Chapter 111


    Chapter 11


    As Leanne descended the staircase that morning, Curtis and Philip were already seated in the dining


    room.


    The family dining table had its unwritten rules. When the elders were present, everyone had their


    assigned spots. The brothers sat opposite each other, leaving Leanne no choice but to take her usual


    seat beside Curtis despite her reluctance to engage with him.


    As she moved towards Curtis’ side, he looked up, his gaze cunningly scanning her before. he let out a


    scornful chuckle.


    Phillip caught the sound and asked, “What’s with the sneer?”


    Curtis lifted his coffee cup, his tone dry. “Why don’t you show me how to sh a warm smile, and I’ll


    learn.”


    Phillip just shook his head.


    Leanne knew the hidden meaning behind Curtis’ sarcasticugh. She turned around. “I’ll go wake Mary


    for breakfast.”


    After a while, Maddox and Jennifer joined them at the table. Leanne helped Mary to her seat at the


    head before sitting back down beside Curtis.


    They were in the middle of breakfast when they saw Sarah emerge from a guest room on the first floor.


    Mary looked puzzled. “Did we have visitorsst night?”


    Sarah answered with restrained politeness. “Last night, Mr. Curtis stayed in there.”


    The cutlery ttered subtly around the table as Mary instantly turned to Curtis and Leanne. “Why on


    earth would you sleep in the guest room?”


    Caught off guard and still holding her fork, Leanne was at a loss for words.


    Curtis, unfazed, replied, “I got backte and didn’t want to disturb her.”


    As he spoke, he nonchntly served Leanne a bite of food, his lips forming a sweet smirk. “Darling, dig


    in.”


    Leanne red at the garlic on her te. Thanks, but no thanks.


    Perhaps feeling Curtis was overdoing the performance, Maddox cleared his throat. “Let’s just eat.”


    After breakfast, Leanne said, “Mary, how about I take you to the hospital for another check-up? Tyler


    just returned to Stonebridgest week. I’ll schedule an appointment for you. He’s the best in the field


    for gastric issues and performed your surgery, after all.”


    1/2


    14


    Chap 1


    Sarah looked uneasy. That was thest thing she w


    out.


    woulde


    Grandma was calm as ever. “Dear, Tyler knows my coin herche wete a sute would’ve been healed by


    now. This old body cant handle he sine anymore Going to the hospital is just suffering.”


    The admission brought tears to Leanne’s eyes, which she hurriedly tried to hide


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    Curtis clicked his tongue and nced at Mary. “Stop upsetting her


    Mary quickly consoled Leanne. “Oh, my dear, no more tears I’m fine You’re my lucky star Juste by


    more often, and I’ll live another three years.”


    Leanne’s heart ached. Then I’ll take the day off to stay with you.”


    “You have healing hands that save lives. The hospital needs you, and patients are waiting Come back


    to me after your shift


    “I’lle back as soon as I can. If you feel unwell at all, you must tell me


    “Now, off you go.” Mary pivoted towards Curtis. “You drop Anne off at work. Its super chilly out there.


    Don’t let her catch a cold.”


    She even escorted Leanne to the door, watching her get into Curtis car and waiting until the vehicle


    was out of sight


    Once out of Mary’s watchful eye, the pretense was no longer necessary.


    Leanne said, ‘Just pull over and let me out.”


    Curtis gave her a sidelong nce, a mocking curve on his lips. “What you want to ride with my big


    brother instead?”


    Phillip’s car trailed behind them, leaving the house a bit le


    Leanne couldn’t be bothered to argue. “Yes. His car smells better than yours!


    Curtis’ face darkened, matching his ck overcoat. With a forcedugh, he ordered Jake “Lock the car


    doors. You want to ride with him, but I won’t let you.”


    How childish.


    Leanne turned her gaze out the window, reminiscing about the ten years she spent growing up in the


    Richardson family. Besides Mary, only Phillip had been kind and gentle to her.


    The Richardson family’s Christmas celebrations were always bustling with visitors making her birthday


    seem insignificant. No one seemed to care except for Phillip On Christmas Eve, he would quietly bring


    her a birthday cake, encouraging her to make a wish and wishing her happiness. It was a small


    gesture, but it was one of the few moments she cherished from childhood.