Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 636

Russell had never opened up to me about his troubles, including the chilly atmosphere at home, the mess at his company, or even his injuries. It was as if those topics were sealed off, hidden away from our conversations.

Surprisingly, he listened to me whenever I intervened, like that time I urged him to stop the destructive rivalry with Neil. A few harsh words and a threat or two, and he complied.

Yet here I was, feeling slighted because he hadn't been around to show his concern for me, his care seemingly dimmed compared to the past.

After hearing Louis spill everything about Russell, my lips moved but no words came out. My heart was swamped with guilt and discomfort.

"He's abroad, waiting for surgery. Aren't you going to visit him?" Louis pressed.

"Where is he?" I managed to keep my voice steady, though it carried an edge of challenge.

Louis seemed only interested in delivering the news, not engaging in a lengthy discussion. "Why don't you just ask him yourself?"

With that, he hung up. I didn't call back. Instead, I hovered over Russell's contact, debating whether to reach out. His career as a surgeon was on the line, his hands crucial to his return. But dialing his number meant facing my guilt head-on, possibly agreeing to visit him and stirring up settled dust in our relationship.

I shared my dilemma with Stella and the others, seeking their advice.

Alicia was the first to respond: "He's in Ylandia. I've seen him."

Me: "How did you know? Are you there too?"

I was unaware Alicia had traveled to Ylandia, probably due to something involving Sean. But how did she and Russell cross paths?

Alicia called me, explaining she encountered Russell while Sean was receiving treatment at a hospital.

"He went alone, didn't want anyone with him, and he made me promise not to tell you," Alicia sighed. "Honestly, he's been nothing but good to you. We all think he's the best guy you've ever been with."

"If only we were compatible. I hope his surgery goes well," I replied after a pause.

"You're not planning to visit him?" Alicia sounded surprised.

Russell's injury was a direct result of his attempt to save me, potentially altering his career forever.

Then, Dad brought up the topic of adopting Hiram, echoing Mom's sentiments and advising me to reconsider.

"Dad, I can't just follow your advice on this," I hesitated but stood firm against his suggestion.

He proposed finding Hiram a good home, but who would adopt an older child, already aware of the world's harsh realities?

"Rena, do you think Hiram could ever see you as his real mom? After all, Karina raised him. If she were locked away for good, maybe, but what if she gets out early? What then?" Dad had considered every angle, focusing on potential negatives.

I hadn't thought that far ahead. Believing in Hiram's judgment and loyalty, I dismissed these worries. His support in court had convinced me of his understanding of right and wrong.

"Let's talk about this later, Dad. For now, Hiram's still in an overseas orphanage, and it's Neil working to bring him back, not me. I'll just be there to support him," I concluded, not wanting to delve deeper.

Dad was clearly getting frustrated, "You're just too stubborn. Have you ever stopped to think why Neil would go out of his way to help you find Hiram? It's because he knows you've got a soft spot. And before you know it, Hiram might be his adopted son on paper, but in reality, he's just a means for Neil to get closer to you. Because of the kid, you're inevitably going to end up spending more time together, and Serena and Brandon will grow more accustomed to his presence. Do you get what I'm saying?!"

I couldn't entirely dismiss the possibility that Neil had that angle in mind, adopting Hiram as a strategy to get closer to Serena and Brandon. It had crossed my mind, of course. But something deep down told me that wasn't Neil's primary agenda.