Chapter 324
Darren’s voice softened with a hint of guilt as he spoke to Olivia. “You’re my child too. I treat you and Naomi the same, but I can’t always show it with you. I have to consider Aunt Hillary’s feelings… I’ve done her wrong.”
Olivia nodded gently. “I understand, Dad. Don’t worry about it.”
He opened his mouth to say more, but before he could, Alisa knocked lightly and stepped inside. “You should rest, ma’am,” she said to Olivia.
Darren paused, surprised by the interruption. There were still things he wanted to say, and he glanced expectantly at Olivia.
“I’m really tired, Dad,” Olivia replied quietly. “You should go home and be with Aunt Hillary.”
Her words caught him off guard. He fell silent for a moment before nodding slowly. “Alright, rest well. I’ll go now.”
“Mm-hmm,” she murmured.
With no choice but to leave, Darren stood and headed for the door. Alisa watched him linger for a moment before he quickly walked away.
As soon as he was gone, Alisa returned to Olivia’s side.
“I said I’m going to rest,” Olivia said, though her eyes remained fixed out the window. She didn’t feel tired—just restless.
Sensing her mood, Alisa asked softly, “Would you like something to eat?”
“No,” Olivia replied quietly. “I just want some quiet.”
Ana, who had sent Alisa, watched Darren leave from outside the room. She knew the Jones family well enough—Darren, Hillary, all of them—and she despised them. She was certain Darren had ulterior motives for visiting Olivia.
After Darren left, Ana stepped inside. “It’s so cold today. Why is the window open?” she asked Alisa.
Alisa quickly moved to close the window.
Olivia, hearing Ana’s voice, turned her gaze away from the window. Ana suggested, “If you’re bored, why don’t you watch some TV?”
“Okay,” Olivia agreed, her voice distant.
Ana didn’t stay long. After checking on Olivia once more, she quietly left the room.
Outside the ward, Ben was waiting.
“Is Tyler still not here?” Ana asked, her tone sharp.
Ben looked troubled and didn’t answer.
Scoffing, Ana said, “Since that woman isn’t coming, I should visit her myself.”
She started walking toward Naomi’s ward, but Ben stopped her. “Ma’am, he’ll be here soon. He’s just waiting for things to settle down.”
Annoyed but unwilling to make a scene, Ana stared at him coldly. “Fine. I’ll visit her in a few days.”
She scoffed again before turning and leaving.
That night, after several exhausting days at the hospital, Ana went home to rest. Olivia remained alone in her room, with only Alisa keeping her company.