Chapter 185: Anne’s sudden encounter with Denis
Anne hesitated, her eyes drifting to Paule. She didn’t want to go. After all these painful years, she just wanted to stay a few more moments beside her father.
Paule looked at her, his tired eyes softening as he slowly lifted his hand toward her.
But Patricia swiftly intercepted the gesture, taking his hand in hers. "Let her go," she said, feigning concern. "She must have left her job to come here. She should get back. Right?" Her eyes flicked back to Anne, sharp and dismissive. "You must be busy."
Anne felt the sting behind the words. It was clear they didn’t want her here. Swallowing down the ache rising in her throat, she nodded slowly. "Papa, I’ll come again later. I need to return to the office." She mustered a small, reassuring smile for him.
Paule blinked once and gave her a slow nod.
Anne lingered for a moment, then she turned and walked out.
As she stepped into the hallway, her eyes welled with tears. "It’s okay, Anne," she whispered, comforting herself. "He is awake. That’s what matters."
Anne blinked rapidly, forcing back the tears clouding her vision as she made her way down the corridor.
Just as she turned a corner, her phone buzzed in her bag. She quickly pulled it out and saw Helena’s name flashing across the screen.
"Hello?" she answered tentatively.
"Where are you?" Helena’s voice came through sharp and accusing. "Why aren’t you at the office? The boss is in a meeting, and you just walked out! How irresponsible can you be?"