bChapter /bb239 /b

    The prolonged silence from Hamlin could only mean that he must have everything prepared.

    Maxine closed her eyes, lost in thought. Cleo, unsure what was going through her mind, gently reached out and took her hand. With bconcern/bb, /bshe basked/b, “Are you okay?”

    Maxine shook her head firmly. “The top priority is to recover in time for the trial. I have to be in court on time and make sure Gabriel rots in prison for the rest of his life. He’ll never see daylight again.”

    By the end, a steely edge crept into her voice.

    Cleo gave a firm nod. “Just focus on your part, I’ll handle everything here, no matter what!”

    Maxine paused in surprise. “What about your work? Won’t this be a problem for yourpany?”

    Cleo waved her hand nonchntly. “With my boss’s approval, what do I have to be afraid of?”

    “Urban?” Maxine asked.

    Her voice rose slightly, catching the attention of Sebastian, who had been lounging on the sofa, feigning indifference. Despite bimselfb, /bhe looked over in their direction.

    Completely oblivious, Cleo nodded resolutely. “That’s right. Urban called me all the way from overseas specifically to instruct me to help you win thiswsuit. If we can bankrupt the Jenson family, even better. He said he’lle back right away to acquire theirpany.”

    Maxine beamed and said, “Sure thing.”

    After finalizing their ns, Cleo cast a nce toward Sebastian and asked, “Seriously, is this okay? He’s been camped out here for days now.”

    Maxine turned her gaze toward Sebastian.

    Seated on the sofa, feigning indifference, Sebastian cleared his throat, answered the callb, /bthen stood up and walked out. “Hello? The afternoon meeting is still on. I’m heading there now.”

    The ward fell quiet again as Cleo plopped down on the hospital bed., “So, Sebastian’s beening here for days now, huh? Does he really camp out here with you every day?”

    Maxine nodded. “Every single day. But he never says a word.”

    He just sat on the sofa working, over the past few days, that spot had basically be his own domain. Except for meals, bathroom breaks, and going bto /bwork, Sebastian practically lived there.

    She couldn’t even chase him away.

    Maxine lowered her gaze. “Whatever.”

    Maxine thought to herself, ‘Once I’m out of here, I won’t have to see him anymore.’

    Time flew by, and Maxine’s other wounds had mostly healed. Cleo took care of the discharge procedures and brought her back bto /bthe small bvi /bbshe /bcalled home.

    Cleo slung Maxine’s bluggage /bover her shoulder band /bsteadied her with a hand. “Let’s bgo/b. Don’t worry this time! Urban found this ce himselfb, /bbit’s /bpletely secure. Just follow my lead!”

    Cleo reached out to open the hospital room doorb, /bonly to find Sebastian standing right outside, bwith /bhis little shadowb, /bBrianb, /bbtrailing /bbehind bhim/b.

    bBrian /bpopped his bhead /bout and cheerfully eximed, “Mom! Cleo!”

    bCleo /bcurved her lips binto /bba /bpolite smile and greeted him, “Hello there.”

    bBrian /bnced at the luggage by the door. “The doctor said you’re getting discharged today, Mom,” he chirped, “bSo /bbDad /bband /bI bcame /bbto /bbhelp/bb!/bb” /b

    bAs /bbhe /bspoke, Brian eagerly walked over, picked up one of the backpacks, and slung it over his small shoulders. But before he could get far, ba /brge hand reached bout /band took the bag right off his back.

    b“/bI’ll take it,” Sebastian said.

    Sebastian shouldered his backpack and picked up his suitcase from the corner. “Let me drive you both ihome/i.”

    “Why waste freebor?” Cleo said with a grin, handing him her bag as well. “Much obliged.”

    Brian quickly scurried over to Maxine, gently taking her arm. He said sweetly, “Mom, let me help you.”

    Maxine looked at him and thought helplessly, ‘Oh well, let him have his way!‘

    Cleo had already tidied up the new ce. She gently supported Maxine into the room and onto the sofa. “Rest here for nowb,/bb” /bCleo said warmly, b“/bbI’ve /bbgot /bba /bwheelchair ready if you need it.”

    AD