Chapter 732
“Brilliant idea! I never considered that before!” Vera cried out, her hands clapping together in elation at Kailee’s inspired plan.
Vera’s spirits soared, and her admiration for Kailee swelled.
Vera couldn’t resist praising Kailee, saying, “You’re so clever and kind-hearted. Whichever fortunate young man marries you will be truly blessed.”
Kailee smiled demurely but remained silent. During their conversation, the car had reached the entrance of the Harding family’s opulent abode.
Vera enticed Kailee inside to peruse the photographs of Garrett’s youth, and Kailee graciously acquiesced.
Together they sat in the lavishly appointed living room, poring over images of Garrett’s innocent days, their laughter and chatter filling the air with a warm, convivial atmosphere. “Behold, here’s Garrett slumbering. He was so adorable back then.”
“And here he is, accepting his first accolade. He was far more disciplined in his younger days than he is now.”
Vera gestured to the photos, a wistful sigh escaping her lips as her eyes brimmed with nostalgia.
Garrett was such an exemplary child/ Kailee agreed with a smile, feigning interest in the images.
Vera failed to notice Kailee’s polite disinterest, and seeing Kailee’s radiant smile, she lamented, “If only I had fostered a stronger bond between you and Garrett, we might have avoided this dreadful situation.” Following the distressing events at the hospital, Vera’s discontent with Laney intensified. She frequently rued consenting to Garrett’s marriage to Laney.
It was all due to Laney that their family faced such upheaval and a tarnished reputation. Now, with the virtuous Kailee as a shining example, Vera’s resentment toward Laney reached a boiling point.
Kailee was the ideal match for the Harding lineage, not only due to her esteemed family background but also for her intelligence, sensibility, and devotion. She would make an exemplary spouse, yet fate had not aligned for Garrett and her.
As Vera’s remorse deepened, Kailee’s countenance grew somber. “It’s a shame that destiny didn’t unite me and Garrett.”
“Let it be,” Vera sighed, shaking her head. “I’ll compose a letter for Laney.”
After Vera completed her missive, Kailee offered to assist in packaging the photo album and envelopes. Seizing an unguarded moment, she surreptitiously slipped a “gift” she had prepared for Laney into the parcel. The servant, unsuspecting, refrained from inspecting the package again and promptly dispatched it to the hospital. Vera’s letter, placed atop the photo album, imbued the delivery with an air of sincerity.
As the package containing Kailee’s carefully crafted gift was sent under Vera’s name, a thrilling blend of anticipation and exhilaration coursed through her veins.
Kailee was certain that Laney would not resist opening the gift from Vera, and when she did, the unexpected “surprise” concealed within would be revealed.
The mere thought of the expression that would contort Laney s face upon discovering the “gift” filled Kailee with gleeful anticipation.
Eagerly awaiting the moment Laney would receive the package and uncover the cunning surprise she had devised, Kailee’s excitement was palpable.
From the moment Natalie discovered the potential impropriety between Garrett and Kailee, a simmering rage brewed within her, threatening to spill over at any moment.
Her heart ached to visit Laney, but she feared inadvertently revealing the secret she harbored. After an arduous mental struggle to quell her fury, Natalie finally arrived at the hospital, steeling herself for the encounter. No sooner had she entered the ward, however, than her eyes fell upon Garrett artfully peeling an apple.
“Ah, Natalie! It’s been ages,” Garrett exclaimed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he brandished the fruit. “Fancy an apple? I’ve mastered the art of peeling them just so,” he boasted.
Indeed, after days of practice, he’d perfected the technique, rendering the peeled apple round and plump.
When someone entered the room, he couldn’t resist showing off his newfound skill.
Little did he know, Natalie was in no mood to entertain his antics.
With a frosty huff, she strode past him, making a beeline for Laney. Her voice laced with concern, Natalie inquired, “Laney, how is your recovery coming along?”
“Rest easy. I’m doing well,” Laney assured her, a warm smile lighting up her face.
Lately, her recovery had progressed by leaps and bounds. Under Garrett’s watchful eye, her complexion had brightened, and she’d regained the strength to walk unassisted.
Noticing Natalie’s icy dismissal, a disgruntled Garrett sidled up to her and whispered, “Why the cold shoulder?”
Natalie rolled her eyes, retorting, “You know full well what you’ve done.”
Garrett’s pulse quickened, and he let out a nervous chuckle. “What could I possibly have done?” he queried, feigning innocence.
Sensing the tension that crackled between them, Laney furrowed her brow. “What’s going on? Did something happen?” she prodded. Recalling Brandon’s earlier counsel, Natalie mustered a smile for Laney’s sake. “Nothing to worry about. Brandon just needed a word with Garrett, so I came to borrow him for a bit,” she explained.
Visibly relieved, Garrett exhaled. “I thought it was something else. I’ll go find him,” he declared, and promptly departed.
As soon as he was gone, Natalie summoned the doctor who’d assisted Laney during childbirth. She requested a comprehensive check-up for both Laney and her baby, haunted by the fear that Garrett and Kailee might conspire to harm them.
Upon seeing the doctor arranged by Natalie, Laney couldn’t help but feel anxious. “Natalie, is something wrong with the baby?” she asked, her voice trembling.
Unwilling to divulge Garrett’s possible indiscretion, Natalie hastily concocted an explanation. “After your premature labor and hemorrhage here last time, I lost faith in the hospital’s doctors. I thought it best to have another set of eyes examine you and the baby thoroughly,” she reasoned.
Hearing Natalie’s words, Laney heaved a sigh of relief.
Touched by her friend’s unwavering concern, Laney’s heart swelled with gratitude. “Thank you, Natalie, for caring for me so deeply,” she said sincerely.
Natalie smiled, clasping Laney’s hand. “Were good friends, no need for thanks,” she replied warmly.
Her expression then darkened with worry. “Laney, I truly hope you’ll consider leaving this hospital. It belongs to the Gibson family, and if Kailee tries to hurt you again, it’ll be hard to protect you,” she urged.
Yet Laney, seemingly unfazed, beamed with a serene sense of happiness and contentment. “Natalie, don’t fret. Garrett and Ian are watching over me constantly, so Kailee can’t harm me. Besides, I’ll be discharged soon and won’t have to see her again,” she reassured.
Though Natalie’s concerns lingered, she bit her tongue in the face of Laney’s joyful demeanor. Thankfully, the examination results confirmed Laney’s excellent recovery, and her baby was the picture of health. This news allowed Natalie to breathe a sigh of relief.
Just then, Ian entered, bearing a tray laden with fruit. Spotting Natalie, he respectfully greeted her with a bow, “Good afternoon, Mrs. Larson.” Natalie returned the polite gesture with a nod. Noting the meticulously sliced fruit – all of Laney’s favorites – she felt pleased with Ian’s attentive care.
It appeared she had made the right decision in selecting a personal assistant for her dear friend.
