Chapter 25 A Business Trip in Operose +25 BONUS I redialed Matthew's number , but a mechanical voice informed me that the call couldn't connect . I squatted in frustration , but the thought of my daughter's fever struck me . Then I gritted my teeth , forced myself to stand , and returned to the lobby . 1 I tried calling Ivanna when I arrived , but her phone was off too . I paced around in panic and wondered where those two could've gone . At that moment , I felt like my pleas were falling on deaf ears . 8 Ultimately , I reluctantly called my in - laws . Although it was past one in the morning , and I didn't want to disturb them , I had no other option . Sure enough , my mother - in - law answered and sounded alarmed , " Chlo ? What's wrong ? It's so late . Is something wrong ? " I had trouble answering her question but soon apologized and told her about Ava's high fever and that I had no cash . My in - laws said they would rush to the hospital and quickly hung up . When they arrived , the doctor had already put Ava on an IV drip and diagnosed her with acute pneumonia . 1 I felt guilty that my in - laws had to rush to the hospital in the middle of the night . " Why'd you come ? You could've told Melanie to bring me the money since it's so late . " 2 " She said she went to the Operose with her brother for business . She wasn't home , " my mother - in - law explained , then hurried to Ava's bedside . " How did it get this severe ? What's her temperature ? " 1 " It's already 39.5 degrees . Ava has acute pneumonia . Can you watch over her while I pay the bill ? " I asked my in- laws before rushing to the counter , cursing Melanie inwardly . 7 She was just a burden at this point . What business could she possibly have with her brother ? The least she could do was not cause any trouble . 3 Once I settled the bill , I told my in - laws to go home . However , my mother - in - law insisted on making us some food before leaving . Afterward , I watched my daughter's face gradually regain its color . I immediately felt a massive weight lifting from my chest . 3 Still , all the money in the account had disappeared , and I felt uneasy . Various possibilities raced through my mind , making me increasingly conflicted . 1 Thankfully , Ivanna returned my call at five in the morning when she checked her phone . " Chlo , what's going on ? Why'd you call me in the middle of the night ? My phone died last night because I forgot to charge it ! " 3 " Ava developed a high fever and has pneumonia . I had to take her to the hospital so late at night , and I didn't have any money , " I explained as tears rolled down my cheeks.1 " Damn it . Which hospital are you at ? Wait for me there ! " Ivalla replied urgently . 2 " Klinein Hospital . " I sniffed . Ivanna found us in less than half an hour . When she entered the ward , she felt Ava's forehead , saying , " Is she getting better ? " I nodded . " The fever's going down . " 2 " Then why are you crying ?! " Ivanna exclaimed , looking at me skeptically . 1 I wiped my tears and told Ivanna about the missing money . She narrowed her eyes and looked at me in disbelief as I stated my suspicions . Once I finished explaining the situation , she cursed through gritted teeth , " Damn it , We're a step behind that asshole . " 4 1/2 Chapter 25 A Business Trip in Operose +25 BONUS I felt helpless with Ivanna's confirmation . I covered my face and suppressed my cries , fearing waking Ava or scaring her . She was still so young , and I didn't want her to know our family was in chaos . Ivanna held my trembling shoulders and squeezed them , attempting to give me strength . After a while , I looked up with clenched fists and stared at Ivanna with bloodshot eyes . Then I growled , " I must confront him and find out what he's up to ! I had nearly a decade's savings , our safety net for Ava . I'll get to the bottom of it . " Ivanna shook her head . " Now isn't the right time . " " But I can't just sit back and watch him wreak havoc ! That's mine and Ava's money . You know that , Ivanna . When we saved that money and put it on his card , he gave the card to me to make me feel secure . " He even set up WhatsApp notifications for the card , but the money is gone . When did it disappear ? I didn't receive any notifications . What does that mean ? " 4 Ivanna was speechless . Ultimately , she comforted me and told me not to be hasty . Just then , my phone buzzed , and I grabbed it and saw that it was Matthew calling . 2 I was so angry that I was about to answer , but Ivanna was quicker and grabbed the phone from me . " Give it back ! " I shouted in anger . 1 Instead of returning my phone , Ivanna stared at me and asked solemnly , " Chlo , do you want to get that money back ? " 4