Chapter 1760

Karina let out a breath of relief, feeling the timing couldn’t have been better. She didn’t dwell on whether Orion had intentionally bailed her out. It didn’t seem fair to project adult motives onto a child. But in truth, Orion was every bit as clever as his actions suggested.
Nina smiled gently as she ruffled Orion’s hair. “I should’ve known you’d be greedy. I didn’t bring you here to snack your way through the hospital.”
Karina quickly waved her hands, dismissing any concern.
The atmosphere grew quiet for a moment.
Nina sat with her head slightly bowed, her calm demeanor radiating a quiet elegance. She reminded Karina of autumn leaves-tranquil and soft.
Sitting across from her, Karina couldn’t help but feel inferior. Nina’s effortless grace only highlighted her own unease.
Lowering her head, Karina mumbled, “I’m so sorry, Miss Walker. I didn’t expect you to come. I should’ve prepared something in advance. If you’d like, I can step out and get something for you.” Nina stopped her with a light, easy tone. “No need. I’m just here to visit a friend.”
After that, silence settled again, leaving Karina unsure how to steer the conversation.
She lowered her gaze further, stealing glances at Nina out of the corner of her eye. The longer she observed her, the more tightly she twisted her fingers.
What Karina didn’t realize was that Nina was also watching her, not casually but intently, though her gaze was so subtle that Karina didn’t notice.
As Nina studied her, a small smile spread across her lips.
While Karina felt self-conscious, Nina thought she was rather lovely. She wasn’t just physically attractive, her demeanor was genuine and likable.
Nina had heard about the recent events at the hospital. Not because she was particularly nosy, but because Wilfred had caused quite a stir. The drama had escalated online until Wilfred brought in Nash to help suppress the rumors and clear
Karina’s name. It was impossible for Nina not to hear about it.
Under the table, Nina typed quickly on her phone, her movements discreet. Finally, she spoke. “To be honest, I came here partly out of personal curiosity. I wanted to meet you.” “Me?” Karina blinked in surprise.
They barely knew each other. Why would Nina want to see her?
Karina tensed up, unsure of Nina’s intentions.
Sensing her unease, Nina glanced at her group chat, where her earlier messages were already stirring up responses, and smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m just a little curious. My friends and care a lot about Wilfred, but you know how he is.”
Nina gestured with her hands, a playful shrug.
Karina felt her nerves ease slightly. Nina’s approachable manner softened her tension, and her shoulders relaxed bit by bit. “Dr. Wilfred does tend to keep to himself but he’s a good person. Having a friend like you who cares about him must mean a lot to him.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, Karina regretted them.
Nina was Wilfred’s friend. Their relationship was none of her business. What right did she have to comment on it?
Her thoughts were practically written all over her face, making it impossible for anyone to miss.
Perhaps it was that honesty, that straightforwardness, that had struck a chord with Wilfred. For someone as reserved and proud as he was, it had been no small thing for him to ask for help from Nash and their circle. Nina smiled knowingly. “I think I understand now why he was willing to swallow his pride and ask Nash for help for you.”
Karina looked confused, the meaning behind Nina’s words completely lost on her.
Before Karina could ask, Nina stood up and took Orion’s hand. Noticing the half-eaten tangerine in his grasp, she casually took it with a playful raise of her eyebrow. “What? Your own mom isn’t allowed to eat your tangerine?”