The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1797

Bertha fell silent for a moment before addressing the elephant in the room. “I was talking to Thaddeus outside when I saw the eldest son of the Howard family.”

Marlinie’s face turned ashen, and her pupils dilated in shock. She grabbed Bertha’s hand as her voice trembled with emotion. “What happened? Why is my son in the hospital? Is he unwell?”

Bertha tried to calm her down. “No, no! He’s not sick. Marlinie, you need to cool off. You’re still hooked up to an IV. Just relax; I’ll explain everything.”

How could Marlinie not be agitated? That was her son.

She tried to compose herself. “Alright, tell me… I’m listening.”

Bertha continued once Marlinie had calmed down. “It was Thaddeus who told me. He’d checked to see why the Howard boy had come to the hospital. It turns out his father was also admitted here, and he had come to visit him.”

Marlinie’s face hardened slightly. “Oh, I see…”

Bertha watched her carefully. “Is there anything else you want to know?”

expression was unreadable. “As long

you want me to check up

ask Thaddeus to keep my hospitalization a secret? Balfour is a smart kid; he might find out I’m here. I don’t want to see anyone from the Howard

Thaddeus

a bitter smile. “Thank you.”

you still so formal with me? Do you want me to call Ellinor and make her come see you? It might be a good opportunity for you two

dismissively. “No, I don’t want her to see me

you’re

the torment of the Howard family,

Marlinie suddenly asked, “What floor and

thinking Marlinie had changed her mind and wanted to see her

same floor as you.

nodded. “Bertha, can you ask Thaddeus one more favor? I’d like to change rooms. Put me

“Of