Chapter 851
But Eleanor had no intention of feeling sorry for lan Goodwin. He was getting exactly what he deserved.
“Grandma, some of the medical equipment overseas is more advanced,” Eleanor said, trying to comfort her. “It would be good to get checked out, just for peace of mind p>
“I suppose you’re right, but all that travel is just so exhausting. I’ve grown to dread flying,” the old woman sighed, her gaze softening as she watched Evelyn playing happily nearby. A fond smile touched her lips. “Just look at Evelyn. You’ve raised her so well. She’s glowing with health, with such rosy cheeks p>
Eleanor watched her daughter too, her heart filled with a simple wish: for Evelyn to be healthy and happy her entire life.
“Mommy, can I go play upstairs?” Evelyn asked, a little hesitant. After knocking over her father’s files last time, she worried her mother might say no.
Eleanor reached into her purse and pulled out the file. “Come on,” she said gently. “Mommy will go up with you p>
She took her daughter’s hand and led her upstairs to lan’s study, where she slipped the medical file back into the stack of documents on his desk.
Evelyn was skipping happily down the hall when a door was suddenly thrown open. “Who’s out there?” an irritable voice snapped. “Can you stop making so much noise this early p>
Startled, Evelyn spun around to see Serena Goodwin standing in the doorway, rubbing her temples. It was clear she’d just been woken up.
“Auntie Serena!” Evelyn cried, running over to her.
The anger on Serena’s face softened when she saw the little girl, melting into a weary smile. “Oh, it’s you, Evelyn. When did you get here p>
“I’ve been here for a while! Are you still sleeping, Auntie?” Evelyn asked, tilting her head back to look up at her.
“I didn’t sleep well, I was just about to-” Serena began, but then she looked up and saw Eleanor approaching. The warmth she’d shown Evelyn vanished instantly, replaced by an undisguised, icy impatience.
“What are you doing here?” Her tone was an accusation, as if Eleanor were a trespasser.
Eleanor turned to her daughter. “Evelyn, why don’t you go play downstairs?” Evelyn scampered off, and just as Eleanor was about to follow, she paused and took a closer look at Serena.
Serena stood there in her pajamas, her hair a mess, radiating the tired irritability of someone who hadn’t. gotten enough sleep. Eleanor met her hostile gaze calmly, seemingly unfazed by her attitude.
Even from a few feet away, Eleanor could see the unhealthy pallor of Serena’s skin and the dark, almost reddish circles under her eyes. It didn’t look like it was just from a late night.
Serena shifted, uncomfortable and angry under her scrutiny. “What are you staring at?” she snapped.
“Nothing,” Eleanor said quietly. “But if you get the chance, I’d suggest you get a full physical. It might be a good idea p>
To Serena, however, the words sounded like something else entirely.
“What’s that supposed to mean, Eleanor? Are you wishing I was sick? I’m perfectly fine, so I don’t need your fake concern. Don’t think you’re so special just because you know a thing or two about medicine Why don’t you just worry about yourself p>
Eleanor’s brow furrowed slightly, but she simply turned to leave without another word.
“Wait,” Serena called out after her. She
to liz cher arms, a cold smirk
on her face. “What’s this? Suddenly
you care about me? Are you trying to get on my good side? Don’t tell me you’re trying to get back together with my brother p>
Eleanor had expected as much. She didn’t bother to explain, saying only, “Think whatever you want p>
“If that’s your plan, Eleanor, I’m telling you not to waste your time! My brother will never take you back!” Serena yelled at her retreating back.
Just as Eleanor disappeared around the corner, a wave of dizziness washed over Serena. She instinctively grabbed the doorframe for support, taking a few shallow breaths.
A flicker of alarm went through her mind. *Could there actually be something wrong p>