Chapter 210
Chapter 210
At the mention of firing Dylan, Penelope gasped in panic.
“As for you.” Theodore couldn’t even bear to look at her. “Get out now.”
Penelope’s face went pale. Her dream of becoming Theodore’s personal secretary shattered in an instant.
After dismissing her, Theodore immediately redialed Eliana, only to be met with a cold reminder. “The number you have called is currently switched off His expression darkened.
Early the next morning at the hospital, Eliana stirred as something tickled her cheek. Blinking awake, she found Isaac playfully tugging her hair. Pubbing her eyes, she sat up. “Isaac, do you know who I am?”
Isaac blinked, surprisingly lucid. “You’re Ellie.”
“Do you…” Eliana hesitated. She wanted to ask about the fire but feared triggering him. Suddenly, his phone rang.
Her pulse jumped. Isaac had few contacts. Therefore, this had to be Belinda. As she expected, the screen flashed the caller ID “Mom“. She held her breath.
Isaac swiped to answer the phone. “Hello.”
“Isaac, are you out of your mind? Why aren’t you home yet?” Belinda’s roar could’ve shattered glass.
Isaac frowned, “But you told me never to come back.”
Belinda sputtered angrily, then snapped, “Since when do you
listen to
me?
I told you
to grow a brain. Why didn’t that magically happen?”
Isaac puffed his cheeks. “If you keep yelling, I won’t talk to you.”
“Oh, now you’ve got attitude?” Belinda grumbled before relenting. “Fine, no more yelling. Where are you? I’ll send someone to bring you home.”
Isaac curled up on the hospital bed. “No. You’ll hit me again.”
Belinda’s voice strained with forced patience. “Sorry. I overreacted last time. Come home, and I won’t lay a finger on you. I’ll make your favorite dishes.
Deal?”
Isaac tilted his head. “Mom, you’re acting weird. Did something possess you?”
“Isaac!” Belinda’s temper flared.
Then abruptly, Hannah’s voice replaced hers. “Where are you, Isaac? Do you know how worried we’ve been?”
“Hannah, I’m at the hos-” Isaac’s gaze darted to Eliana’s tense face. A rare spark of cunning made him lie. “I’m at Ellie’s place. Having the best time.”
Hannah’s tone turned odd. “Russell Manor?”
“Uh–huh.” Isaac nodded, eyes wandering.
“Well. Take care of yourself.” Hannah’s meaningful reply hung in the air before the line returned to Belinda.
Isaac fiddled with his hospital gown. “Don’t worry, Mom. I won’t embarrass you guys.”
After hanging up, he beamed at Eliana. “See? I didn’t snitch. This secret is safe now.”
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Chapter 210
Eliana stared. “How did you know i didn’t want them to find out?”
“I heard you crying when I was half–asleep.” Isaac scratched his head awkwardly, grinning. “You said, ‘You’d hate seeing me scolded by Mom and Dad right?”
Eliana’s eyes stung. She hadn’t expected someone as simple–minded as Isaac could lie to protect her. She was moved, trying to hug him.
But before she could get close, Isaac curled in a corner. “Ellie, stay back.”
“Isaac?” Eliana was nervous, fearing another episode.
Fortunately, Isaac explained, “I stink, and I’m itchy.” He wrinkled his nose. “Can I shower?”
Relief washed over Eliana. “Just a sponge bath for now,” she said gently, recalling the doctor’s orders. “Your wounds can’t get wet.”
At Burke Manor, Belinda said, “Hannah, I called Isaac as you asked. Sounds like he’s having a good time at Russell Manor. Perhaps he’ll bother coming home someday.”
Hannah’s eyes narrowed. She thought, ‘Alice confirmed Isaac was at the Therapy Center during the fire, and Anthony saw him hospitalized with burns.
Harming Isaac was never part of the plan. He was stupid, but he had never crossed her.
Hannah murmured, “Either way, at least he’s alive.”
“What did you say?” Belinda asked.
“Nothing, Mom.” Hannah shook her head.
In the hospital, Eliana had just rolled up her sleeves to sponge–bathe Isaac when the door opened. She looked up and saw Anthony. She straightened. “Why are you here?”
Anthony stood at the door, arms laden with gifts. He smiled, “I wanted to check on your brother. We did meet once, after all.”
Eyeing the gifts, Eliana forced politeness. “You didn’t need to bring anything.”
“It’s nothing.” Anthony’s gaze dropped to her damp towel. “You are…”
“Giving him a bath,” Eliana admitted.
Anthony frowned, “You’ll exhaust yourself. Why not hire a caregiver?”
“He only trusts me.”
“Oh, I see.”
As they chatted, Anthony stepped into the ward. Isaac, who was removing his shirt, recognized him instantly. “I know you. You’re Ellie’s husband’s brother.”
Anthony, not fond of that title, gently corrected him, “Just call me by my name.”
Isaac scrunched his face in thought. “But what’s your name? I forgot.”
Anthony smiled, “Anthony Russell.”
While Eliana bathed Isaac, he kept reaching for his wounds. Anthony swiftly caught his wrist. “Don’t scratch.”
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“But it itches!” Isaac whined.
Anthony softened his voice. “That means it’s healing. Scratching will hurt. Just hold on a little longer.”
“No! Let go.” Isaac was unconvinced.
Spotting the gifts, Anthony rummaged and pulled out a toy. “Look what I brought.”
Isaac’s eyes lit up. “A Gundam!”
“It transforms. Want to try?” Anthony handed it over, and Isaac’s hands were occupied. He forgot all about itching.
Eliana was surprised. “That was thoughtful of you.”
“Glad to help,” Anthony said, holding her gaze just a beat too long.
Eliana looked away, unwilling or unable to acknowledge the unspoken offer.
Anthony didn’t stay long after that. When Bernice heard that he had visited, she smiled, “Anthony is a good man.”
