Chapter 16
Linda drove the car back into the underground garage, its headlights fading into the dim shadows.
In the living room, she saw Eleanor descending the stairs gracefully.
Eleanor broke into a warm smile the moment she saw her.
Her gentle eyes was brimmed with unmistakable love.
“Linda, you’re home,” Eleanor said, her voice carrying a smile.
Eleanor had just returned from errands; her first thought was to check on Linda.
Learning she was out, she didn’t bother her, just waited in her room.
She had been staying on the balcony, watching the front gate.
As soon as she spotted Linda’s car, relief flooded her, and she hurried downstairs.
“Mom,” Linda said softly, her voice edged with exhaustion.
Eleanor noticed her tired expression and frowned, concern tightening her chest.
She rushed down, took Linda’s hand, and led her to the couch.
“Linda, what’s wrong? Why do you look so pale?” Eleanor asked, her voice full of worry.
Linda stayed quiet, leaning gently against Eleanor’s shoulder.
“Mom, I’m fine,” she said calmly, though fatigue crept into her tone.
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Eleanor patted her shoulder, her eyes filled with concern. “You call this fine? Are you feeling sick? I’ll get Joel to come check on you.”
‘No need,’ Linda thought, opening her mouth to protest.
But Eleanor was already on her phone, dialing Joel.
Chad it all
*
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at Wid get a pl
“Hey, Joel, get home now.” Eleanor said, her tone urgent and no-nonsense. *******
At that moment, Joel was in th
He’d paid top dollar for hackers
hospital’s server room, brows knitted in focus.
to
the
Security footage, chasing any lead.
Any clue could help him find that mysteri
girl
facer
But hours later, they’d made no progress, and
‘What a bunch of useless hacks,‘ he thought, ce
at him.
nger.
If his fifth brother, Jude, weren’t abroad, he wouldn’t dealing with this mess.
Mid–irritation, Eleanor’s call came through.
Joel swallowed his frustration, answering with forced calm.
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will wil
“Mom, what’s up? Something wrong at home? Who’s sick?”
asked.
Joel stood, already moving to head home.
Family was everything to him–no room for slacking.
But at the door, Eleanor’s voice came again, more urgent.
“Your sister’s not feeling well. Hurry back to check on her,” she said.
Joel paused, confused. “Sister? Which one?”
As he spoke, he turned back, sitting at the computer again.
Neither Linda nor Elaine was worth his time.
Chapter 16
Eleanor’s tone was direct. “Who else? Linda, obviously,” she said.
Joel stared coldly at the screen. “Sorry. Busy right now. Talk to you later.”
Eleanor snapped. “You little brat! Busy? Linda’s sick–get back here! Drop whatever you’re doing and come home now!”
With that, Eleanor hung up, leaving no room for argument.
Joel stared at the ended call, his face turning pitch–black.
He tugged irritably at his white coat’s collar, anger written all over him.
‘What a hassle,’ he thought, veins throbbing at his temple.
Eleanor set her phone down, turning to Linda, still fuming from her clash with Joel.
But her voice softened. “Linda, Joel will be here soon. I’ll make you some hot beverage.”
Linda smiled faintly. “Thanks, Mom.”
At the stairwell’s corner, Elaine stood, her face grim. Her fingers clenched into fists, nails digging deep into her palms.
The physical pain was nothing–her heart hurt worse, sharp and raw.
“Who else? Linda, obviously,” she thought, Eleanor’s words cutting like knives.
She’d always believed her mom loved her, treasured her above all.
But since Linda returned, Mom’s eyes only saw that “sister.”
Linda… Her name alone chokes me,’ she thought, her breath hitching.
She took a deep breath, forcing her emotions under control.
Her delicate, pitiful face conjured a sweet smile, her eyes soft again.
She glided down the stairs, her steps light and carefree.
“Linda, you’re back,” Elaine said, her smile bright and warm.
As she spoke, her smile deepened, as if untouched by jealousy.
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