Leonard paused for a moment, sensing M wouldn''t want to hear the word "cold," and wisely diverted the conversation away from illness.


    "Madam, you were quite bold this time. You should be more careful in the future."


    M frowned, "Is that all?"


    She thought he was here to discuss something serious. This superficial concern was less wee than a signed divorce agreement!


    Pointing to the door, she said coldly, "You can leave now."


    Leonard didn''t show any emotion despite her cold reception. He stood up silently, but before leaving, he turned back to her with an indifferent gaze.


    "Madam, that''s just my personal advice."


    "You''d be wise to drop thewsuit and continue as best you can. If you escte things, you''ll be the one who suffers."


    Suffer?


    Mughed, a bitterugh, "What, you n to lock me up again? Leonard, do you even have a heart?"


    The thought of events from seven years ago stirred emotions she couldn''t easily calm.


    "Whether you all have hearts or not, I haven''t spent these seven years in vain. Get out!"


    Her voice was low and full of restrained anger.


    Leonard gave her a long look, then turned and left.


    M sat still for a long time, staring at the gently swinging door, until a small hand touched her, bringing her back to herself.


    "Mommy?"


    Julian leaned on the side of the bed, tilting his head to look at her with innocent, clear eyes.


    M exhaled slowly, realizing her back was damp with cold sweat. She held the child''s small, warm hand, feeling her heartbeat finally steady.


    Yes, she''s no longer the helpless person she was seven years ago.


    This time, she would seed!


    Leonard stepped out of the hospital room and stopped abruptly.


    Eugene was leaning against the wall, elegantly twirling his phone in his long fingers. He looked over with a smile in his eyes, though it was unclear how long he had been listening.


    The two men exchanged a silent nce.


    After a moment, Leonard ignored him and walked away without a word.


    "What an ice-cold person," Eugene muttered to himself, his smile fading as Leonard''s figure disappeared down the corridor. Grinding his teeth, he spat out Leonard''s name with disdain.


    He lingered for a few minutes before regaining his smile and entering the room.


    Seeing him, M''s expression softened considerably. She gestured toward the bedside, where Leonard had left some expensive supplements.


    "Could you toss these out for me?"


    She didn''t mention who they were from-because it didn''t matter.


    Eugene''s smile widened. He quickly gathered everything, including the apples and their te, and ran downstairs to dispose of them.


    He even made a point of tossing them in therge bin by the main entrance, casting a nce at the familiar ck Phantom parked by the curb.


    Please, for heaven''s sake, sister made it clear she''s not interested. Stoping around.


    The next day.


    M felt as if she had stumbled upon a nest of bad luck; every unwee visitor seemed to find their way to her hospital room.


    She quietly observed Hugo, standing by her bed with his head wrapped in bandages and a nervous expression.


    Idiot.


    At least Charlotte hadn''t tagged along.


    Not only M but Eugene, sitting by her bedside, also watched Hugo with an


    amused, slightly mocking expression. Was this really her brother?


    Not impressive at all. Sure, he had a face you could look at.


    Under the scrutiny of two imposing figures, Hugo was visibly ufortable. He


    trembled as he finally spoke.


    "Sis, I came to see you."


    "Well, now you''ve seen me. Goodbye," M said decisively.


    Eugene immediately stood, ready to escort him out, but Hugo ducked and quickly crouched by the bed, gripping M''s hand tightly.


    "Sis, please, listen to me. I really have something important to say!"