Seeing Old Hughes being stopped, Deanna felt a twinge of regret. She truly wanted to leave. Leticia felt the same regret and couldn't help but mutter, "If they want to leave, just let them go. Why stop them?" Though her voice was low, everyone in the quiet room could hear her.
Mr. and Mrs. Walsh and Hassan's faces immediately darkened. Old Hughes also looked very displeased. "Shut up! Don't speak until spoken to!" Hassan scolded harshly.
Mr. and Mrs. Walsh quickly apologized to Old Hughes, "We've spoiled our daughter too much. Please don't take it to heart. We will educate her properly." Mrs. Walsh added, "Regarding our father's condition, we still need your and Dr. Deanna's care."
Deanna pursed her lips and said, "I'll follow Old Hughes' arrangements." Hearing this, Mr. and Mrs. Walsh became even more humble towards Old Hughes. Though angry, Old Hughes still cared about his old friend and eventually agreed to stay.
However, he didn't forget to set some ground rules with the Walsh family. "I can stay, but I don't want anyone questioning my young friend's medical skills again. Otherwise, I would rather sever ties with Old Walsh, my friend for decades."
"Rest assured, no one will question Dr. Deanna again," Mr. and Mrs. Walsh promised repeatedly.
Only then was Old Hughes satisfied and signaled Deanna to follow him upstairs. On the way, he asked somewhat sheepishly, "Anna, you don't blame me for staying again, do you?"
"Not at all, don't overthink it," Deanna shook her head and reassured him.
Old Hughes chuckled, "I knew you wouldn't mind. But my old friend's descendants are indeed a bit unruly. When he wakes up, I'll make sure he teaches them properly."
He rambled on for a while. Deanna listened quietly until they returned to the room, where she finally found some peace. After a quick wash, just as she was about to go to bed, there was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?"
"Miss Jones, it's me," Hassan's voice came from outside.
Deanna was puzzled about why he was here but still grabbed a coat and put it on before opening the door. Outside, Hassan stood holding a gift box, looking at Deanna warmly.
"Mr. Hassan, what can I do for you?" Deanna asked.
"I came to apologize for the grievance Miss Jones suffered earlier," Hassan said as he handed over the gift box.
Deanna glanced at it and saw that it bore the logo of an internationally renowned jewelry brand. She quickly shook her head and declined, "Mr. Hassan, there's no need for this. You've already apologized earlier."
"This is different. That was my uncle apologizing; this is my personal apology," Hassan said, placing the gift box in Deanna's hands before she could refuse again.
He then turned and left after reminding her, "It's late; Miss Jones should rest early."
By the time Deanna reacted, Hassan was already gone. She frowned but didn't chase after him. It wasn't that she wanted to accept the gift; she knew that even if she caught up with him, Mr. Hassan wouldn't take it back.
So she decided to leave the gift in the room for the Walsh family's servants to find and return later.
Hassan had no idea of Deanna's thoughts. After leaving, he was about to return to his room when Leticia appeared out of nowhere and blocked his way.
"My dear cousin, you didn't really fall in love with that Deanna at first sight, did you? I saw you giving her jewelry," Leticia said angrily.
"That's my business, not yours. Move aside," Hassan replied impatiently.
"How is it not my business? I don't like that woman and don't want her as my sister-in-law. Auntie would never allow you to marry a doctor," Leticia retorted.
Hearing this, Hassan frowned deeply but said nothing as Leticia turned and left.
Hassan watched her leave, feeling bewildered.
Meanwhile, Deanna received a video call from her two children.
"Good evening, Mommy! Did you have dinner?" they asked excitedly.
Seeing their bright smiles lifted Deanna's spirits instantly.
"Mommy has already eaten. What about you two?" she asked with a gentle smile.
"We've eaten too," they nodded.
Deanna smiled and then asked about their studies.
Chloe tilted her head and asked curiously, "Mommy, are you unhappy?"
"No, Mommy isn't unhappy," Deanna instinctively denied.
But the children seemed to see through her and insisted, "Mommy is lying. You're unhappy. Did something happen? Did someone bully you?"