---- Chapter 168 Margaret raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Is he really good to you? Like the thoughtful kind of good?" Wendy wasn't sure how to respond to that, but Liam stepped in just in time to cut through the awkward tension. "Ms. Hurst, here are the care instructions for the next few days of treatment . I'll also brief the nurse, but please, don't sneak in junk food. Don't make this harder than it already is," he said with a serious expression.

Though it was meant to be a joke, it didn't sound like one at all. Wendy let out a quiet breath and added gently, "Ms. Hurst , get some rest. Just buzz me if you need anything." Margaret nodded and said, "I'm not doing much most of the time. It'd be nice if you could keep me company more often." Wendy didn't turn her down. Instead, she said, "That's part of my job, too. I'll check in regularly." Apatient's mental well-being was also a crucial part of the treatment.

As they walked out of the ward, Wendy said with a hint of envy, "You must be really close with Ms. Hurst." Only people who were close could joke around like that. She chuckled after saying it. After all, Margaret was Liam's aunt -of course, they'd be close. Perhaps it was just her own ---- relationship with her parents that felt more like enemies than family. "Yeah, we're quite close," Liam replied, then turned to look at her. "She really likes you." Wendy blinked.

"She does?" "She does," he confirmed . "I've never seen her warm up to anyone like that before." Wendy's smile widened. "Well, I admire her, too. I'd be proud if [could turn out like her one day." "Seriously?" Liam raised an eyebrow. "Why not? It's not like Ms. Hurst around to hear me sucking up." They were still laughing, unaware someone behind them had just snapped a photo of the moment. By evening, a fine rain had turned into a steady downpour.

Wendy was packing up to leave when her phone rang. "Ms. Sanders, your car's ready. Are you picking it up yourself, or would you like us to drop it off?" the repairman asked. She looked outside at the sheets of rain. "Can you drop it off? T'll text over the address." "Absolutely. We'll get it to you as soon as possible." ---- Just as the call ended, a flash of lightning split through the darkening sky outside, making Wendy flinch in shock. It reminded her of Ethan.

Ethan had always been scared of the dark and thunder. He was sensitive, emotional, and easily shaken. It had taken her years to build his confidence and help him feel brave in a world that was often unkind. She found herself wondering if anyone was with him now. She pulled out her phone to text Zelda and check in, but another incoming call interrupted her.

The number wasn't saved in her contacts , but with so many back-and-forths in the medical research team lately, she didn't think twice before answering. A furious voice exploded on the other end the second she picked up. "You blocked my number? Do you even take me as your mother anymore?" Mary's voice was sharp, loud, and burning with anger. Wendy winced and held the phone away from her ear. She waited until the shouting calmed down before calmly asking, "What do you want?"