Her husband was ridiculously handsome, their daughter absolutely adorable—and judging by their appearance, they looked every bit the picture of a well-to-do


    family.


    Thanks to the staff''s special arrangements, Evelyn was given a chance for some close-up time with the dolphins. Guided by her dad, she reached out and touched one, her face lighting up with pure joy.


    "Daddy, it kissed me!" Evelyn squealed, her cheeks flushed with excitement.


    Off to the side, Gavin kept busy with his phone, recording every precious moment. He''d taken on the role of family photographer for the day.


    For lunch,n took his daughter out to a nice café before bringing her back to the Vesper Joy Hotel.


    A few seconds after ringing the doorbell, the door swung open to reveal Eleanor standing behind it.


    "Mom!" Evelyn threw herself into her mother''s arms, beaming. "We had so much fun! I saw all kinds of sea creatures today!"


    Eleanor smiled warmly. "Did you?"


    "Daddy, do you want toe in and rest for a bit before you go?" Evelyn turned to ask.


    Eleanor nced up, meetingn''s eyes. Ian caught her meaning and replied gently, “Evelyn, I have some things to take care of, but next time I''ll stay longer, okay?"


    "Okay!" Evelyn nodded, perfectly content. She was already thrilled that her dad had taken her to the aquarium.


    Out front, he opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat. Gavin, sitting behind the wheel, handed him his phone. "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Goodwin sent you a few messages. You might want to take a look."


    "Big brother, where are you? Why haven''t youe to the hospital to see Vanessa yet?"


    "Why aren''t you here?"


    "What could possibly be more important than Vanessa?"


    "Hello?n?" Henry''s voice came through.


    "How is she?"n''s tone was low and even.


    "Physically, she''s fine-just a bit down, that''s all," Henry replied, then asked, "Are youing over?"


    "Yes. I''m on my way now,"n answered.


    At the hospital, Serena had been messaging her brother since early morning, but still hadn''t received a single reply. It frustrated her. She''d only learned about Vanessa''s bout of food poisoning that morning, and had even canceled her ns to fly overseas for a fashion show just to be here for her.


    But when she arrived, she found Henry looking after Vanessa, having spent the whole night by her bedside. The sight left her more than a little confused.


    Wasn''t this the kind of moment when her brother should be here for Vanessa?


    "Vanessa, don''t worry. As soon as my brother''s free, he''lle see you right away," Serena reassured her.


    Vanessa nodded faintly. Her pale face had a delicate, almost ethereal beauty. She''d had her assistant wash her hair that morning, and now


    it fell softly over her shoulders Even while sick she looked


    heartbreakingly fragile.


    Whenn arrived at the hospital, he found Henry sitting in the hallway, eyes


    closed, trying to catch some rest.


    The sound of footsteps made Henry look up. Seeingn, he straightened, rubbing


    his temples. “Ian, you''re here."


    "You did well, Henry. Go home and get some rest,"n told him.


    At that moment, the door to Vanessa''s room opened. Serena poked her head out, her tone tinged with frustration. Big brother, what took you so long? Vanessa''s been waiting for you!"


    Serena trailed in after him, only forn to turn and fix her with a sharp look. "Out. I


    want to speak with her alone."


    Serena froze, surprised by his sternness. Was that really the way to treat


    someone who was sick?