Danielle froze in her tracks, her heart pounding. She turned back, her eyes cold as ice.
"Whether he lives or dies, it has nothing to do with me."
With those words, she turned on her heel and walked away, shopping bags in hand.
Millie stared after her, stunned for a moment. So stubborn?
If she hadn't come to check on Alexander, then what was she doing in the hospital?
Leanne shot Danielle's retreating figure a look of utter disdain, then let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Just like her mother—always pretending to be above everyone else."
"That's enough, Mom," Millie interjected, trying to steer her mother away. "Let's go upstairs."
They went up to Alexander's room. Leanne brought him good news about the latest deal, and the cake she carried was meant to celebrate—since Alexander couldn't attend the party, she'd brought it to the hospital.
After they'd eaten the cake, Leanne excused herself, citing urgent business at the office. She left soon after.
Millie tidied up the table, glancing at Alexander as she spoke. "I ran into Danielle downstairs. She was carrying a lot of groceries."
Alexander sat on the bed, eyes fixed on his laptop as he worked. It was hard to tell how much of Millie's words even registered; his expression barely changed.
The truth was, Alexander seemed completely indifferent to any mention of Danielle, as if he just didn't want to know.
Millie kept talking, filling the silence. "I thought she came to see you, so I told her not to worry because I'm here. But she told me your life or death wasn't her concern."
She looked over at Alexander's impassive face. "Did you two have a fight? Ever since I got back, it seems like things have been tense between you…"
"Want me to talk to her? Maybe at least clear the air."
For the first time, Alexander looked up, his eyes giving nothing away. "She knows exactly where things stand. There's nothing to explain."
Millie let it go, sensing there was no point in pushing further.
"The doctor said you'll need to stay here another three days. You'll probably have scars on your hand and back."
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