Chapter 1884


    Chapter 1884


    Upon hearing the name ‘Howard Mountain Vi’, Bryan’s pupils trembled. He furrowed his brow,


    asking, “Dad, are you going to see my mom?”


    McNeil nodded. “I have a few questions for her.”


    Bryan showed a sense of helplessness. “Do you really need to go in person? Dad, you’re not in the


    best shape for a long journey.”


    McNeil insisted, “Take me there now! There are things I need to clear up, or I won’t sleep a wink at


    home! Bryan, turn the car around!”


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    Bryan opened his mouth to dissuade his father but eventually fell silent, signaling the driver to change


    directions towards Howard Mountain Vi.


    His mother had been living at the vi these past years. It was less of a choice and more of a house


    arrest following a series of her mistakes, imposed by his grandparents and father.


    He hadn’t visited his mother during his years abroad.


    Sigh!


    After overhearing his father’s conversation with thedy in the hospital corridor, Bryan had some


    spections. Apparently, his father shared the same suspicion that his mother was the instigator of the


    past misunderstandings.


    Bertha had a doctor examine Marlinie in her room. The doctor imed her irregr heartbeat was due


    to emotional distress; there were no major concerns if she rested and avoided overthinking.


    Marlinie politely followed the doctor’s advice, asking Bertha to escort him out.


    Returning from seeing off the doctor, Bertha looked at Marlinie with worry, “Marlinie, even the doctor


    says you’re overthinking! You can’t keep going like this; you’re gonna wear yourself down, even if your


    wounds heal!”


    Marlinie managed a pained smile. “I’m sorry, Bertha, I’ve made you worry again. You’ve been up all


    night, ordering sandwich and handling uninvited guests for me.”


    Bertha sat down and turned on her phone’s camera, snapping a picture of Marlinie, “Look at yourself.


    Your smile is more painful than a cry right now!” Marlinie looked at her reflection on the phone that


    Bertha held up, agreeing that her current state was indeed worse than crying.


    Berthaid her hand on Marlinie’s. “Marlinie, I know seeing him again must have been tough, but he’s


    gone now! I’ve said all that needed to be said, so he shouldn’t bother you again!”


    Marlinie paused, looking at Bertha. “What did you tell him?”


    Bertha replied, “I told him he’s done enough damage to you and Ellinor. If he had any decency left, he


    wouldn’t bother you anymore! But…”


    Marlinie waited quietly, her eyes shining, for Bertha to continue.


    Bertha added, “But, he didn’t seem to know about the assassination attempt on you back then. When I


    used him, he looked bewildered, asking what happened. I suspect he might have been pretending!”


    Marlinie’s eyes sparkled for a moment, then dimmed again.


    “Alright, Marlinie, at least for now, we know he’s gone and won’t bother you for a while. Try to rest a bit


    and stop overthinking!”


    Marlinie nodded, her mind a mess.


    If it were so easy to control one’s thoughts, psychological issues wouldn’t be so prevalent!


    But she knew that as long as she was awake, Bertha wouldn’t be able to rest either. So, for Bertha’s


    sake, even if she wasn’t tired, she decided to pretend to sleep.


    Marliniey down and closed her eyes.