Chapter 322

Chapter 322:

“Susan, who is this?” Erick inquired.

“Grandpa, this is Madisyn’s mother, Elaine Johns,” Susan introduced with respect. She paused briefly before adding, “And this is Madisyn’s eldest brother, Dane Johns.”

“Oh, Dane!” Erick smiled warmly. “So, you’re Madisyn’s brother!”

Everyone was slightly surprised by Erick’s recognition. Did Erick actually know Dane? Susan looked at Erick, puzzled.

Erick elaborated, “The last time I went for a stroll, I nearly fell, but this young man was there to assist me. We had a nice chat and really connected. I had no idea he was Madisyn’s brother!”

Elaine was tickled by the coincidence. “Oh my, Dane, helping out and not even mentioning your name? What a small world we live in, isn’t it?”

Dane nodded and said, “It truly is. I also didn’t realize he was Susan’s grandfather.”

Everyone was pleasantly surprised by the chance encounter, but Madisyn sensed that Dane had lied. It seemed clear he had known Erick was Susan’s grandfather.

Elaine then presented a box. “Mr. Bowers, I’ve brought you some nutritious items. Please eat them regularly—they’re excellent for your health.”

Erick glanced at the high-quality products and immediately gestured with his hand. “No, no, that’s too generous. You’re too kind, Elaine. Madisyn has already helped Susan a lot, and now you’ve brought such expensive items. I can’t accept this!”

“Of course you can. Susan is Madisyn’s friend, and it’s only right that they support each other,” Elaine responded with a warm smile.

Erick’s eyes reddened. At his age, he knew how rare true friends were, and he recognized the exceptional nature of Susan’s friend. Throughout his illness, only a few people had visited him; some relatives even avoided him. Yet here was Madisyn’s mother, visiting him willingly.

Susan served water and invited everyone to take a seat. Elaine engaged in conversation with Erick, while Dane sat close by and occasionally joined the discussion.

As Susan watched the scene unfold, she felt the atmosphere shift. The hospital room had felt dreary for so long, but now it felt like a gathering place filled with warm conversation and laughter.

Suddenly, Susan’s eyes met Dane’s. His gaze was deep, like a dark abyss, pulling her in momentarily. She managed to break away, her heart racing.

Damn it. Dane still had a profound effect on her.

Madisyn, quietly seated nearby, sipped her water and observed the pair interact. It would be a loss if they didn’t end up together. What exactly had happened between them?

At noon, Elaine, Madisyn, and Susan went out to grab lunch, leaving Dane to keep Erick company.

As they walked, Elaine suddenly inquired, “Susan, do you have a boyfriend?”

Caught off guard, Susan responded, “No, I don’t.”

“And what do you think of Dane?” Elaine asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. From the moment she met Susan, Elaine had taken a liking to her. Despite Susan being shy and reserved, her sweetness and good manners had charmed Elaine.

Just now, Elaine had noticed something intriguing about Dane. Typically, he considered interactions with women a nuisance, but today, he seemed frequently distracted by Susan.

Elaine was no fool—she quickly realized that Dane’s rescue of Susan’s grandfather wasn’t just a coincidence. Dane was always so strategic!

Knowing her son well, Elaine recognized that Dane, being both proud and cunning, was unlikely to initiate anything. So, as his mother, she felt compelled to help him a little.

As Elaine gazed expectantly at Susan, Susan blushed. “Mrs. Johns, why bring this up suddenly? Dane is Madisyn’s brother, and I regard him as my brother too.”

“But how do you see Dane as a man?” Elaine persisted, her gaze eager.

At that, Susan’s thoughts drifted to a previous night, causing her cheeks to redden further. “Well… Dane… He’s definitely a good man.”

Elaine’s excitement mounted as she observed Susan’s shyness. Maybe there was a spark between Susan and Dane? Could it be that they both harbored feelings for each other?

“Susan, would you consider Dane? If you became my daughter-in-law, you and Madisyn could live together. I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the family,” Elaine said, her eyes alight with hope.

Susan felt a bit lightheaded. “But Mrs. Johns, shouldn’t you discuss this with Dane?”

“No need. He’s fond of you; I’m certain of it,” Elaine responded with confidence, patting her chest.

Madisyn watched silently, realizing it was clear to everyone but Susan that Dane had feelings for her.

Susan’s face grew serious. “Mrs. Johns, I think there’s been a misunderstanding. He doesn’t have feelings for me. He’s interested in someone else.”

Elaine was startled. “That can’t be right. I know my son. Susan, why do you think he’s interested in someone else?”

“I saw it myself. That girl claimed to be his girlfriend,” Susan answered, feeling a pang of sadness.

Was there really such a profound misunderstanding between them? Madisyn was taken aback. So this was the reason for their awkward interactions! No wonder! She quickly inquired, “Susan, Dane denied it, didn’t he?”

“He didn’t,” Susan responded, her tone filled with bitterness.

.

.

.