Chapter 19
“I waited for you for a long time, but you never showed up. So I asked Jaxon to come instead–then Brad showed up, too.” Sally leaned in slightly, her smile warm and amused.
“Sorry, Sally,” Abigail apologized. “That job was too important–I couldn’t turn it down. I didn’t even have time to call you. I just rushed over.”
“It’s fine.” Sally replied.
“So where are they now?” Abigail looked around but didn’t see anyone else.
“It’s a long story,” Sally said, turning her head. “It’s almost noon–are you hungry? Let’s grab a bite to eat.”
“Sure.”
The two strode out of the hospital, picked a restaurant near the hospital, ordered a couple of stir–fry dishes, and sat down to
eat.
While they ate, their conversation turned to Lillian.
“That child… Lillian, I heard she’s been sent to an orphanage again.” Abigail spoke up first.
Sally’s hand paused midair, “You found Lillian’s biological father?”
“I did,” nodded Abigail. “But Lillian’s not with him–she really was sent to an orphanage. I’m not sure which one yet. It’ll take a deeper investigation.”
Sally let out a quiet breath and met her eyes. “Thank you, Abigail… really.”
“No need,” Abigail smiled. “We’re family. Don’t be so formal.”
Just as Abigail finished speaking, both of them was distracted by a commotion outside.
“Don’t crowd around the car, it’s dangerous!” One shouted.
“Move, move! Stop pushing me!” Another chimed in, barking.
“Miss Yasmin, I love you so much! I love your movies! Can you sign something for me?”
“Me too! Please sign one for me too!”
Across the street, outside a hotel, a large group of fans had gathered.
Through the glass window, Sally spotted a familiar car and a woman soaking in the crowd’s adoration. It was Lena.
And the car that had come to pick her up–it was Brad’s.
Even though the rear windows of the Cayenne were tinted and nothing could be seen inside, Sally knew. That man was definitely in the car.
Fresh out of the hospital, and already picking up another woman? She hadn’t expected Brad to be such a master of scheduling
affairs.
After Lena was ushered into the car by bodyguards, the Cayenne drove away amid the cheers of the fans.
“That’s Brad’s car, right?” Abigail doubted.
“Yeah.” Sally nodded slightly.
“I heard Lena’s agency is holding an event at that hotel tonight. She’s probably here for rehearsal. That jerk came along too?” Abigail scoffed. “How romantic. Why don’t they just get chained together?”
“That jerk. The phrase landed in Sally’s ears, and she didn’t even blink.
In the past, whenever Brad upset her, Abigail would curse him in front of her. And every time, she’d defend him, trying to
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Chapter 19
calm Abigail down.
But now–there was no desire to defend him. No interest in making excuses.
“You okay, Sally?”
Abigail noticed the shift in her expression and asked with concern.
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“What could be wrong with me?” Sally brushed it off. “Just help me find Lillian. I have to locate that child as soon as possible.”
“Alright. I’ll get on it.” Abigail nodded.
They quickly finished their lunch and headed home. After arriving home, Sally received a call from Howard, asking how she was recovering.
Sally recalled her promise from her hospital stay–that once she got better, she’d visit the family house. So she agreed, keeping her own promise.
The next day, after taking care of preparations for the medical center, she took a cab to the family house.
By the time she arrived, it was nearly dusk. Lauren wasn’t home. It was Howard who greeted her himself.
Just as dinner was about to be served, a familiar voice rang out from the front door.
“Great–grandpa, we’re back!”
Sally looked up and saw Brad entering with Nick, hand in hand.
Seeing the surprise on both their faces, she immediately realized this wasn’t a coincidence. Howard must have called them back on purpose.
“Mom? Aren’t you getting a divorce from Dad? What are you doing here?” asked Nick.
The implication was clear. If they were about to divorce, Sally shouldn’t step into the family house anymore.
Just as Sally was about to answer, Howard cut in first. “Nick, don’t speak to your mom like that. Come here to Great–grandpa.”
“Okay.” Nick said no more and ran over to Howard.
“There are a lot of new flowers in the back garden. I’ll take Nick for a walk,” said Howard. “Just call us when dinner’s ready.”
Before either of them could respond, he took Nick’s hand and walked out. The butler followed behind, leaving only Sally and Brad in the living room.
A chance for them to be alone–clearly arranged by Howard, and both of them knew it.
“What are you doing here?” Brad spoke up first.
Sally ignored him and headed toward the bathroom. But Brad caught up and grabbed her wrist.
“If you don’t want a divorce, just tell me,” said Brad. “No need to send Grandpa to do it for you.”
D
“What do you mean by I don’t want to divorce you?” Sally stopped, her voice tinged with disbelief. “What makes you think I’ve changed my mind?”
“If you’re so set on the divorce, then why are you still coming to see Grandpa?” Brad snapped back. “You know he’s against it. If he weren’t interfering, I would’ve signed the papers already. And now you’re still visiting him–aren’t you regretting it?”
Sally tried to pull her hand free, but his grip only tightened. Finally, she sneered.
“I didn’t realize the great Mr. Zale was so self–deluded about my feelings.”
“Self–deluded?” Brad froze for a second, clearly displeased with her words.
“I want a divorce–and I mean it,” Sally didn’t respond but continue. “The only reason I came today is because when I was in the hospital, Grandpa kept saying he wanted to visit me. I promised him I’d come see him after I was discharged. I had no idea
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Chapter 191
he’d ask you two to come back, too.”
If she’d known, she wouldn’t have stepped foot in this house–But she didn’t say that last part aloud.
“Oh yeah? Then go convince Grandpa,” Brad shrugged. “As soon as you do, I’ll sign.”
“The problem isn’t me. You’re the one who messed up–you should be the one fixing it!” Sally yanked her hand away.
But just as she tried to leave, Brad suddenly raised his arms, trapping her between them. “Then what’s my problem?”
Sally was pinned in place. She looked up at him, her tone icy. “You were the one who crossed the line. And now you’re interrogating me? Isn’t that funny?”
“I crossed the line?” His gaze darkened. “When have you ever seen me do anything to betray you?”
She never caught him in the act–but his attitude toward Lena spoke volumes. Especially the way he named Nick…
“Let go.”
Sally had no interest in arguing–she just wanted to leave. But Brad pinned her to the wall by her elbow.
But just then, a deep, familiar voice came from the hallway. “Whatever you have to say, say it properly. No need to get physical.”
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