CHAPTER 22: CHAPTER 22: ALLERGEN

"Okay."

Grace Lynch bent over to set down the fruit and hurriedly left the ward with the bouquet in her arms.

At this moment, she was immensely relieved that her grandmother was also hospitalized here, otherwise, she couldn’t have explained the recent situation clearly.

After reaching Bridget Sutton’s ward, she casually found a vase to put the flowers in, saw that the person was still asleep, and pursed her lips as she sat down.

If she had just delivered the flowers and left, Hugo Quinn would surely have wondered why she stayed for such a short time.

Everyone knew she had been picked up and raised by her grandmother, and at this time she couldn’t afford to let the reputation of being unfilial spread.

Grace sat there somewhat bored, feeling no guilt towards the elder.

Though she indeed survived because the elder picked her up, she felt that over the years by staying by the elder’s side, talking and keeping her company, she had already repaid her debt in full and owed nothing more.

After about half an hour, she went to the neighboring ward.

"Hugo, let me peel some fruit for you."

She said with a smile, taking a fruit knife and an apple, carefully peeling it.

"What illness does Grandma have?"

Hugo Quinn asked, wondering if he could help in any way.

Grace’s face froze; she only knew that her grandmother needed surgery but didn’t know what ailment she had and could only lie casually.

"Grandma has heart issues and needs surgery."

Hugo nodded, making a mental note as he knew a few doctors specializing in heart research and thought of when he could invite them to have a look at Grandma.

"Hugo, when can Marcus be discharged?"

She asked casually, with a deep look in her eyes.

She was uneasy about Marcus getting too close to Eleanor Hollis because of a secret she held in her heart.

Now that Eleanor had no ties with the Quinton Family, once her grandmother’s illness was treated, she planned to give her a sum of money to send her off, never to return.

"Marcus is not in good health and needs a few days of proper rest."

Hugo’s voice was cold, and his eyes didn’t waver.

Grace finished peeling the apple, carefully slicing it and placing it beside him, "I’ll be staying here recently, I’m sure Marcus will be happy to see me."

Hugo had no reason to refuse; although he felt no affection for Grace, ultimately, Marcus was her son.

If her presence could help Marcus recover quicker, it was indeed a good idea.

The next day, Eleanor arrived at the hospital early and was surprised to find Grace there.

"Eleanor."

Grace greeted her with a smile, handing her a lunchbox, "Here is your and Grandma’s breakfast; make sure to eat it while it’s hot."

Faced with the suddenly gentle Grace, Eleanor didn’t even need to think to know this person was acting again.

She couldn’t bring herself to act along, took the lunchbox, entered the adjacent ward, and closed the door directly.

Grace’s face stiffened, her eyes suddenly flickering with malice.

This person was becoming increasingly ungrateful; it was her who paid for the grandmother’s surgery, yet she turned her back so quickly.

Eleanor opened the two lunchboxes, finding that the ingredients were different from yesterday’s, but they still looked very appetizing.

"Grandma, let’s sit up and eat first."

She gently patted the elder twice, placed a pillow behind her, and helped her sit up.

"The food these days is very tasty, Luna, you’re thoughtful."

Bridget Sutton said with a smile, also feeling a bit guilty, "Isn’t it expensive?"

Eleanor poured her a glass of water and placed it beside her.

"It’s all courtesy of Mr. Quinn next door; he’s Grace’s husband."

At the mention of Grace, Bridget became somewhat agitated; she was only awake for brief moments each day, during meals and restroom breaks, spending the rest of the time in a stupor.

She hadn’t seen that girl Grace in a long time.

"Grace is sensible, is she doing well at the Quinn family?"

Eleanor quietly stirred the porridge in the lunchbox and replied indifferently, "No one dares trouble her; the couple is very loving, and the son is very cute."

"That’s good, that’s good."

Bridget agreed, suddenly getting misty-eyed and holding Eleanor’s hand tightly.

"Luna, will the surgery this time be very expensive? I know those at home; they’re unwilling to spend a penny, and your mother is heartless. If I refuse treatment, you’d blame me. Go and call Grace, I’ll borrow money from her; she’s better off than you, and seeing you like this makes me uneasy."

She had always been reluctant to ask others for anything, but this time, she couldn’t let all the burden fall on this granddaughter.

"Grandma, just stay and rest assured; haven’t I told you before, I got divorced and Grandpa Quinn gave me a sum of money sufficient for the surgery, and Grace also gave me some money. I’m not under any burden, don’t worry."

Bridget had a poor memory, not to mention dozing off constantly, having long forgotten about Eleanor’s divorce until reminded.

She sighed, quietly drank the porridge, and said no more.

Eleanor hadn’t told her that although Grace gave her the money, it came with conditions.

She was afraid if she said so, her grandmother would be extremely hurt, not only by ungrateful children but also by a heartless adopted child, which would surely be painful.

The doctor had said that the elderly should first recuperate well, with emotions in check, before undergoing surgery; otherwise, it would be dangerous.

Grandma was old and couldn’t withstand any shocks.

After eating, Eleanor heard Grace’s voice from next door, seemingly about to leave.

She waited a while before going to the adjacent ward, having promised Mr. Quinn to accompany Marcus.

"Mr. Quinn."

She said politely, sitting down beside him, noticing Marcus’s face filled with unhappiness, staring at the bed sheet in a daze.

"Marcus, are you refusing to take your medicine again?"

Upon hearing her voice, Marcus lifted his head with delight, a quick blush flashing across his cheeks.

Hugo had observed this change in Marcus, becoming more certain that Marcus liked her, affirming that last night’s decision was correct.

"Mr. Quinn, please give me the medicine."

Eleanor said, taking the medicine from Hugo’s palm.

Grace had been in the ward earlier, speaking sweetly, hoping Marcus would swallow the pills.

But he kept his head down like a wooden puppet, making Grace nearly lose her temper, having to suppress her anger and leave quickly.

She feared that if she stayed any longer, her true self would be revealed in front of Hugo.

"Marcus is not in a good mood; why don’t we wait a bit and take it later?"

Hugo remarked, seeing the child upset, his mood fell too.

"The doctor said the medicine should be taken at this time for better efficacy."

Eleanor took a cup of warm water and sat next to Marcus with a cheerful smile.

"Marcus, be good and take your medicine; how about I play puzzles with you at noon?"

She noticed this child seemed to like puzzles, playing with them whenever he was silently lost in thought.