“I am serious, very serious!” Carl blurted out immediately, nodding vigorously. His thoughts couldn’t be clearer – Nana was the person he wanted to protect in this lifetime. Besides, given what had happened, even if it was a momentary impulse, as a man, he had to take responsibility.
Jane was still hesitant. She knew who was in Nana’s heart, but Carl was so earnest… “This…”
Seeing Jane waver, Carl couldn’t help but take a step forward, looking into her eyes with intense sincerity.
“Jane, I swear I genuinely like Nana. I want to protect her for a lifetime. Please help me!”
“… Alright.” Jane, seeing the sincerity in Carl’s eyes, felt he wasn’t lying and eventually agreed. However, she was aware of Nana’s character. Leaving aside the future, these days Nana definitely wouldn’t want to see Carl.
It couldn’t be rushed.
After a moment of contemplation, Jane told Carl, “Okay, you go back for now. Don’t rush, and don’t disturb Nana these two days. Let her calm down.”
Upon hearing this, Carl’s face immediately lit up with a smile. Realizing what Jane meant, he nodded repeatedly.
“Okay, okay, I’ll go back now. Jane, please help persuade her.”
Carl left happily, and Jane, watching his departing figure, still had some concerns. She shook her head, turned, and entered her study to attend to her own matters.
—
Hospital.
Candice lay on the hospital bed, turning her head in the direction of the door. She hadn’t seen Patrick for a long time, and even after he returned from Y City, he hadn’t visited the hospital once. Could it be that he and Jane were rekindling their relationship?
No, it couldn’t be. Patrick was hers!
The more Candice thought about it, the more nervous she became. She lifted the blanket and sat up, reaching for her phone on the bedside table. She dialed Patrick’s number.
“Hello, Patrick…”
Candice’s voice sounded weak.
Patrick closed a file. “Candy, what’s wrong?”
The man’s voice was gentle, and Candice couldn’t help but smile. She only realized after Patrick spoke again.
“Patrick, have you been busy with work these days? I haven’t seen you for a long time.”
“I just returned from Y City not long ago, and there’s a lot of work waiting for me in the company. I couldn’t spare time to come to the hospital.”
Hearing Patrick’s explanation, Candice finally breathed a sigh of relief. At least, he hadn’t revived his relationship with Jane.
But then again…
Candice pursed her lips and said, “Patrick, I asked the doctors and nurses before. They said my condition is showing signs of improvement!”
She smiled and carefully listened to the sounds on the other end of the phone. Trying to sound casual, she continued, “But the hospital is too boring… Patrick, I want to be discharged and stay at your place.”
Stay at his house?
Patrick subtly furrowed his brows. He hadn’t expected Candice to make such a request, but now that he thought about it, it made sense.
After thinking about Jane and his plans, he still replied with an “Hmm” and said, “Okay, you rest well tonight. I’ll arrange your discharge tomorrow.”
—
The next morning at nine o’clock, Patrick arrived at the ward as agreed to pick up Candice. She had packed up neatly, even changing into the set of clothes she wore before being hospitalized.
Seeing Patrick, Candice revealed a happy smile. “Patrick, you finally came to pick me up.”
“Mm.” Patrick smiled gently at her. “I’ve completed the discharge procedures. I’m here to take you home.”
Home?
Upon hearing this word, Candice’s smile became more content and somewhat shy.
Since Patrick said so, it meant he still considered her!
As for Jane? It was probably a thing of the past.
Candice restrained her smile, raised her head to meet Patrick’s eyes, and nodded slightly.
If things continued like this, her plan would soon succeed. At that time, she could officially replace Jane and become the Pansy family’s madam.
That woman was just another woman that everyone wanted to denounce.
The car was heading towards the Water Moon Community. Candice’s hand rested on Patrick’s arm as she nestled beside him, appearing quite dependent.
“Patrick, if I move in with you… would Miss North be angry?” Candice asked, her eyes intentionally assessing Patrick’s expression.
She deliberately brought up Jane in front of Patrick, wanting to gauge his feelings towards her. As expected, Patrick was engrossed in his phone, sending a message to someone. Upon hearing Candice’s question, his expression darkened.
“Why would she be angry? I have no relationship with her now. You can stay there at ease. If I amn’t busy, I’ll come back often,” Patrick replied, his face stern.
Candice nodded in sudden realization, obediently sitting back without further questions. However, a pleasant smile appeared on her lips.
It seemed that Jane no longer held any significance in Patrick’s eyes.
The car quickly arrived at the entrance of the Water Moon Community. Candice followed Patrick inside, curious and pleasantly surprised by the furnishings in the house.
Patrick placed her luggage next to the cabinet and said, “Alright, you’ll be staying here from now on. The room on the left is your bedroom, and I’ll have your things moved here.”
“Thank you, Patrick.”
Candice showed a shy smile and whispered her thanks.
Unexpectedly, the next second, Jane appeared at the doorway. “I came back to get…”
She stopped midway when she saw Patrick and Candice standing in the living room, with Patrick’s hand still on Candice’s head.
Candice heard the voice, turned to look, and was also surprised. “Jane? Why are you here?”
Jane was momentarily stunned, her brows tightly furrowed, and anger appeared in her eyes.
She walked in quickly, heard Candice’s words, and couldn’t help but snort. “Why can’t I come? I’m the legitimate granddaughter-in-law recognized by Grandpa, much better than a woman like you who schemed to take someone else’s place.”
“Not to mention, my things are still here. I have the key. Do I need your permission to come and take them? Take a look at what kind of person you are.”
Jane sneered, disdain evident as she looked Candice up and down.
Just now, she received a text message from Patrick, so she appeared here as part of the plan.