Chapter 23 Doubts in His Heart Lewis froze for a moment. His thoughts were a mess. Normally, he would never believe Athena. 67 Finished But for some reason, when he remembered the look in her eyes and the emotions she tried to hide, the doubt inside him refused to go away. "It was me who saved you. You saw it yourself, Lewis. Don't you believe me?" Nina cried sadly, as if she had been deeply wronged. Lewis looked at her pale face and the way she lay there so pitifully, and his heart softened. He pinched the bridge of his nose. Of course-why was he even doubting Nina? Maybe Athena had been showing up so often lately, stirring up trouble, that he had started imagining things. There was no way he had feelings for Athena. He took a deep breath, forcing down the irritation in his chest. Then he pulled Nina into his arms and said softly, "Nina, I was just asking. Don't be upset. I know you gave up a lot to save me back then." Leaning against him, Nina's face relaxed with relief. She had been scared he might have figured something out. But why had he suddenly asked her that? Athena probably told him something. Luckily, Lewis didn't believe her. Still, Nina knew she had to make sure he cut ties with Athena completely. In the hallway, the doctor reported to Lewis about Nina's condition. "Mr. Belmont, Ms. Green is fine now. She can be discharged and go home anytime." Lewis answered with a low voice, "Got it." Hearing this, the doctor let out a breath of relief. 1/3 14:39 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 23 Doubts in His Heart 67 Finished Nina's tests had all come back clear-nothing was wrong with her. But Lewis hadn't believed it before. Now that she was being released, at least this man wouldn't take out his anger on the hospital staff. Ned quickly handled the paperwork and came to Lewis's side. He reported, "Mr. Belmont, Ms. Green's discharge is done. Also..." He hesitated before continuing. "The compensation for the Cosmo Residence has been settled. That condo-do you want it listed for sale?" The place had been damaged. Ned thought it would take forever to repair and maybe even be unsafe afterward. Selling it seemed like the best option. Still, he wanted to hear Lewis's decision. Lewis went quiet. Cosmo Residence wasn't just any house-it was the one he had bought with Athena. Memories of their time there came back, all the little details of their life together. Dion had grown used to that house too. He remembered how much Athena had loved it when they first went to see it. After a long pause, Lewis said, "Keep it." Ned nodded, then asked carefully, "And Ms. Green's place too?" Lewis hesitated. He and Nina were already living in the villa now, so there was no need to keep her old place. His voice was steady when he replied, "Sell it. Once Athena's house is repaired, get it remodeled." "Yes, Mr. Belmont," Ned answered. He was surprised. Lewis had always put Nina first. Why was it different this time? Even so, he couldn't help but wonder-once Athena's house was ready again, would she really move back? Nina was finally discharged from the hospital. When she walked back into the villa, Dion rushed over, grinning from ear to ear. "Nina! You're finally home. I missed you so much!" 14:40 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 23 Doubts in His Heart He wrapped his little arms around her legs, clinging to her. Nina bent down and pulled him into her arms. "Mommy missed you too." They held each other tightly, not wanting to let go. 161) 67 Finished Lewis stood nearby, watching. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Nina was Dion's real mother. Even though she hadn't raised him for a single day, Dion seemed to feel a natural bond with her. The boy was different around Athena; Dion always ended up clashing with her. He thought Athena was too strict and didn't like being under her watch. The truth was, Dion had a fiery temper. Over the past few days, he had already driven away three maids. It seemed like no one but Athena could really handle him. Lewis suddenly remembered what Athena had told him before. She warned that if he didn't want Dion to grow up spoiled, he should limit his time with Nina. Maybe that was why this was happening. Dion had gone too far lately. How could I blame Nina for that? This boy need proper discipline. Lewis's voice hardened. "Dion, come with me." The boy froze at the stern look on his father's face. Fear flickered in his eyes. He glanced at Nina, silently begging for help. Nina instantly guessed what Lewis wanted to talk about-the incident where Dion had burned Athena's things. She stepped forward, pulling Dion behind her as if to shield him. "Lewis, he's just a child," she said quickly. "Even if he did burn Athena's belongings, it wasn't on purpose. Why get so worked up over something a kid did?" Send Gifts 名 150 3/3 14:40 Sat, Oct 18 From Betrayal to Brilliance. Her Rise to a New Life