Chapter 314

After finishing the treatment session, Verena carefully carried out a series of examinations on Marisa.

When the checkup ended, a wave of relief washed over Verena, and a gentle smile appeared.

She walked over to Joseph and whispered,"Dad,with me back to Mom's side, I can see faint signs of improvement. Right after the therapy, her mood steadied, and her once-erratic pulse has begun to find its rhythm again. That's a good omen-the treatment is working."

Joseph, caught between surprise and joy, nodded slowly. "That's wonderful. To see your mother regaining strength-it's a blessing. Verena, treating her illness must weigh heavily on you."

Verena clasped his hand and answered warmly, "Dad,please don't say that. It's my duty, and more than that -it's what I want to do."

Sherwood, wearing a smile that looked both gratified and admiring, stepped forward. "Verena's skills are truly remarkable. Such swift progress! Joseph, with her tending to Marisa, I daresay recovery won't be farff."

et, behind his words, a fleeting shadow stirred in his yes-a shadow unnoticed by Joseph and Luis, who vere both too absorbed in relief to catch it.

Just then, Verena's phone rang. Glancing at the screen,she was surprised to see Miranda's name.

She hesitated briefly, and then looked toward Joseph."Dad, it's a call from a friend. I should take this."

Joseph smiled warmly. "Go on, Verena. A call from a friend is not something one should ignore."

With a nod, she stepped out to the open-air balcony.

The night breeze drifted past, playful as a child,brushing her hair aside.

She swiped the screen and greeted softly, "Hello,Miranda,what's the matter?"

On the other end, Miranda's slightly husky voice asked,"Verena, is Luis with you? If he is, could you pass the phone to him?"

Verena's brow arched with amusement. A mischievous smile tugged at her lips. "Miranda, don't tell me you've gone and fallen head over heels for him?"

The moonlight toyed with her expression, lending her a playful glow. Resting against the railing,she let s punquiet chuckle.

teils lence fell before Miranda replied with mock oyance, "Oh, stop teasing! Just hand him the )enine, or I'll truly be cross with you."

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ghing lightly, Verena straightened."Alright,alright.nenld on a moment."

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e turned back toward the living room.

2 9r e group drifted into lighthearted conversation,Jices weaving together in a gentle hum.

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larisa,half-reclined on the sofa,would now and then b≤2ta smile bloom as the television show coaxed her ttention.

Joseph and Sherwood were chatting idly on the other 。couch; Luis and Isaac were locked in a chess match,their words mingling with strategy; while Molly,phone b in hand, seemed distracted-her eyes kept straying toward Luis,betraying her pretense.

Stepping forward,Verena gently tapped Luis' shoulder,offering him the phone with a smile. "Luis, Miranda wants a word with you."

At once, Molly's feigned calmness shattered-her gaze lifted sharply, her heartbeat quickening as if drums were playing in her chest. She watched Luis th anxious intensity, hungry for every flicker of his action.

e had expected him to refuse. Yet, after the riefest hesitation, Luis accepted the phone and ralked with Verena back to the balcony.

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Aolly's eyes followed his retreating figure, her heart tangle of emotions she could neither name nor (117tangle.

ijLuis stood outside, one hand tucked casually in his npocket as the night air brushed his brow.

Hn a level tone, he spoke into the phone. "Miss Brown,what can I do for you?"

Miranda's playful voice drifted through. "Can't I call you without a reason?"

Luis' lips curved faintly. "Usually, people call for a reason."

He thought she would continue bantering,but her voice shifted, carrying a note of gravity laced with frustration. "Luis, I'm sick."

His eyes narrowed; he was ready to respond, but she interrupted with languid mischief. "It's lovesickness-andI need your kiss."

Her words were drawn-out, drenched with teasing triumph.

For an instant, Luis' composure cracked. His gaze lifted toward the endless dark ský, brows arched in surprise.

"You're drunk," he said-not as a question, but asa fact.

Her voice-so·like that fateful night-made it impossible for him to forget.

A soft, tipsy laugh slipped through the receiver."Yes,I'm drunk. But no one came to fetch me. What am I supposed to do,Luis?"

The playful grievance in her voice, tinged with warmth,carried across the line like an ember refusing to die.

Luis' gaze sharpened, his lips pressed into a thin line."Are you still at the party venue?" he asked, already pulling his phone from his pocket, his fingers sliding to his contacts.

"Are you coming to get me?" she murmured,intoxication seeping through her tone.

Then, after a pause, she giggled suddenly. "I'm teasing.The driver's already brought me to the hotel."

Luis froze, his hand lingering mid-air above the screen. Once again, she had toyed with him.

He pocketed his phone with a quiet sigh, eyes narrowing. "Miss Brown, your gift for mischief only sharpens with time."

Her reply was slurred, yet sincere in its resignation."It's the only way that works on you."

A little distance away, Verena leaned against the far railing. The dim moonlight traced Luis' profile,his face unreadable-yet, for the briefest heartbeat, she thought she saw the corner of his lips lift.

It vanished as quickly as it appeared.

Still, Verena was certain she hadn't imagined it.

The thought drew a smile from her as well.

"Verena," a voice called.

She turned. Molly was approaching.

Verena's smile lingered. "Miss Kirk, what brings you here?"

Brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, Molly answered softly, "I noticed you standing alone.I thought I'd join you. The night is beautiful, isn't it?"

She stopped beside Verena, both of them gazing skyward.

Verena nodded politely. "Yes. The moon is lovely tonight."

A hush fell. Then Molly, unable to keep her thoughts caged, lowered her head and confessed, "Verena,there's something I must apologize for."

Her voice trembled with guilt as she stood, shoulders squared but spirit burdened.

Verena raised her brow, curiosity sparking, and regarded her with quiet interest.