The Sway and Slide of Love

"I saw some news about you recently. You're unable to work for the time being, right?" Beatrice slowly said. "Although Ms. Swift is a loyal friend and her family has a solid background, at the end of the day, Rosie is still my granddaughter.

"So, I don't want to see her depending on someone else for her life. And I know you feel the same way. Besides, she'll need time to recuperate after the surgery. The medical resources in Coppersville are among the best in the country, so staying here is the most logical choice.

"As for my home, you've been there. It's quiet-just me and a few household staff. You can rest assured that Hendrix rarely goes there. So, why don't you think it over?"

Beatrice's tone was calm and measured. It was clear she had prepared in

advance. Every word was deliberate, laying out all the pros and cons for Noelle to consider.

Noelle stared at her for a moment before asking, "Why?"

"What?"

"Why would you want us to move in with you?"

"I've already told you. It's because_"

Noelle shook her head. "But that's not the real reason, is it? You think there's still

a chance between Hendrix and me. You want to use this to bring us back together, don't you?"

Beatrice was briefly stunned, then smiled. "If you want to think of it that way, then I won't deny it. But to be honest, the deeper reason is that I'm getting old, and it makes me a little envious to see my peers being surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

"I've lived alone for far too long. Having a child around would make my life much livelier."

"But what if I refuse? Would you still go through with the surgery?"

"Of course," Beatrice answered without hesitation. "I've said before that Rosie is my granddaughter. So it's only right for me to do this. I'm merely offering a suggestion, not forcing you to agree. If you think about it rationally, you'll realize that my proposal is truly what's best for Rosie."

Noelle remained silent. She slowly lowered her eyes, staring at her fingers.

Beatrice didn't rush her. She simply sat quietly, waiting.

Finally, Noelle lifted her head. "Okay. I'll take you up on your offer."

Everything went smoothly after that. Beatrice quickly signed the consent forms, and even the surgery date was set.

But on the day the doctor informed them of the surgery schedule, Hendrix showed

up.

It had been days since he appeared

in front of Noelle. There had been no communication between them at all. As Seline had put it, it was as if he had disappeared into thin ai

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And now, it was like he had come back from the dead.

Noelle was truly afraid something might go wrong again. So the

moment she saw Hendrix, shel

immediately stood up, her eyes fixed on him with a wary gaze.

Rosie, who was lying on the hospital bed, instinctively grabbed Noelle's hand. "Mommy..."

Noelle paused and quickly moved to shield Rosie behind her.

When Hendrix saw that, the smile on his lips became even more mocking.

"Come out," he said.

With that, he turned and walked away.

Noelle frowned. But before she could react, Rosie tightened her grip on her hand.

She turned and smiled at her. Then,

she patted the back of her hand gently and said, "There, there. Mommy's just stepping out for a bit. Be a good girl and wait for me here, okay?"