Chapter 280 Family, Duty, and Hidden Tensions
Chapter 280 Family, Duty, and Hidden Tensions
“I’ll help,” Anneliese said with a smile.
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Nishay shook her head. “No need. I packed some ravioli just for you. Go cook it and fill your stomach.
“Was your business trip exhausting? How did you sleep in this late? And why were you wearing earbuds to bed last night? That’s terrible for your ears. Doesn’t Zacharias ever say anything about it?”
Nishay went on in a stream of chatter, but Anneliese listened, smiling, never the least bit annoyed.
After cooking the ravioli, Anneliese snapped a photo and happily posted it on Facebook.
Soon, her phone buzzed with likes and comments nonstop.
She ate her ravioli, occasionally refreshing the page, but still didn’t see any sign of Jonathan’s reactions. He must really be busy.
“Later, if you’re free, come with me to the supermarket. Let’s buy more groceries while I’m still here. Tonight, I’ll have Melody and Lenora over for dinner so they don’t feel neglected,” Nishay said as she stepped out of the kitchen.
Anneliese slowed her stirring, looked up, and smiled.
“No need. They went on a trip together a couple of days ago–they’re not in Oceaton. Besides, you’re the elder. They should be visiting you, not the other way around. No need for formalities.”
Back when her adoptive parents were alive, Melody often brought her children to Claude Residence to mooch meals.
Later, they even started bothering Nishay. Now, Melody and Lenora lived in Oceaton but still made a point to show off whenever they returned to Baytree.
Whenever they came back, Nishay would host them, yet they were never satisfied, always nitpicking.
Nishay was straightforward and kindhearted, always believing that sincerity would be returned in kind. Being slightly nicer to that sharp–tongued mother and daughter seemed like it might benefit Anneliese–but some people like them, the kinder she was, the more entitled they felt, and the more they disrespected her.
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Chapter 280 Family, Duty, and Hidden Tensions
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Anneliese thought about it now and wished she could make them spit out everything they ate. She would never let Nishay, with her delicate health, endure any extra trouble for them.
“On a trip? What bad timing,” Nishay said.
“Yeah.” Anneliese nodded. “This afternoon, I’ll take you out and show you around a bit.”
Nishay studied her for a moment, eyes thoughtful.
The next two days passed quickly as Anneliese kept Nishay company, talking and helping her unwind.
Not wanting to owe Zacharias any more favors, Anneliese had personally rearranged Nishay’s surgery at a different hospital.
Through her connections, she secured a chief physician who specialized in cardiology. Just as Anneliese helped Nishay complete the admission procedures and settled her into the room, Zacharias arrived.
Frowning at the narrow three–person ward, he said, “Anne, I already took care of everything for Grandma. The private hospital has a top–tier suite and a dedicated medical team just for her. I guarantee she’ll get the best treatment and post–op recovery. Why did you decide to bring her here? Look at these conditions–how can Grandma possibly rest properly?”
“This place is fine. No need to waste money. And honestly, do you think the doctors at that private hospital are better than these public ones? Zacharias, I appreciate your intentions, but let’s just go with Anne’s plan,” Nishay said quickly, worried they might argue.
Anneliese gave her a reassuring smile. “I’ll handle him,” she said.
The two stepped out of the ward. Anneliese headed toward the emergency exit while Zacharias followed behind, his expression dark.
Not far off, a group of doctors passed by. In the middle, a tall, strikingly handsome young man stood out from the crowd, his presence commanding despite his youth.
It was Carter.
He paused, raising an eyebrow as he glanced in the direction of the emergency exit.
Looks like Jonathan’s been busy expanding his business empire–but did he realize his own home might be
vulnerable?
He tilted his head and whispered to the assistant walking beside him.
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Chapter 280 Family, Duty, and Hidden Tensions
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“Check if there’s a patient’s family member named Anneliese and find out who the patient is to her.”
At the emergency exit, Anneliese faced him calmly.
“Anne, even if we’re divorced, Grandma took care of me for years and did so much for our family. Isn’t it natural for me to handle her hospital arrangements? Can you stop being stubborn and childish right now?”
Zacharias‘ voice carried exasperation, but inside, he couldn’t help but feel a little pleased.
He knew exactly how important Nishay was to Anneliese. Her acting out like this only proved that she cared about him, after all.
Lately, Anneliese had been distant–blocking him on every contact, ignoring any calls from strangers. He couldn’t even find her.
It felt as if she had completely erased him from her life. More than being angry at him, what tortured him most was her cold indifference.
“You’re overthinking. I would never risk Grandma’s health,” she said.
She had already checked: this hospital was the authority for the type of surgery Nishay needed. As for the ward, the arrangements had been rushed, so there wasn’t a better room available at the moment.
Her friend promised to keep an eye out and try to get Nishay into a private room as soon as possible.
“Anne-”
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