?Chapter 1172:


    “You may have the flowers,” she said to Julia. “They’ll only clutter up my space.” The shopping bag drew Julia’s attention next.


    “And what about this?” Brenna said, “You can also have it.”


    Years spent in service to the Harper family had taught Julia to recognize luxury. One look told her the skincare items in the bag cost as much as her annual sry.


    Gratitude spilled from Julia’s lips. “Thank you so much, Miss Harper.”


    Brenna retreated to her room, took a long shower, and then dialed Ethan for a video call to share what she had uncovered.


    Rather than being impressed, Ethan looked displeased. “I’d rather you didn’t see Darwin again. It makes me jealous.”<fnab5a> Chapters first released on find?novel</fnab5a>


    Brenna rolled her eyes. “I’m just dating you, Ethan. That doesn’t mean I have to cut off the rest of the world.”


    Ethan still felt upset. “He’s not just anyone. He is a potential suitor introduced by your mom. Knowing you spend time with him makes me unhappy.”


    “He’s useful,” Brenna replied, her voice turning cold.


    Ethan found her attitude hard to swallow. Though he bit back a retort, he still felt frustrated.


    Brenna, unbothered by his brooding, finished her update and ended the call, refusing to let him dwell on the topic.


    The next afternoon after work, Brenna went to visit Joann. It had been two days since she had seen Joann, and she was unsure if her condition had improved.


    At the hospital, she opened the door to find Ruby and Mack seated at Joann’s bedside, with Gia quietly tending to things nearby.


    A frown shadowed Joann’s face, her mood written inly for all to see.


    Warmth colored Ruby’s greeting as she epted the fruit and supplements from Brenna. “You are here, Brenna! Joann was just talking about you, saying you are a wonderful person.”


    One look was all Brenna gave Ruby. Years spent in the Barrett household had left her used to Ruby’s sharp tongue and endless criticisms. Even after Brenna moved back to the Harper family, Ruby still carried herself as if Brenna owed her.


    Politeness from Ruby was rare, so Brenna’s lips quirked up slightly in curiosity. She wondered what Ruby was up to this time.


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    Still, Brenna did not engage with Ruby and sat by Joann’s bedside to inquire about her health.


    “How have you been feeling thesest two days?”


    Joann wasted no time sharing her difort, saying, “Honestly, I’m much better, Brenna. There’s really nothing wrong with me anymore. I want to go home. Staying in this hospital day after day is making me frustrated.”


    Brenna said, “That’s not an option yet. The doctor wants you here at least another week to make sure your condition is stable. Try to hang in there a little longer. Once you’re off the IV, maybe Gia can take you out for some fresh air downstairs.”


    Meanwhile, Mack’s attention never strayed from Brenna.


    Scars still marred his face, giving him a pitiful look. Yet, he stared at Brenna with a mixture of resentment and bitterness.


    Once Brenna’s chat with Joann ended, Ruby seized the chance to say, “Brenna, how could you have beaten your brother up like that? It’s already bad enough that you refused to give him a job, but hitting him? We raised you, and you haven’t repaid us yet. How could you be so cruel to him?”


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