Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison

Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After... 1/9

Chapter 696 In a Dream

Meryl was hurt by Malcolm's words. Leaving him and Bianca behind in the hospital room, she walked out without looking back.

Bianca, afraid that any further comments might make Meryl resent her too, stayed silent. Instead, she turned her frustration toward Malcolm.

"What on earth were you saying just now? Meryl just survived a car accident and gave birth to a child. She's done a great service to the Aniston family! Chandler's absence is his fault, and you dare to blame her instead? How could you?" Bianca scolded. She feared that the fragile truce they had recently reached with Meryl might be shattered because of Malcolm's insensitivity.

Malcolm didn't dare argue.

Facing Bianca's anger, he could only lower his head and admit

his mistake.

"I only wanted to encourage her to maintain a good relationship with Chandler. Let's be honest. Letting our daughter marry into the Aniston family is a big accomplishment for our family," Malcolm muttered defensively.

"Accomplishment? Marriage is a mutual decision, not some one-sided favor! No matter what, you can't belittle your

Chapter 696 In a Dream

daughter. Would you have said the same thing if this had "happened to Lydia?" Bianca snapped back.

Malcolm fell silent.

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Bianca jabbed a finger at him. "You're so unfair! Meryl's endured so much over the years, and as her father, it's your job to support her!"

Looking back on everything, Bianca couldn't shake the guilt she felt toward Meryl.

Malcolm wasn't keen on hearing more of this but chose not to

argue.

Instead, he shifted the topic. "I think she and Chandler are having problems. Did you notice how upset she got the moment I mentioned him? Do you think their marriage is on the rocks?"

Bianca shot him a glare. "She just gave birth and her husband's nowhere to be seen. Who wouldn't be upset? Chandler is definitely in the wrong here!"

As they spoke, Malcolm's phone rang.

It was Lydia.

"Lydia? What's wrong? Alright, we're at the hospital already. We'll come to you right away," Malcolm said hurriedly before ending the call.

He grabbed Bianca's arm, urging her to follow him.

Chapter 696 In a Dream

"What's going on?" Bianca asked.

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"Lydia's in bad shape. The fall she had last night dislocated her pelvis. She was in pain all night. The doctors said they could treat her, but she'd have to terminate the pregnancy. If she wants to keep the baby, she'll have to endure it," Malcolm explained. Bianca frowned. "And what exactly can we do about it?"

baby. Lydia's begging us

in agony, but she wasn't even eight months pregnant yet. Charlotte wouldn't risk the baby's life by inducing early

safety, the doctors refrained from administering strong painkillers

parents. Who else can she

Bianca's expression turned icy.

now we're her parents? Malcolm, your double standards are astonishing. You've never been this concerned about Meryl! She's gone through so much, but you've never stood up for her. I can't believe you!" Bianca shot back furiously.

XXXXX

Felix's hospital room. As she unpacked her acupuncture kit, she asked, "Did

"I've been here the whole

"Alright, help me remove his

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Felix's shirt, knowing she

Meryl approached to begin, she

torso was

healed with new

were fresh wounds, clearly recent, still red with

never imagined his body

of these

together.

696 In a Dream their

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family's history was murky.

ago, their

hesitated before replying, "Mrs. Aniston, the Powell family's affairs are... complicated. You'll understand in time. Mr. Powell doesn't have much of a choice." Meryl

closer to Felix and began the treatment, her

a close

not feel well herself, so

an hour later,

wrap up

finishing the

His eyes reddened, and he

you think Mr.

696 In

hasn't moved..." Philip's voice

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just a supplemental treatment. It might

finished speaking, Felix's

eyes widened, and he

Then Felix's fingers twitched.

"Mr. Powell, you scared me half to death! I thought you'd never wake up!" Felix opened

sharp gaze looked unfocused.

out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been

him. "Felix, how many fingers am

Felix rasped, "One."

her

time holding up five fingers.

696 In a Dream "Nine,"

Her heart dropped further.