When Ethan first saw the necklace, he had unconsciously picturedLillianwearing it. Now, seeing it around Stella’s neck, a strange emotion stirred withinhim.
“Why are you only getting back now? I told you to pick up Stella, but she camebackon her own!”
Ethan glanced at Stella again before shifting his gaze away front the necklace on her neck.
Madeline patted Stella’s hand. “Stella,waithere for a moment. I need to have a word with Ethan.”
Stella nodded slightly, and Madeline shot Ethan a look before leading him upstairs to the study. There was no need to guess —it was about Lillian. Madeline still didn’t trust him and was going to drill it into him once more. The conversation lasted
half an hour.
When mother and son came downstairs, both had regained their composure. Clearly, anything unpleasant had been setaside.
Madeline smiled warmly at Stella. “Stella, I’ll check on things in the kitchen. You and Ethan should talk.”
Before Stella could respond, Madeline had already walked away, taking the butler and maids with her, leaving the two of
them alone.
Stella was s
still playing a game on her phone, the sound of gunfire echoing from the speakers. Ethan immediately recognized it as the most popular mobile game at the moment.
A woman who doesn’t know how to do anything but play games–how could the elders possibly believe she’s fit to be my wife?Ethanthought, irritation creeping in
He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could speak, he saw Stella’s fingers flying over the screen, completely engrossed, as if he didn’t exist.
Her indifference made him even more frustrated.
Just then, his phone rang, it was Susan. Ethan instinctivelyglancedat Stella. Seeing that she was still deeply engaged in her game, he stepped outside to take the call, completely forgetting Madeline’s earlier warning tominimizecontact with the Reed family.
He answered, “MadamSusan.”
Susan’s anxious voice came through. “Ethan, what are we going to do? One of the most important doctors for Lillian’streatmentjust leftthecountry.”
Ethan frowned. “Which doctor?”
“A top gynecologist–Rivermount’s genius professor, Rianne.”
Ethan replied, “I’ll findsomeoneelse. Don’t worry.”
To him, it was just a doctor. There were plenty of skilled professors and specialistsavailable. Well, maybe not as young as this one, but still, it’snotlike they’re irreplaceable.
Susan grew evenmorefrantic. “No, ithasto be her! I’ve already lookedintothe alternatives, and most of them recommend
surgery.
“You know how fragile Lillian’s health is right now. I heard that Dr. Rianne’s expertise is remarkable,andin her care, might be able to recover without needing surgery.”
Her heart needed surgery. Her liver needed surgery. How could her body possiblyendureso many major operations?
Lillian
Chapter 17 The Doctor Lillian Needs Is Stella’s Best Friend?
Ethan mulled it over. Rianne… That name sounds familiar. Where had I heard it before!
Susan confirmed, “Yes, she’s a young genius, still quite young
The words still quite young instantly triggered his memory–Rianne was Stella’s best friend.
I’ll handle it,” hesaid.
“Ethan, please try to secure Dr.Rianne. You know Lillian’s body can’ttakemuch more.”
“I understand.”
Ethan ended thecall. The conversation had lasted a full ten minutes.
Finished
When he walked back inside, he saw that Stella’s game had just ended. Judging by her expression, she had won. She glanced toward the dining area–since it was still quiet, dinner probably wasn’t ready yet.
She was about to start another round when Ethan suddenly snatched her phone away.
Stella looked up. Whatareyou doing?”
“Rianne, is she your best friend?”
Stella narrowed her eyes. “So what?”
“Did you have something to do with her leaving the country?
Just last night, Lillian had needed emergency care at the hospital, and during the same visit, they had conducted urgent examinations. The hospital director had even held a late–night meeting to assemble her medical team.
Rianne was definitely on that team, yet now, she had suddenly left the country.
She was Stella’s best friend. If Stella wasn’tinvolvedin this, Ethan wouldn’t believe it for a second.