I felt a slight sense of relief, but my worry for Mom remained unchanged. I set


    down the phone and forced a small smile. "Thank you."


    "There''s no need to be so polite with me." Alex ruffled my hair.


    I dodged his touch, picked up my cutlery, and forced myself to take a few bites. But I had no appetite, so I soon set them down. "I''m full."


    Alex didn''t push me. After paying the bill, he drove me straight to the hospital.


    I felt restless during the entire ride, my gaze constantly shifting to the passing scenery outside the window.


    The cityscape blurred past, but my thoughts grew messier. What exactly did Mr. Hastings Senior want to say to Mom?


    Just then, my phone rang. It was Mom, and I hurried to answer the call. Her voice on the other end was weak. "Serena... where are you?"


    "Mom, I''m on my way to the hospital. How are you? What did Mr. Hastings Senior say to you?"


    My voice was filled with urgency.


    "He... He already left." Her voice trembled a little.


    "What did he say?" My heart clenched.


    She was silent for a moment before saying slowly, "He said... he doesn''t want a divorce..."


    My breath caught, and anger surged within me. After everything, he still refused to divorce her?


    "He also said... as long as I don''t go through with the divorce, he can... help deal with all the rumors online..." Her voice grew fainter, almost inaudible.


    I gripped my phone so tightly that my nails nearly dug into my palm.


    "Mom, did you agree to it?" I practically forced the words out through gritted teeth.


    "No," she said tiredly. "I just want to get divorced... and live a peaceful life with you..."


    Hearing her response, my heart twisted painfully. "Mom, don''t worry. I''ll take care of all this mess. You just focus on getting better."


    After hanging up, I urged Alex to speed up.


    When we arrived at the hospital, I saw Mom sitting alone on the hospital bed. I rushed over and held her hand. "Mom, are you okay?"


    She looked up at me, her eyes filled


    with


    "Sereplicated emotions.


    She hesitated for a


    moment before suddenly asking, "Do you... Do you like me?"


    I froze, caught off guard by her question. "Mom, of course, I like you. You''re the person I care about the most..."


    The way she looked at me made me uneasy, and I instinctively avoided her gaze. "Mom, what''s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"


    She shook her head with confusion. "Serena, I... I don''t know what to do anymore..."


    I sat down and hugged her. "Mom, don''t worry. Everything will be okay."


    Just then, my phone rang. The name on the screen read "Lexi".


    "Mom, I need to take this call. I''ll be right back."


    I left the hospital room and walked to the end of the corridor before answering. "Hello?"


    "Serena, people online are already


    specting that Mrs. Ashford Senior


    only caused a scene because she found out Madam Burke was nning to remarry into a wealthy


    family," Lexi said, her toneced with amusement.


    I sighed. "Isn''t that the truth?"


    "Well, my meddling seems to have worked out in your favor. At least public opinion is on your side now." Lexi paused for a moment before adding, "I helped you out big time. Shouldn''t you return the favor?"


    I knew exactly what she was getting at. The "evidence" she provided had indeed


    yed a significant role in steering the narrative.