Chapter 82
"So you're that real estate agent."
The elderly man and woman were both surprised. None of them had expected to run into someone they knew during an accident.
The elderly man grew excited. "That house you recommended to my sister—I went to see it too. It's really excellent. It has everything from medical facilities to exercise areas and community stores. Plus, it's a good distance from the busy districts, making it quiet both day and night. Perfect for seniors. You really put thought into it, young lady."
It's actually quite difficult for elderly people to buy houses. Many agents just tried to take advantage of their age, recommending expensive and impractical properties.
Adeline felt somewhat embarrassed. "Actually, it was just my first day at the sales office. I didn't know much, so I did some homework beforehand. I didn't expect it would come in handy."
"This goes beyond homework. You really put your heart into it."
The elderly man did not attempt to hide his admiration.
The elderly woman added, "I knew she was a good person. When I first met her, I thought she looked familiar but couldn't place her. Now that I see you again, I finally remember."
The elderly man stared at Adeline.
His gaze was so complex it made her scalp tingle.
"Is something wrong?"
"Nothing. Just remembering some things from the past."
The elderly man realized he'd unsettled her and quickly put on a kind smile.
"Now you've saved my sister again..."
Just as he was wondering how to express his gratitude, a young man burst in, immediately causing a commotion.
"Mom, are you okay? I heard you were hit by a car. Who hit you? Are you the one who brought her to the hospital?"
The man was like a loose cannon, immediately firing accusations at Adeline.
"You must be the one who hit her, right? Walking around looking all fancy, driving without watching the road. Are you blind? Do you know how old my mom is? Even if she was just frightened, if anything serious happened to her, I wouldn't let you off the hook."
Before Adeline could respond, the elderly man smacked the young man on the back of his head.
The young man's arrogance came to an abrupt halt.
"What nonsense are you spouting? This young lady is the good Samaritan who brought your mother to the hospital!"
The elderly man's face was stern.
The young man hadn't expected his uncle to be present. Frightened into silence, he also realized his mistake.
"I'm really sorry." At least his apology was straightforward.
Adeline shook her head. "It's nothing. I should be going now."
"Wait, take this."
The elderly man took a business card from his pocket and handed it to Adeline.
"If you ever need help with anything in the future, just call the number on this card."
Adeline didn't want to prolong the interaction, so she accepted the card.
Outside the hospital, she looked at the name on the card.
—Meridian Vertex Group, Roger Turner.
Psychiatry Department.
"Dr. Wallace, I think I just saw that patient of yours—what's her name, Adeline? I saw her on the fourth floor just now."
Rhys Wallace immediately jumped up and rushed out.
But just as he reached the door, he turned back to ask a question.
"Where is she now?"
"She already left."
"Why didn't you try to stop her?!" Rhys ran to the window and looked down, just in time to see Adeline getting into a car.
He knew it. Adeline hadn't come to the hospital to see him.
"I don't get why you're so invested in this patient. She doesn't even want treatment."
Rhys was a renowned associate director of the psychiatry department, but ever since he took on Adeline's case five years ago, he'd devoted much of his attention to this patient.
"What do you know? Her condition is very serious, and besides I was the one who performed that hypnosis procedure on her."
Rhys sighed.
Suddenly, he had an idea. If he couldn't persuade Adeline, someone else might be able to!
He found Frank's number.
"Dr. Nelson, you need to come back as soon as possible. Ms. Brown's condition has worsened, and she's refusing to cooperate. You know she needs to come in for monthly check-ups to ensure her memories don't resurface. That hypnosis session can't guarantee absolute results. But now she's not cooperating—every time I call, she claims she's fine. She won't come for follow-ups or take her medication."
He didn't actually know if Adeline was still taking her medication, but he had to emphasize the severity to get Frank to return.
"I understand."
Frank hadn't realized things had gotten so serious. He couldn't even focus on the family dinner he was attending. He found his mother in the study and engaged in a two-hour conversation.
After their talk, his mother agreed, "If you want to go, then go. But remember, your well-being comes first."
Frank gently hugged his mother.
"Thank you, Mom."
Frank couldn't help but rush to the balcony to call Adeline.
Sitting in a taxi on her way home, Adeline heard Frank excitedly sharing the good news about his return.
"Congratulations, Dr. Nelson."
"Once I'm back, I'll take over both your and Lily's cases."
Adeline laughed softly. "But you're not a psychiatrist."
"I may not be a psychiatrist, but I have a great relationship with Dr. Wallace. We can provide you with a joint diagnosis, ensuring you're healthy both mentally and physically."
Health.
That word seemed so distant from her reality.
"Thank you, Dr. Nelson." Adeline's gratitude was genuine. "If it hadn't been for your help back then, I honestly don't know what I would have done."
"No need for formalities with me."
Frank stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing through the glass at the rose bushes in the garden.
His eyes reflected a certain tenderness.
"Adeline, don't overthink things. Just focus on staying healthy. That's the only way you can properly care for Lily. Remember, a child can't be without her mother, and Lily is only six years old."
After a moment of silence, Adeline smiled gently.
"Why so serious? It's not like I have some incurable disease. Lily won't lose her mother."
Hearing this, the unease that had been lingering in Frank's heart finally began to dissipate.
"Wait for me to come back."
"I will."
After hanging up, someone behind Frank asked, "Frank, who were you talking to? Could it be your sweetheart?"
Frank smiled and pretended to kick his younger cousin. "Why so nosy? Hurry back, the elders are waiting."
On Friday, Adeline received a call from Lily.
"Mommy, we were supposed to meet on Saturday, but Daddy has something urgent come up and can't take me. He's not comfortable with me going alone, so we'll have to wait until Monday to see each other."
Adeline comforted her. "That's okay. On Monday, Mommy will pick you up and take you out for some fun and good food."
"Yes, yes! I'll be waiting for you, Mommy."
After hanging up, Adeline sighed.
Of course, she felt disappointed.
The days seemed increasingly dull. Mindlessly scrolling through her phone, she suddenly noticed a group chat she'd joined earlier for group buying. Someone had posted a scenic photo.
A beautiful village.
Adeline sent a private message to that person.
[Can you send me the address?]
[Sure.]
Adeline got the address and checked it on her navigation app. Surprisingly, the mountain village wasn't too far away.
By bus, it would take about three hours to get there.
She decided to go for a visit.
She wanted to try saving herself.