"How can I not care? Did you forget I told Rupert last time about buying a house downtown?"
Rupert Grey was Katniss's brother, and the anxious Jessica in front of them was Rupert's wife, who was also the only person aware of Katniss and Tristan's relationship.
Jessica, a graduate from some no-name university, got into Synergy Global Corporation entirely because of Katniss's connections.
Now, even buying a house, she wanted to rely on Katniss.
"Buying a house is your own business; I don't have the means."
Jessica immediately got all huffy and grabbed her as Katniss tried to leave. "How can you be so biased? You can spend money on treating a stepmother but won't help Rupert buy a house? Your stepmother has cancer, and Rupert is your family!"
Hearing this, Katniss looked at her sarcastically, shook off her hand, and walked away with a cold face.
Jessica was still somewhat afraid of Katniss, as she would need her help in the future.
But after thinking it over, she still felt it was wrong and immediately ran to the bathroom to call Rupert. They had to find a way to make Katniss buy the house for them!
Katniss returned to her desk, took a deep breath to calm her thoughts, and forced herself to quickly get into work mode.
Rupert called her twice in the meantime, but she didn't answer. She worked through lunch and kept busy until evening.
Her recognition and heavy responsibilities from Tristan were indeed due to her strong abilities and high work efficiency.
At this moment, Bella appeared at the door, arm in arm with Tristan. Seeing Katniss still working, Bella protested to Tristan, asking him to let Katniss leave work early.
Even though Bella had asked for her to leave early, Katniss felt no joy and even inexplicably wanted to stay and work overnight.
She still stood up, nodded slightly, and said, "Yes, Mr. Forbes, thank you, Miss Astor."
Then Bella pulled Tristan away, not forgetting to make a face at Katniss as she left.
Katniss's mind was blank, thinking about what the two of them had done in the office all day. Had they been to the lounge?
She frowned, shook her head vigorously, and tried to control her thoughts.
After a long time, she sighed softly, packed up her documents, grabbed her clothes and bag, and left.
The sky was completely dark, and the neon lights had just come on, making the city seem even more lively.
When she arrived at the hospital, it was almost eight o'clock. There weren't many people in the hospital. After parking the car, she walked to the inpatient department. For the past few years, besides her company and home, she had been coming here to take care of her stepmother, Sophia.
When she was ten, her biological parents divorced, and both fought for Rupert's custody. In the end, her father lost the case.
After her mother took Rupert away, she never visited her. The last time they met was two years ago when they heard she had 'made it' and came to seek her help.
Her father, unable to keep Rupert, treated her poorly, wanting her to drop out after middle school. She refused and was almost beaten to death.
In the end, it was Sophia who protected her, selling her jewelry to let her attend high school. Because of her excellent grades, Sophia worked many jobs during her high school years to send her to the best university.
Just as she got off the elevator, Sophia's attending physician, Damon Cooper, came out of the ward. "Katniss, come to my office. I need to talk to you about your mother's condition."
Katniss trailed behind Damon, feeling a knot in her stomach.
Damon was a big shot in Velvet City, pushing seventy but still sharp as a tack.
In his office, Katniss stood while he sat, his almost bald head catching the light.
"There's this new drug that's showing promise for your mom's condition, but it's still in the trial phase. Want me to save you a spot?"
Damon knew Katniss always went for the best treatments, so he gave her the heads-up right away.
Katniss frowned. "What's the cost?"
"During the trial, it's double what you're paying now. If it gets approved, the price will skyrocket, at least five times more. So, it's a rare shot."
Damon paused and added, "To be blunt, without this drug, your mom's got maybe two years. With it, she could have two to five more years."
His straight talk hit her hard. More money could mean more time with Sophia.
But with her shaky marriage to Tristan and the risk of losing her job, Katniss was torn.
"Damon, thanks. Can I have a few days to mull it over?"
Damon nodded. "Sure, take your time. It's a rare chance."
Katniss nodded back and left. When she walked into Sophia's room, Sophia looked surprised and tried to get up. Katniss usually gave her a heads-up when she'd visit, so Sophia would be ready.
"Mom, I got off work early today, so I came to see you. How are you feeling?" Katniss put down her bag and coat, helping Sophia sit up.
She unfolded the cot, and Sophia spoke softly, "Katniss, you look like you've lost weight again. Don't overwork yourself."
"Losing weight's all the rage now. Everyone wants to be thin." Katniss finished setting up the bed and turned to see Sophia's eyes welling up.
Sophia had a kind face, marked by years of hardship. Her first husband died when her daughter Matilda was just a kid, and remarrying Katniss's dad only made life tougher.
So whenever Sophia got down, Katniss would coldly remind her that Matilda wasn't her blood, and Sophia should look after her herself.
Sophia knew Katniss didn't mean it and would just sigh.
Katniss made the bed and signaled her to lie down. "I told Matilda I'd be here tonight, and she'll come in the morning. You should rest now."
Katniss knew Sophia had a lot on her mind but wouldn't say it, and Katniss knew what it was.
In the hospital, sleep was always restless, with people moving around and doors creaking open and shut all night.
She'd usually wake up around five, get up, wash up, and grab breakfast for Sophia.
A simple breakfast sat on the small table by Sophia's bed. Sophia looked at her and asked, "Katniss, are you seeing anyone?"
Katniss wanted to say she wasn't dating but was already married.
But Sophia didn't know that. She smiled and shook her head. "No, I'm not seeing anyone."
Sophia gave her a once-over. "I used to work as a nanny for a family. Their son is about your age and has his own company."