---- Chapter 80 James paused and glanced at the time. "I already had Freddy take care of it. Someone will be there to pick you up in about ten minutes." Robert scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "And here I thought you'd come get me yourself . You know, Wendy took the day off just to come help me check out. You could've at least brought Ethan by." Upon hearing Robert's low, deliberately casual tone, James figured out what was happening -he'd swiped Wendy's phone while she wasn't looking.

She never set a passcode, which made it easy for Robert to unlock the phone and call him directly. And, of course, James could read between the lines. Wendy was helping discharge Robert , and Robert was clearly trying to nudge him into bringing Ethan over for a run-in with her. "No." James' voice was low and cool. "I've got an important meeting later today. I need time to prep." "How much time could that possibly take?" Robert grumbled -but then came a pause.

"Wendy, you're back already?" "Yeah, Grandpa. I picked up your meds-they're in this bag here. I wrote down the dosage and times on the label. If you have any questions, just have the nanny call me." Wendy's soft voice traveled through the phone, light and ---- gentle, with just a touch of warmth. James hadn't heard her sound like that in what felt like forever. She still smiled like that with her coworkers, patients, and Robert. But not with him.

With him, her tone was always icy, and her words were sharp enough to cut. That contrast stung more than he'd admit. The call was still active when he heard a soft clatter. It sounded like the phone had been slipped into a bag. Robert said, "Wendy , when are you coming home? It's been what, two weeks now? Doesn't Ethan miss you at night?" James held the phone to his ear in silence, not hanging up or speaking, just listening-like Robert was. "The hospital's been really busy," Wendy said.

"If 1 came home this late, I'd only be a distraction. Ethan's a good kid- he understands." "And James?" Robert asked casually. "You two are still married. Being apart this long isn't exactly great for a marriage, you know." Wendy let out a quiet laugh. "You're worrying too much. These things don't affect us." Because there was never that much between them, to begin with. Her smile stiffened a little.

She didn't say the rest out loud, ---- not knowing James was hearing every word from the other end. "I know what I see," Robert muttered. "You two can pretend all you want, but I'm not blind. There's got to be something going on. You need to clear the air." Wendy stayed quiet for a moment. Then she gave a soft, polite laugh. "You really don't need to worry about this, Grandpa. There's nothing to clear up. We're fine." She was sidestepping it-neither confirming nor denying.

Robert could hear it too. He clutched her arm gently, slowing their pace. "Tell me the truth, Wendy. Do you even still love him? If you don't, say the word, and I won't let him bother you anymore." Even though he was the one asking, Robert looked like he didn't actually want to hear her answer. And on the other end of the line, James found himself holding his breath. Wendy saw the expectation in Robert's eyes. Her smile faded into something more bittersweet. "You're right, Grandpa. Honestly, I-"