Chapter 407
Chapter 407
The hospital corridor was saturated with the sharp scent of antiseptic. White lights glared overhead, reflecting off the cold, gleaming floor. The atmosphere was anything but calm-not because of noise, but because too many emotions were being tightly restrained, threatening to erupt at any moment.
The moment Althea arrived, the first thing she did was make sure her mother and Eli were examined. Especially Eli. She insisted the girl be treated first so the wound could be addressed as quickly as possible.
After that, she called Nathan-she didn’t want her husband to worry-and then Lydia, asking her to stay with Josh and Grace until Althea returned home. When Lydia was briefly told what had happened, she tried to remain calm, though she gently pressed Althea to tell the full truth later, once she was home.
“Yes, of course,” Althea said with a soft exhale. “What matters is that you stay with Grace. I’m worried she’ll be waiting for me to pick her up p>
“Don’t worry,” Lydia replied on the other end. “Just make sure Mommy is alright, Althea p>
“I will p>
The call ended shortly after. It wasn’t long before Nathan arrived. He moved quickly, his suit jacket still on. Beside him walked Josh, his face tense-far too serious for a fourteen-year-old.
Althea wanted to ask why Josh had come with Nathan, but the moment didn’t allow for questions.
“How’s Mommy, Althea?” Nathan asked as soon as he saw her standing outside the examination room. Seeing how composed his daughter-in-law was in the middle of such a worrying situation reassured him—at least some things had been handled well. Nathan was grateful Althea had been with Riana since morning.
“She’s fine, Dad,” Althea replied quickly, offering a small smile to calm him. She was sure the news she’d given over the phone had forced Nathan to put a lot of work on hold. “The doctor confirmed there was no serious impact. She’s just in shock, but so far there’s nothing to worry about p>
Nathan hadn’t even had time to fully relax when Selena’s voice cut in-sharp and brimming with emotion.
“But Eli is hurt,” she said, her tone almost accusatory. “Her temple is torn. If she hadn’t pushed Mrs. Riana p>
“Selena,” Nathan interrupted sharply. “I asked Althea. You don’t need to explain it like that. I already know what happened p>
Selena flinched. “I was there too, Mr. Nathan. What’s wrong with me telling you what happened p>
Nathan turned to her slowly. His gaze was anything but friendly. “The issue isn’t whether what you’re saying is right or wrong. It’s the way you’re saying it p>
Selena pressed her lips together, then let out a bitter smile. “My God… is this really how you treat me? I’m just a mother who panicked. My daughter was injured while saving someone, and it seems like none of you even care about Eli p>
Althea let out a restrained growl. “If I didn’t care about Eli’s condition, I wouldn’t have brought her here, Selena. So stop talking and saying things that don’t make sense p>
“Yes, I know-your voice carries more weight with Mr. Nathan and Mrs. Riana,” Selena shot back. “But this is about Eli saving Mrs. Riana. Isn’t there even a little bit of grat-
11
Josh, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. “Eli was brave, ma’am,” he said evenly. “But that doesn’t mean everything has to be twisted as if that’s the only thing that matters p>
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Chapter 407
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Selena looked at Josh, her brows lifting in surprise that the boy had finally spoken. From the information she’d gathered, this was Josh Callister-Althea’s son with Daven, yet regarded as the Miller family’s first grandchild.
Damn it. Why is this kid getting involved?
“I’m only stating facts,” Selena said calmly. Her gaze lingered on Josh, noting how different he looked from his photos. Maybe it was the rapid changes of adolescence? Who knew.
“Facts don’t need to be delivered the way you did, ma’am,” Josh replied quickly. “Especially if the goal is to make other people feel guilty p>
Althea turned toward Josh, slightly startled by her son’s composure. She had never heard him speak so calmly- yet with such pointed emphasis. Nathan, on the other hand, seemed to hold his breath; he could tell the boy was restraining himself with effort.
“Do you not believe me either?” Selena asked again, now looking straight at Nathan. “Is my story not enough just because I’m not part of this family p>
Nathan let out a short huff. “Trust isn’t determined by how loudly you speak p>
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