Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 590

"You're right, Russel really knows how to charm my folks," I admitted, going along with Neil's comment. Instantly, Neil's expression darkened like a storm cloud, as if I had said something utterly outrageous.

Seeing the tension rise, Hiram chimed in, "Ms. Finch, thanks for visiting today, but I think I'd like to get some rest now."

It was his gentle way of giving me an out, sparing me from further clashing with Neil.

"Sure, you get some rest. I'll drop by tomorrow," I said to Hiram, offering him a soft smile, then threw Neil a glance that was meant as a goodbye.

He was too steamed to bother with pleasantries.

Outside the room, Mitch and Cooper were deep in conversation, but they clammed up as soon as they saw me, exchanging a quick, meaningful look.

Ignoring their silent exchange, I was about to head back to my dad's place when Cooper sidled up to me, a sheepish look on his face. "Irene, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?" I replied, keeping my tone neutral.

"Actually, it's two things," Cooper corrected himself, holding up a peace sign with a serious look on his face.

From a short distance, Mitch watched us like a hawk, quickly diverting his gaze when he caught me looking. He fidgeted, touching the wall then a nearby plant, clearly uneasy.

I sensed one of Cooper's questions was probably on Mitch's behalf.

"Shoot," I said with a slight smile.

Clearing his throat, Cooper asked the first question, "Uh... do you happen to know where Stella is staying? Mitch here is missing his wife and kid."

"Wait, ex-wife," I corrected him sharply.

"Right, right, he misses his ex-wife and wants to mend their failed marriage," Cooper quickly amended. Then he made a solemn promise, "Look, if you help him find Stella, I swear I'll keep him in line. If he screws up again, you won't even have to lift a finger; I'll take care of him myself!"

Mitch sneezed from afar, looking over at us with a confused expression.

Cooper was definitely a loyal friend, albeit a bit brutal.

Sadly, I couldn't help him. Stella had gone through a lot to move away from Mitch, and I wasn't about to betray her whereabouts.

"If Mitch wants to win back his wife, he'll have to find her himself. I'm not running a funeral service here," I shrugged, feigning ignorance.

Cooper looked like he wanted to say more but then turned to glance sympathetically back at Mitch before asking the second question.

"Could you give Neil another chance?"

"Sure thing," I replied, my heart aching for him.

"Ms. Finch, please don't be mad at my dad anymore. He actually still likes you. He's just upset seeing you with Russel," Hiram whispered, glancing at Neil, "I'll be moving away with my mom soon. Please give my dad another chance. I won't be in the way."

His words hit hard, but I didn't respond. These past days, I visited Hiram daily without exchanging a word with Neil, who was mostly away dealing with business, leaving us little time to sort things out.

Mitch and Cooper, ever the meddling duo, tried to persuade me every chance they got, only to be met with my cold shoulder and Neil's warning glances.

"Dad, can I give you a kiss?" Hiram asked Neil before entering the unit.

Neil hesitated, visibly stiffening. Hiram wasn't his biological son, and Neil's efforts were largely for my sake. Without that natural bond, Neil struggled to respond to such an intimate request.

Hiram's eyes shifted from anticipation to disappointment, yet he was mature beyond his years, stepping in to ease the awkward moment for Neil. "Alright, we'll save the hug for when I'm out."

He glanced around, seemingly searching for someone.

He was probably looking for Karina, who likely didn't know the exact time Hiram was scheduled to enter the isolation ward, so she wouldn't be here.

With a sense of loss, Hiram's gaze returned to the present, and he followed the medical staff by himself. Neil, however, caught up and knelt down, planting a gentle kiss on his forehead, "We'll be right here waiting for you, champ. Be strong."