Chapter 544

Patrick nodded and proposed, “How about we grab a bite to eat? I’ll drive you back afterward.”

Millie declined, shaking her head. “I’m not hungry. I should head back.”

Avoiding proximity was essential; she could sense Patrick’s growing concem for her.

Yet, the moment Millie declared her lack of appetite, her stomach emitted an unexpected growl,

abruptly plunging the atmosphere into an awkward tension.

During her earlier time at the hospital, gazing at her frail grandmother, Millie’s heart had been flooded

with compassion, rendering her appetite nonexistent.

Teresa’s attempts to provide a meal had been met with a mere two bites before Millie relinquished the

food.

After emerging from the hospital environment, her stomach inexplicably chose this inopportune

moment to growl with a rumble.

Patrick grinned, extending the invitation once more.

“Come on, a meal won’t take long. We finally crossed paths today. Who knows when. we’ll have the

chance to meet again?”

In the past, he’d regarded most girls as bothersome and artificial. He now recognized that his previous

disdain stemmed from the fact that he hadn’t encountered someone he truly admired.

Earlier in the day, a woman approached him, claiming to be a friend of Millie’s. She asserted that

Millie’s existence within the Thomas family was one of torment and oppression. Her status was akin to

that of a lowly maid rather than Marcus’ wife.

A trifecta of challenges plagued her existence: an unsupportive mother-in-law, an indifferent husband,

and the demanding care her ailing grandmother required.

Though skepticism clouded his interpretation of the girl’s narrative, an inexplicable unease lingered

within him. A nagging sense of doubt prevailed, and he found himself pondering her underlying

intentions.

Patrick’s response was nonchalant.

“That’s not my concern. Millie and I are unrelated. You’ve approached the wrong person.”

The woman then confessed, “Let it go. If you wish to locate her, she’s at this hospital. Her grandmother

is critically ill and confined here. Millie dedicates much of her time to her care.”

After the woman departed, he found himself oddly restless. After work, he reviewed the note she’d

provided, noting the address, and ultimately chose to investigate.

“Very well, let’s head to dinner.”

Should Millie refuse again, she might be construed as pretentious.

The two ventured to a nearby restaurant and placed their orders.

Patrick detected that Millie was not as talkative as during their initial orchard encounter.

“Have I caused you any inconvenience?”