Cold husband burning regret

Two nurses hovered over Stevenson in his hospital room, trying to soothe his agitation, worried his blood pressure might spike and something worse could happen.

Just then, one of the nurses stepped out. Charlotte seized the moment. “What happened in there?”

The nurse’s face was a mixture of disbelief and fatigue. “His daughter–well, the one he raised, anyway–just marched up to him and declared she isn’t his biological child. Nearly sent the poor man’s blood pressure through the roof.” She shook her head. “It’s the first time I’ve heard of someone not only refusing to acknowledge their father, but also insisting she’s some heiress who deserved a life of luxury. She

practically accused him of keeping her real identity a secret just so she’d have to suffer through a rough childhood.”

Noreen’s eyes widened. “Seriously? Is that true?”

The nurse shrugged. “Who knows? Even if she isn’t his by blood, he still raised her. And if she is his–well, if my kid ever turned out like that, I’d

wish I hadn’t had one at all.”

After the nurse left, Noreen kept whispering about the drama, curiosity getting the better of her. She was so caught up, she didn’t notice the shadow that passed over Charlotte’s face.

Maybe it was because the talk of adoptive parents hit too close to home. Charlotte couldn’t help but think of herself.

Other people had families searching for them. But what about her?

Were her real parents ever out there, looking for her too?

Around noon, Evander strode up to the nurses‘ station. “Could you tell me where Director Sterling’s office is?”

The nurse looked up, momentarily taken aback, then pointed down the

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14:41

Chapter 317

hallway.

“Thank you.”

excitedly. “Oh my God, did you see that guy?

charm with

appeared behind them,

stunned. “Wait, Dr. Sterling

about

patient’s room, flipping through a file, and headed for her office. Just as she reached the door, she

into Evander.

always in his suit, but oddly out of place holding an insulated lunch

over. “Mr.

for you,” Evander handed her the

hesitated for a second before taking it.

went

the doorway, eyes following

off a report, then glanced back at him, lowering her voice. “Director Sterling, who’s that outside?

looked up, her tone even. “He’s my

nurse’s eyes lit up with admiration. “Your whole family must be

just smiled,

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