apter 13 Chapter 13 65 vouchers In the ward , Ernest , Sylvia , and Irene all turned toward the voice . Their expressions shifted the moment they saw Stella standing in the doorway . Sylvia awkwardly pulled back the plush toy . " I just thought Irene might be bored in the hospital all by herself . Stella ignored her and looked straight at Ernest . " I contacted you last night and told you Irene has allergies , " she said , her voice shaking slightly and her hands trembling at her sides . She had to admit she still cared about her daughter . " Now Irene is in the hospital because of an allergic reaction , and you didn't even bother to find out what caused it . Ernest , is this how a father should act ? " Stella stared coldly at him . It was the first time she had ever spoken to him with such conviction . For a moment , everyone in the room was too stunned to react . Ernest sat with a deep frown , while Sylvia looked more uncomfortable than ever . " Irene , I'm so sorry . This is my fault . I should have taken better care of you ," Sylvia said hastily , her voice flustered . " I'll leave now . Please rest well ." When she heard that Sylvia was leaving , Irene's face fell . Then she looked pleadingly at Stella . " Mom , please don't be mad at Ms. Jansen . I was the one who wanted the face paint . And I'm okay now . Can we just drop it ? " Stella looked down at Irene's still - flushed cheeks . Her heart ached as she saw Irene defend Sylvia so desperately . When Stella stayed quiet , Irene's lips trembled , her eyes welling up with tears . A suffocating silence filled the ward . It was Ernest who finally broke it . " My fault . " As he stood , his suit jacket swept coldly through the air . Then he stepped closer to the bed , his shadow falling over Stella . " I'll have Sean prepare a full list of Irene's allergens . It won't happen again. " His voice was deep and steady , giving away nothing of what he felt . Stella thought to herself , ' I only said a few words about that plush toy , and they both jumped in to take the blame , not daring to say one word against Sylvia . What else can I even say ? Now Irene's looking at her like that , clearly not wanting her to leave . How pathetic of me to come rushing here in a panic .' Stella let out a soft laugh . Her eyes settled on Ernest , all emotion now carefully held back . " Richard wants us to bring Irene to Lloyd Manor tonight . I tried calling you several times. Since you didn't answer , I came myself ." Ernest froze . He glanced at his phone but offered no explanation . " Okay . The doctor said Irene can be discharged after this IV drip . We can go back to Lloyd Manor tonight . " Stella gave a brief nod . " Message delivered . I still have work to do , so I'll be on my way ." Ernest looked faintly surprised that she was actually leaving . In the past , Stella had always put Irene and him first , never letting anything get in the way of caring for them . But then he figured it out . ' She's even working on the weekend . She must be struggling to get used to having a job . ' Ernest's tone softened . " Let me know what time you finish work . Once the doctor confirms Irene is okay , we can come pick you up ." Stella refused without hesitation . " That won't be necessary . Let's just meet at the entrance of Lloyd Manor at a set time ." Her cold attitude made Ernest's brow furrow even deeper . The sound of Stella's heels faded down the hallway . It was Sylvia's gentle voice comforting Irene that finally snapped Ernest 1/2 3:25 pm P P P P Chapter 13 back to the moment . 55 vouchers When he looked down , he saw Irene pouting , her expression full of grievance . " What's wrong ? You could even tie a ribbon on that lower lip . " Irene felt a deep sadness welling up inside , and her mind was flooded with tangled thoughts . ' I don't hate Mom . I also want to be with Mom . She's been working every day and didn't even come home at night . I really miss her ! ' I thought when Mom started working , I could play more with Ms. Jansen during the day , and still come home to Mom's warm oatmeal and her hugs at night . But now Mom doesn't come home at all , and she's so cold to Ms. Jansen ! ' Why can't they just get along ? Why does Mom always get upset whenever Ms. Jansen is around ? Before , whenever Ms. Jansen wanted to take me out, Mom would say it was too late or too dangerous or that my allergies might act up . No wonder Ms. Jansen thought Mom was just trying to keep us apart . ' And this time , I was the one who wanted the face paint , but Mom blamed Ms. Jansen without even asking . Even giving me a plush toy was wrong . Mom must have heard us talking about the amusement park at the door . That's why she brought up Great - Grandpa , just to ruin our plans ! ' I wanted to talk to her about it , but she seemed so angry . I didn't dare . Why isn't Mom happy when someone is nice to me ? Doesn't she want me to have fun ? ' " Dad , " Irene began softly under the gaze of Ernest and Sylvia , her voice barely a whisper . She felt torn . ' If I say I'd rather go play with Ms. Jansen than visit Great - Grandpa , will Dad get mad too ? It has been a while since we saw him . Mom has become so sneaky lately , even using Great - Grandpa against us . How annoying . Sylvia seemed to know what Irene was thinking and smiled gently . " It's okay , Irene . If we can't go to the amusement park this weekend , we'll go next time . Don't be sad , alright ? " Sylvia's words only made Irene feel worse . ' See ? Ms. Jansen gets me right away . Why can't Mom ? ' Irene complained silently to herself . " Dad , let's go see Great - Grandpa tonight , but can we leave early tomorrow ? " Irene took Ernest's hand , swinging it gently as she pleaded . " You can just say you have to go to the company . Great - Grandpa won't mind . Please , Dad ? " ' Only when Dad says he has work will Great - Grandpa let us leave early . And then not even Mom can stop us . I'm such a genius ! ' In that moment , Irene felt she was the cleverest girl in the world . " We'll see , " Ernest replied vaguely . Even so , Irene happily hugged Sylvia . In her mind , as long as her dad softened even a little , that meant yes . The heavy atmosphere in the ward lifted completely , replaced by light conversations and laughter , as if the earlier tension had never existed . AD