and disbelief. “Norah, you’ve always been kind to me. It’s just hard to believe,” she confessed, struggling with the concept of friendship, yet feeling the sincerity of Norah’s words.


    Now that I’ve made it clear, do you understand?” Norah reached out, tenderly caressing Susanna’s face, her voice warm and reassuring. “You silly girl. You can share anything with me.”


    Tears filled Susanna’s eyes as she nodded emphatically. “Okay.”


    Derek, after reviewing his credit card statement for the third time, couldn’t suppress his irritation. After aposed farewell to his business associate, he made his way into his office, phone in hand. The statement ring back at him listed purchases exceeding a hundred thousand on three separate asions.


    Clutching his phone, Derek was mindful of hispany’s current financial strain and the need for frugality. “Madeline, what have you been buying with my card?” Derek inquired, barely containing his frustration as the call connected. “I’ve mentioned before that thepany is tight on funds. Could you consider reducing your spending?”


    “Ah, Derek, I’ve been shopping with my sisters. It’s been ages since west got together, so I picked out a few small gifts for them and something for myself. Is it wrong to want to give gifts?” Madeline’s voice brimmed with hurt, Derek could almost see her pouting, which dampened his resolve to argue.


    “It’s not about not giving gifts,” Derek softened his tone slightly. “But, as I’ve said, let’s wait for thepany to stabilize financially. By then, you can shop to your heart’s content.”


    “But my sisters have been teasing us. I don’t want them to think we’re struggling,” Madeline pleaded from her hideout in the mall’s bathroom, her voice a whisper. “Do you understand where I’ming from?”


    Derek’s grip on the phone tightened, his patience waning. He understood Madeline’s concern about appearances, yet he couldn’t help but feel she was being reckless with his finances, especially given his current situation. “Just make sure youe home early after your shopping,” Derek ended the call without reprimanding Madeline. It was a reflection of his reluctance to express his discontent. Derek had always held Madeline in high regard; she was the woman he had cherished. He believed in treating her well.


    Yet, as he hung up, Derek found his thoughts drifting to Norah. Unlike Madeline, Norah had never demanded or caused any worry. Since Madeline’s return, however, he realized he had bent over backward to amodate Madeline’s numerous requests.


    Holding her phone, Madeline had contemted inviting Derek to dinner, hoping to smooth over the tension. Before she could voice her intention, the call disconnected, leaving her with the sound of a dial tone and a growing sense of resentment.


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