Chapter 30
“You know me?” Gabriel looked at Maxine with curiosity, as if trying to recall when he had met her before.
Maxine subtly assessed Gabriel for a moment–he wasn’t too drunk and didn’t seem to remember her.
They had met before, even if only briefly, and Maxine had a strong impression of him.
She lowered her eyes, a soft chuckle escaping her mouth. “Yes, I’ve had business dealings with your father, so of course, I recognize you, Mr. Jenson.”
She didn’t want any conflict with Gabriel here and now, especially since his group looked like trouble. So, she opted for a white lie.
At the mention of his father, Gabriel toned down considerably.
Though still suspicious, he was much politer. “I see. I really don’t remember. What’s your name? Let’s have a drink together?”
“No, thanks. I’m here to meet a friend and am leaving now,” Maxine declined politely.
Gabriel couldn’t find fault with her response, just watching thoughtfully as she turned to leave.
By the time Maxine found Cleo and brought her out, Gabriel and his group were gone.
“What are you looking for?” Cleo casually asked, then sighed, rubbing her chest. “Take me to your place, and make me some pasta. I feel awful.”
Maxine helped her into the car and said, “Can’t. We’re heading to the hospital.”
Jessica was still waiting for her.
Sure enough, Jessica hadn’t slept yet when they arrived at the hospital.
Reeking of alcohol, Cleo entered the ward. Seeing her, Jessica hid behind Maxine timidly, peeking out with big eyes at Cleo.
Meanwhile, Cleo roamed around looking for food, and upon seeing Jessica, she found her curiously adorable. With a cheerful grin, she approached, “So you’re Jessica? Absolutely adorable! Come here, let me give you a hug.”
Maxine pulled Cleo back helplessly and pointed to a cabinet. “There is instant pasta inside. Make yourself some.”
“So heartless.” Cleo pouted.
With that, she turned around to find a bucket of instant pasta and some snacks from the cabinet, complaining, “Come on, Maxine, you can’t be feeding Jessica this stuff. She is still recovering. It’s way too lacking in nutrients.”
“No. It’s Maxine’s.” Jessica suddenly spoke up in a small voice. “She said it’s convenient.”
With that, Jessica tugged on Maxine’s sleeve again and said softly, “Maxine, you should eat something nutritious. When my hand gets better, I can cook for you at home.”
Maxine was somewhat surprised and asked with a smile, “You know how to cook?”
Jessica’s expression turned both proud and confident. “Mom taught me! I can make pizza, and pasta too.”
“Impressive! When we get back home, can you teach me?” Maxine asked.
“Sure!” Jessica replied.
Meanwhile, Cleo was having her pasta quietly while watching Maxine and Jessica chat happily.
After Cleo finished her pasta, Jessica was already coaxed to sleep by Maxine.
1/2
09:10 Wed, 18 Jun
Chapter 30
The two adults quietly left the ward and came to the hallway.
Cleo took out a box of lady cigarettes from her pocket, lit one up for herself, and casually handed one to Maxine.
Maxine hesitated for a moment before taking it.
Seeing this, Cleo put the cigarette in her mouth and smiled at Maxine. “Oh, didn’t you say you were quitting smoking?”
“Yeah, but you still gave me one?” Maxine said calmly
as
She took a deep drag of the mint–flavored cigarette, only to cough uncomfortably afterward.
“Take it slow, no one’s rushing you,” Cleo said calmly, her gaze somewhat unfocused as she looked at the dim sound–activated light in the hallway. “You and that kid do seem destined to cross paths.
“I don’t know about you, but that girl is more like your biological child than Brian.”
AD
