Chapter 1797: Chapter 1797

Bertha fell silent for a moment before addressing the elephant in the room. “I was talking to Thaddeus outside when I saw the eldest son of the Howard family.”

Marlinie’s face turned ashen, and her pupils dilated in shock. She grabbed Bertha’s hand as her voice trembled with emotion. “What happened? Why is my son in the hospital? Is he unwell?”

Bertha tried to calm her down. “No, no! He’s not sick. Marlinie, you need to cool off. You’re still hooked up to an IV. Just relax; I’ll explain everything.”

How could Marlinie not be agitated? That was her son.

She tried to compose herself. “Alright, tell me… I’m listening.”

Bertha continued once Marlinie had calmed down. “It was Thaddeus who told me. He’d checked to see why the Howard boy had come to the hospital. It turns out his father was also admitted here, and he had come to visit him.”

Marlinie’s face hardened slightly. “Oh, I see…”

Bertha watched her carefully. “Is there anything else you want to know?”

Marlinie shook her head. Her expression was unreadable. “As long as my son is fine.”

Bertha sighed. “Do you want me to check up on him?”

A cynical smile appeared on Marlinie’s face. “No need. His fate has nothing to do with me anymore.

Bertha, could you ask Thaddeus to keep my hospitalization a secret? Balfour is a smart kid; he might find out I’m here. I don’t want to see anyone from the Howard family.”

“Of course.” Bertha nodded. “Don’t worry, Marlinie. Thaddeus has already taken care of it.”

Marlinie gave her a bitter smile. “Thank you.”

Bertha looked at her friend sympathetically. “What are you thanking me for? And why are you still so formal with me? Do you want me to call Ellinor and make her come see you? It might be a good opportunity for you two to meet.”

Marlinie waved her hand dismissively. “No, I don’t want her to see me like this.”

Bertha sighed. “Marlinie, you’re exhausting yourself.”

Marlinie lowered her eyes. Yes, she was tired. She had managed to escape the torment of the Howard family, but she hadn’t had a single day of peace.

After a long silence, Marlinie suddenly asked, “What floor and room is that Howard man on?”

Bertha was taken aback, thinking Marlinie had changed her mind and wanted to see her former husband.

“He’s on the same floor as you. He’s in room 608.”

Marlinie nodded. “Bertha, can you ask Thaddeus one more favor? I’d like to change rooms. Put me as far away from 608 as possible.”

Bertha sighed. “Of course.”

Meanwhile, in room 608.

Ida had accompanied Byran to the hospital to visit his father. When they entered the room, Balfour was still there.

However, upon seeing them, Balfour excused himself to return to the office.

Now, only Ida and Byran were left with McNeil.

Ida, not accustomed to dealing with elders, was a little nervous. She had never had the opportunity to meet many older people in her life, mostly due to her lack of relatives and the fact that most of her past relationships never progressed to the ‘meet-the-parents’ stage.

Byran was elated. “Dad, Ida and I came to see you. She insisted on taking a detour to get you these nutritional supplements and flowers. Isn’t my girlfriend just the best?” –

Ida could only stare.

McNeil smiled. “You shouldn’t have.”