Chapter 1796: Chapter 1796

Thaddeus was also intrigued.

What could possibly bring Balfour to the hospital?

However, it was surprising to see his wife, who usually had no interest in the outside world, showing curiosity about a young man. “Bertha, why are you interested in that chap?” He asked.

Bertha instinctively glanced around to ensure no one was within earshot before whispering, “The Howards are Marlinie’s ex-in-laws. The elder son you mentioned must be Marlinie’s firstborn.”

Thaddeus’s eyes bulged in surprise at this shocking revelation.

Over the years, he had developed a distaste for his wife’s best friend, Marlinie, who had always been a barrier between him and Bertha.

Consequently, he had little interest in Marlinie’s past. He only knew fragments from Bertha’s occasional comments.

He had no idea that she had once been married into the Howard family.

After learning from his sources that Balfour had come to the hospital to visit his injured father, Thaddeus relayed this information to Bertha.

Bertha’s expression turned even more complicated upon hearing this.

The father of Balfour was also Marlinie’s ex-husband, wasn’t he? And he was injured and staying in the same hospital?

What a twist of fate! Marlinie was still connected to that man in some way.

“Alright, you don’t have to come in with me. I’ll stay here with Lea and keep Marlinie company.” Bertha dismissed her husband at the hospital room’s entrance to avoid any unnecessary chatter.

Thaddeus had no desire to enter. The patient inside was his wife’s best friend, a woman. It would be awkward for him, a man, to intrude.

“Fine, I’ll leave some men here. Call me if you need anything. Don’t act on your own.” He instructed her.

Bertha nodded in agreement. “Mm-hmm.”

Just as Thaddeus was about to leave, a little hand grabbed his.

Thaddeus paused and looked down. “What’s the matter, Lea? Don’t want Daddy to leave? Do you want to come home with me?”

Lea shook her head. “No, Dad. I need you to do something for me!”

Although Thaddeus favored Sophia due to guilt, he still doted on his younger daughter. He bent down to eagerly listen. “Alright. What do you need?”

Lea whispered her request into Thaddeus’ ear.

After straightening up. Thaddeus agreed. “Okay, no problem. Stay here with your mom and behave yourself. Don’t wander off, okay?”

With a pat on Lea’s head, Thaddeus finally left.

After watching her husband’s retreating back disappear into the elevator, Bertha turned to her daughter.

“What did you ask your father?”

Lea shrugged. “Nothing much. I just asked Dad to teach those despicable women who bullied Ms.

Marlinie a lesson.”

Bertha sighed and led her daughter into the hospital room.

Marlinie was leaning against the headboard, staring blankly out of the window. She didn’t even notice Bertha sit down next to her.

Following Marlinie’s gaze, Bertha saw the tallest building outside the window, bearing the name ‘The Howard Group.’

“Marlinie, are you thinking about the past?” Bertha asked.

Shaking out of her daze, Marlinie offered her friend a faint smile. “No. I’m just daydreaming.”

After looking at Marlinie’s bitter smile, Bertha began to hesitate. “Marlinie, there’s something… I’m not sure if I should tell you…”

Raising an eyebrow, Marlinie encouraged her. “Tell me! We never keep secrets from each other.”

It was because of this that Bertha felt torn. She felt she shouldn’t reveal what she knew.