Chapter 455
Chapter 455
Neil’s eyes darkened, as he gazed at me for a few seconds before his voice turned icy cold, “Shoot.”
I had been itching to ask about Russel and Karina.
I’d been suspecting they harbored some secret, but without any concrete evidence at hand, I didn’t want to be kept in the dark. I was determined to figure out whether or not they had any connections.
“Karina initially chased after Russel, you knew that, right?” That was my first question.
Just this first query was enough to taint Neil’s face with a grimace.
Back then, he and Russel were pretty tight. And here he was, with a woman who had once pursued his good buddy. It was a bit awkward, to say the least. It felt more like Karina, unable to capture Russel’s heart, intentionally got together with Neil to provoke Russel.
I wasn’t sure whether Neil had thought about it from this angle initially. But he did end up with Karina.
“Mmm.” Neil grunted in agreement, surprisingly not resisting my question. “Go on.”
“What’s their relationship like?” I asked without missing a beat.
“You mean in the past or now?” Neil countered.
“Now.” I blurted out.
Neil’s eyes grew elusive as he sat up straight, brushed off his jean-clad thighs, and stood up. Hands tucked in his pockets, he looked down at me from his towering height, “What are you suspecting, that Russel and Karina have some kind of illicit relationship?”
Not at all. If Russel could let me go, that would actually be a relief. The situation currently was that he refused to give up on me, and I found his relationship with Karina quite peculiar.
Even though I had never seen them alone together, I always felt they were communicating behind my back.
I shook my head but Neil seemed convinced that I was suspecting an irregular relationship. The chill in his voice was palpable, “Seems you’ve started to fancy Russel, begun to care and hence the jealousy.”
I was left with a question mark floating over my head.
“Right, you two even have a couple of kids together. It’s hardly possible not to feel anything. Since you two are together, stop slandering others. Karina’s relationship with him is a thing of the past.”
I was stunned at Neil’s words.
Where did all his jealousy come from?
Seeing me-silent, Neil seemed to snap back to reality. He controlled his emotions quickly and his voice returned to normal, “Now, Karina is the mother of my child. I won’t allow anyone to tarnish her reputation.”
I managed a smile, “Neil, you’re overthinking. I have no intention of maligning her.”
So, that was the reason of his jealousy? Seems like I was the one overthinking.
Just as the air between Neil and I grew taut, Kitty returned, with Karina trailing behind her.
That surprised me because I thought Karina would decline.
Upon seeing Neil and me, Karina’s eyes flickered but soon regained their composure. She had a knack for emotional control, much like Neil.
Kitty’s face had brightened considerably, probably because of Karina’s arrival.
“Neil, what are you doing here?” Karina stopped in her tracks to question Neil first.
“I’m friends with Kitty, her father’s hospitalized, so I came over to check on him.” Neil’s answer was straightforward without any hint of evasion.
“What about Ms. Finch?” Karina’s attention shifted to me.
I knew she wouldn’t let me off the hook.
I replied casually, “Kitty and are friends too. We knew each other before I sold my business. We had some dealings with her family business.”
Kitty immediately chimed in, “Yes, Dr. Karina, Irene and I have known each other for a while. We’re close friends.”
“Is that so?” Karina’s smile didn’t reach her eyes as she breezed past us, “Let me check on your father first.”
Neil and I exchanged a look before following her inside.
Daniel was barely conscious, clinging to life via the medical equipment surrounding him. When he saw us re-enter, he struggled to open his eyes. Without wasting time, Karina sat by the bed and began to check Daniel’s vitals.
After about ten minutes, Karina’s face grew increasingly somber. Kitty stood by, her anxiety palpable.
“Dr. Karina, how is he?” Kitty asked, her voice trembling.
“Your dad’s condition is quite critical.” Karina frowned, her voice grave, “I’m not sure if I can help.”
Her words shattered Kitty, as Karina was her last hope. And now, even that glimmer of hope was extinguished.
Tears welled up in Kitty’s eyes. She’d lost her mother at a young age and although she resented her father for remarrying, he was still her closest family. Seeing Kitty break down like this, I felt a pang of sadness, but I was helpless.
At this moment, Karina spoke up again, “Let me go back and check some traditional remedies. I’ll notify you if I find something. Mamie, since you’re friends with Neil and Ms. Finch, I’ll do my best to help.”
Kitty perked up at Karina’s words, wiping away her tears, her voice choked, “Really? Dr. Karina, thank you so much. If you can save my father, I’m willing to pay any amount!”
Karina glanced at Neil and offered a restrained smile, “Just the usual treatment fee. I don’t really need the money. But that’s only if I can find a suitable remedy.”
“There’s still a glimmer of hope then!” Kitty nodded vigorously.
I felt she had changed a lot, because her personality had become quite submissive.
“Let’s let your father rest now. We, the irrelevant people, should leave so as not to disturb him.” Karina’s words were directed at me.
I nodded at Kitty and silently left, Karina and Neil leading the way. From their height and physique, they did make a good-looking pair.
As we were about to enter the elevator, Karina suddenly latched onto Neil’s arm.
“How about we do dinner tonight? Hiram’s been saying he hasn’t had a meal with us in a while. His grandparents have been giving me grief too. I’ve been so wrapped up in work these past few days, and
I do feel partly responsible for Hiram’s little escapade last time.” Karina’s voice was clear and sweet.
“It’s not your fault,” Neil replied tersely. He didn’t shrug off Karina’s hand; they looked like the picture- perfect loving couple.
I stepped into the elevator, positioning myself in front of them, effectively blocking them from my view.
Out of sight, out of mind.
“Ms. Finch, would you like to join us for dinner at our place? I realized we’ve never had the chance to host you before, Karina suddenly addressed me.
“No, thank you.” My refusal was swift and sharp. Like I’d be caught dead eating at their place.
“That’s alright. Come on, join us for dinner. You know, in all the years I was away, you were the one who took care of Nejl, making sure no other woman could snatch him away. I’ve always been grateful for that.” Karina’s words felt like a slap to the face.
