Chapter 185 Dad Playing the Sympathy Game with Mom?

Chapter 185 Dad Playing the Sympathy Game with Mom?

After Gwyneth left, Violette sat alone in the dimly lit hospital room. The overhead light was a tired shade of yellow, casting long shadows across the floor. 

From outside the window came the occasional wail of an ambulance siren, slicing through the night. She kept her eyes on Frank's face — a face she had known for decades, yet now felt strangely unfamiliar. 

Once it had been full of confidence, lit by a smile that could disarm anyone. Now, time and hardship had carved deep lines into it. Her chest tightened with a mix of emotions she could not untangle.

She let out a slow sigh. Memories of the years they had walked side by side rose unbidden. The truth was, the thought of divorce left a bitter taste in her mouth. 

She knew Frank's flaws — the long hours, the absences, the way work always came first — but she also knew his sense of duty, the stubborn integrity that had always made it impossible for her to truly let go.

"You gave everything to your country, to your career," she murmured, her voice low but edged with hurt. "Was it worth losing yourself for?"

Frank's eyelids fluttered open. The moment his gaze found hers, a flicker of light returned to his eyes.

"I thought you had stopped caring whether I lived or died," he rasped.

Violette gave a cold, brittle laugh. "Of course. You have the country to look after you. You don't need me. If you don't want to see me, I can walk out right now."

She rose to leave, but Frank's hand shot out, gripping her wrist with surprising strength.

"Violette… are you trying to kill me?" His voice was rough, and the effort sent him into a fit of coughing that shook his whole frame. Alarmed, Violette called for the medical staff.

"Mrs. Martinez," the nurse said gently, "Mr. Martinez's condition can't take stress. Whatever differences you have, please wait until he's stronger before you address them."

Violette shot Frank a sharp look but didn't argue. She dropped into the sofa, pulling out her phone to check emails.

A care aide came in with a tray. "Mrs. Martinez, could you take a look at the menu? Are these dishes suitable?"

Violette glanced at the list and nodded. "Keep it light. He doesn't like cabbage, so take that off. But he likes carrots — make sure there are plenty."

When the food arrived, Frank stared at the plate piled high with carrots, his expression bordering on despair.

"Mr. Martinez," the aide said brightly, "Mrs. Martinez specifically asked for extra carrots. She's thinking of your health. You must finish them all."

Frank had no choice but to force them down. After all, they were from Violette.

Violette kept her eyes on her phone, the faintest curve tugging at her lips though she kept her face composed. Frank chewed slowly, sneaking glances at her, his eyes full of helpless resignation.

When she finally set her phone aside and walked over to him, her tone was matter-of-fact. "Your eyesight has always been poor. The doctor recommended lutein, but you never listen. So now you'll eat carrots every day until your eyes get the nutrients they need."

Frank could only keep chewing. Arguing would do nothing but make her angry.

The next morning, Gwyneth arrived early to find Violette asleep on the sofa and Frank sitting up in bed, watching her as if she were the only thing in the room. Gwyneth couldn't help but laugh. Frank quickly pressed a finger to his lips.

"Don't wake your mother."

She stuck out her tongue and tiptoed to his bedside. "Dad, has Mom forgiven you yet?"

He shook his head. Gwyneth's face twisted in mock disappointment.

"Seriously? You've had all night and you still haven't won her over? Dad, you're hopeless."

Frank gave her a look that said he'd love to swat her if she weren't his daughter. "You little brat. Always stabbing me right in the heart."

Gwyneth grinned. "Fine, fine. I brought you breakfast. Consider it my peace offering."

She unpacked the sandwiches and small dishes Autumn had made that morning. Frank's eyes lit up at the sight of the side dishes.

"I haven't tasted these in years."

In this foreign place, nothing ever matched the flavors of home. Gwyneth stayed with him while he ate, but Violette stirred awake before they could finish.

"You two seem to be enjoying yourselves," she said coolly. "Frank, did you forget the doctor said no food before today's tests?"

Frank froze, scratching the back of his neck. "Violette… sorry. I forgot."

She gave him a pointed look but said nothing more, disappearing into the bathroom to wash up.

Gwyneth and Frank exchanged a glance. Gwyneth was about to slip out before her mother returned — better to escape than end up as collateral damage — but Violette caught her at the door.

"Did you forget last night's arrangement? You're staying here today. I have errands to run."

Both Gwyneth and Frank stared at her in surprise as she grabbed her bag and left without looking back.

Watching her go, Gwyneth sighed. "Dad, I think you've really made her mad this time. I can't help you."

Frank only smiled faintly. "You know your mother's temper. I have to take it slow. Push too hard and it'll backfire."

Gwyneth rolled her eyes. "You're quoting war strategy now? Seriously?"

Later, over lunch, Olivia picked up Gwyneth's call and listened to her rant about her useless father. Olivia's lips curved into an amused smile.

"Gwyneth, you underestimate him. A man who can serve as an ambassador is never simple."

Gwyneth frowned into the phone. "So you're saying my dad is using a sob story to win Mom over?"

Olivia laughed. "Stay out of it. Your parents have decades of history. They're not going to fall apart overnight. They just need to talk — and time."

Gwyneth made a face but didn't argue. "Never thought my dad was such a schemer."

After hanging up, Olivia finished her lunch and left the cafeteria, running into Alton and his team.

"Olivia, medical exams are tomorrow. I heard there's a new doctor in the infirmary."

Francis had been the one handling checkups for years. A newcomer was unusual — was Francis retiring?

Curious, Olivia stopped by the infirmary and met the new doctor, a striking woman with a warm smile.

"Ms. Smith, hello. I'm Zara Jenkins. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Olivia shook her hand. "Likewise. Tomorrow's exams — you'll be working with Francis to prepare?"

Zara nodded and followed Francis to sort through the files. Olivia watched her go, then headed back to her office.

Kieran arrived from training and handed Olivia a report. "I'm going to the hospital. Review this, and we'll discuss it when I get back."

"Go ahead," she said, taking the folder.

Kieran had barely stepped into the hallway when an excited voice called out.

"Kieran! I can't believe it's you. Do you remember me? I'm Zara — my father is Donald Jenkins. You saved me once, remember?"