Chapter 1857

Elizabeth’s unease persisted until Kristian assured her, “Absolutely.

I’ve briefed the doctor and supervised several rehearsals.

Everything will go smoothly.

Stop worrying and prepare for the outcome.

”

Seeing Kristian’s smile, Elizabeth couldn’t help but think of the polite and humble way he had treated Stella earlier.

She mocked, “You’re quite the actor.

You seemed so decent in front of Stella.

Anyone who sees you would praise you.

”

Kristian ignored her sarcasm and replied coldly, “Today, I finally understand why you always come up short against Stella.

You’re too immature.

Your emotions are written all over your face, and you can’t maintain composure.

What good can I expect from you?”

In the bedroom, Bella woke up from a nap feeling a little thirsty.

She picked up the glass beside the bookshelf, but it was empty.

Bella got up and was about to go downstairs to get a glass of water when she heard Elizabeth’s and Kristian’s voices coming from Elizabeth’s room.

Frowning, she approached the slightly ajar door, straining to catch their conversation.

However, just as she was about to eavesdrop, their voices ceased abruptly.

As the door creaked open, Elizabeth instinctively turned her head, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of Bella standing there, expressionless.

Suppressing her surprise, Elizabeth quickly averted her gaze and attempted to maintain her composure.

“Mom, weren’t you asleep? Why are you up?”

Elizabeth couldn’t help but wonder how much of her conversation with Kristian Bella had overheard.

Fear gripped her.

She might have revealed even more if she hadn’t noticed the shadow at the door earlier.

But she had already divulged quite a bit.

Bella’s tone was cool and measured as she responded, “I woke up to get some water and heard your dad’s voice, so I came to check.

”

Elizabeth’s eyes darted to the glass in Bella’s hand, realizing she shouldn’t have lied.

Despite her efforts to maintain composure, Elizabeth remained uneasy.

She attempted to carry on as usual, forcing a smile.

“It’s been ages since I’ve seen Dad, so we

ended up chatting for a bit.

And Andrew needed me to relay something to him.

I lost track of time.

”

Kristian echoed, “Elizabeth also mentioned your health to me.

I didn’t fully understand your condition over the phone, so I couldn’t help but ask a few more questions out of concern.

”

He took Bella’s glass and suggested, “Let me fetch you some water.

You should retire early and rest up for tomorrow’s examination.

”

Despite Kristian’s usual gentleness, Bella’s demeanor remained aloof.

She murmured a quiet thank you before advising, “Don’t stay up too late.

You both should rest as well.

”

Her tone lacked its usual warmth, and then she retreated to her room.

Once Bella was out of earshot, Elizabeth closed the door firmly, her heart pounding in her chest and her palms slick with sweat.

Anxious thoughts raced through her mind, and she couldn’t help but voice her concern to Kristian.

“Do you think she heard us?”

Kristian’s expression mirrored her concern.

After a brief silence, he replied, “I don’t believe so.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have remained so composed.

And we didn’t discuss anything of significance after our initial talk about the doctor.

Even if she did overhear, it wouldn’t matter.

”