Chapter 501: It Had Better Be as You Say

Nathan said placatingly, “See? They called, and I didn’t even pick up.”

Anne Sutton looked at him. “You’d better not. I’m going to check on Ian and Finn.”

With that, Anne Sutton left the room.

Lately, she had shifted her entire schedule much earlier to take care of him.

She just didn’t want to disturb his sleep.

Anne had barely stepped out the door when she heard Nathan making a call.

‘I knew he’d do this!’

‘Whatever!’

‘Let him be!’

She knew he had a lot on his plate.

She was being too strict with him lately. He was probably unhappy about it, but who knew what he was really thinking.

When Anne reached Ian’s room, he had just finished his bath. Seeing her come in, he said, “Mom.”

Anne walked over and took the next day’s clothes out of his closet. Ian asked, “Is Dad already asleep?”

Anne replied, “He’s lying down to rest.”

“Mom,” Ian asked, “is Dad sick?”

Anne replied, “Yes, he is.”

“Is it really serious?”

“…” Hearing her son’s question, Anne hesitated before saying, “It’s manageable.”

‘Manageable, maybe…’

But she remembered what Anna Linden had told her last time—his condition could worsen at any moment.

That was why she was being so careful now, trying to help him nurse his body back to health.

Ian said, “I’ll help you keep an eye on him from now on, Mom. I’ll make sure he gets his rest.”

Anne looked at her son and smiled. She sat down beside Ian and said, “You’re such a good boy, Ian.”

Hearing this, Ian took his mother’s hand and squeezed her fingers. “Mom, I love you!”

“…” Anne said, “Go to sleep. Don’t you have to wake up early tomorrow?”

He had been having trouble waking up for his morning classes.

That’s why Anne always tried to get him to bed early.

Ian smiled. “Okay, I’m going to sleep now.”

He lay down and tucked himself in. Anne watched her son for a moment, then turned off the light, left the room, and went to check on Finn.

Compared to Ian, Finn was much more guarded around Anne.

He didn’t say a word when she came in, remaining perfectly still and quiet.

Seeing that he was already settled and lying in bed, Anne said, “You should get some sleep. Good night, Finn.”

Finn looked at her and nodded. “Mm.”

Closing the door, Anne sighed in resignation. With her own son, she could be more casual, but with Finn, she didn’t dare overstep her bounds.

…

When she returned to their room, Nathan had already finished his call.

She came in and saw him lying on the bed.

She asked, “Still awake?”

“In a minute,” Nathan said, looking at her with a hint of guilt.

Anne looked at him but didn’t call him out on it.

She got into bed, lay down beside him, and started scrolling through her phone.

Nathan lay on his side, watching her. “Has it been busy at the hospital lately?”

“The usual,” Anne said. “Why do you ask?”

“It’s just that you’ve been coming home pretty early lately.”

Anne glanced at him. “And who do you think I’m doing that for?”

He pulled her into a hug. “Alright, alright, I know! I know you’re the best to me! I’ve already told them not to bother me with anything that isn’t important!”

…

Hearing this, Anne sighed.

The next morning, Nathan didn’t go to the office. Anne took him to the hospital for a check-up. Compared to his last one, his condition had improved slightly, but not by much.

At least her daily care was having some effect.

…

Anna Linden could see how devoted Anne had been to Nathan lately.

She looked at Anne and said, “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. He’s not a child.”

“I know,” Anne replied.

Seeing her serious expression, Anna remarked, “I used to think you didn’t love Nathan, but it looks like you really do care about him a lot, huh?”

Anna’s words made Anne a little embarrassed. She lowered her head and said, “I told Nathan… once he’s recovered, I’ll marry him.”

“It’s definitely time you made things official.”

Anna continued, “Your relationship is stable, and you have a child together. There’s no reason to keep putting it off. Besides, his grandfather is also hoping you two will get married.”

Anne nodded. “I know. Oh, by the way… this is for you. It’s an engagement invitation from Stella Shields and Silas Hawthorne.”

Anne handed the invitation to Anna.

Anna opened it and glanced inside. Her expression darkened. “Is he insane?”

Anne couldn’t tell if she was talking about Stella or Silas.

She looked at Anna and asked, “Will you be going? Nathan and I are planning to, but it’s fine if you’d rather not.”

“I’m not going,” Anna said. “I have no idea what Stella is thinking, insisting on being with a man like him.”

“Did you know Silas Hawthorne from before?”

Anne’s question made Anna freeze. She looked at Anne but didn’t answer, simply saying, “You can go now.”

…

Anne understood that Anna didn’t want to discuss it, so she didn’t press the issue.

After leaving Anna’s office, Anne went to find Nathan.

He was waiting for her downstairs.

…

Anna picked up her phone and called Silas Hawthorne.

Silas answered quickly. “You need something?”

“You’re getting engaged to Stella Shields?” Anna’s voice was ice-cold.

Silas said, “So you’ve heard. You’re welcome to come to our wedding, you know.”

“…” Anna retorted, “Silas Hawthorne, have you lost your mind? She’s so much younger than you she could call you ‘Uncle’.”

Silas said, “Her brother wanted to give her to me. I heard you used to dote on her… I only agreed to marry her as a favor to you.”

“You’re sick!” Anna snapped. “I have no idea what goes on in that head of yours.”

“What I’m thinking? Don’t you know perfectly well?” Silas chuckled softly into the phone. “If you don’t want me to marry her, you just have to say the word. I’ll agree to it. You know I’ve never been able to refuse any of your requests.”

“What does that have to do with me?” Anna was furious. ‘I just can’t believe that Stella, who I’ve known for so many years, would end up getting ruined by Silas of all people.’

‘The very thought made her livid.’

‘It almost felt like this was her fault!’

Silas continued, “Since you won’t say anything, I guess I’ll just have to be with her. To be honest, I’ve spent all these years wondering what kind of person I would end up marrying.”

“…” Anna’s expression was grim. “I hear you’ve been going after the Linden Family lately.”

Silas laughed. “Of course not. I’m just having a little fun with Nathan Fawcett. Has word already reached your ears? Did he go crying to you? The Linden Family will be fine, you can rest assured.”

‘His only target was Nathan Fawcett!’

“It had better be just as you say,” Anna said.

With that, she hung up.