Chapter 43
The moment Julian returned, whatever little appetite Autumn had vanished completely.
Julian didn’t say a word to her.
He headed straight upstairs, leaving her sitting alone at the table.
Zoe watched the two of them–like strangers under the same roof–and felt a wave of helpless anxiety.
Back when Autumn used to kick up a fuss, Zoe thought she was being dramatic.
But now that she’d gone quiet, the two of them seemed more like strangers than a married couple.
Something between them had gone terribly wrong.
It felt like the moment Autumn let go, whatever bond they had would shatter completely.
Autumn set down her fork and went upstairs.
After a shower, just as she stepped out, her phone rang.
It was Ethan.
“Autumn, one of our core tech leads just got poached by a competitor.
“He’s being firm about leaving, says he’s resigning in the next few days. Apparently, they offered him a much higher salary.
“Your resignation’s ending soon anyway. It’d be perfect timing for you to take over his role p>
Autumn glanced at the hair towel in her hand.
“Well, that’s convenient. I just got fired, so I can start next Monday p>
Ethan hesitated for a moment, then quickly reassured her. “You’re always welcome back. Your notice was nearly up anyway–what difference do a few days make p>
Autumn felt the same.
Still, being wrongly accused left a bitter taste.
It was hard not to feel resentful.
Even if she found out who had tampered with the report, no one would believe her.
The result would’ve been the same.
Fine.
Let them enjoy their moment.
When the time came, she’d settle both old scores and new.
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Chapter 43
With that thought, she nodded and agreed, “You’re right p>
“So when do you plan to start p>
“I’d like a few days off. I’ll come in Monday p>
Ethan nodded in understanding. “Alright. See you Monday p>
After hanging up, Autumn set her phone aside, slipped the hair towel over her head, and went to put on a face mask.
By ten, she got into bed right on time, not sparing a single thought for what Julian was up to.
The night passed in silence.
The next morning, Autumn was woken by her phone ringing.
She squinted at the screen.
It was Richard calling.
Without hesitation, she declined the call.
Soon after, Richard sent her a message.
She didn’t intend to check it at first until she saw the word “Grandma p>
Her heart skipped a beat.
She immediately lit up the screen and unlocked the phone to read the message.
“Mom fell this morning and is in the hospital. Come see her. She’s in Room 508, Inpatient Wing, Affiliated Hospital p>
The moment she read that, sleep fled her completely.
She shot upright and quickly dialed Ginny’s number.
No one answered.
Her heart sank to the pit of her stomach.
Flashes of Ginny’s kindness over the years ran through her mind.
After her mother passed away, everyone else in the Lewis family had shunned her, only Ginny had stood by her, shielding her no matter what.
Thinking of that, she threw off the covers, jumped out of bed, washed up in record time, and rushed out the door.
At the hospital…
When Autumn arrived at the room, Ginny’s right leg was already in a cast.
Everyone in the family was there, except Simon.
Chapter 43
Seeing her enter, Ginny waved her over gently. “Autumn, you’re here. Come over p>
Autumn quickly walked over.
Her eyes welled up the moment she saw the cast. “Grandma, how did you fall p>
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Ginny reached over and tucked a loose strand of Autumn’s hair behind her ear. “I’m fine, sweetheart. Just a little scrape. Nothing to worry about p>
Autumn lowered her gaze.
She knew Ginny was only trying to comfort her.
There was no way it was just a simple scrape.
She held Ginny’s hand and played along with a soft nod. “Alright, but you have to listen to the doctor, okay? That way you’ll heal quickly p>
“I will,” Ginny nodded, then closed her eyes, clearly worn out.
Just then, Richard came over and said, “It’s been a long morning. Let her rest for now p>
Autumn stood up, gently pulled the covers over Ginny’s shoulder, then followed the others out of the room.
Once outside, she asked, “What did the doctor say p>