Chapter 30 " You know me ? " Gabriel looked at Maxine with curiosity , as if trying to recall when he had met her before . Maxine subtly assessed Gabriel for a moment - he wasn't too drunk and didn't seem to remember her . They had met before , even if only briefly , and Maxine had a strong impression of him . She lowered her eyes , a soft chuckle escaping her mouth . " Yes , I've had business dealings with your father , so of course , I recognize you , Mr. Jenson . " She didn't want any conflict with Gabriel here and now , especially since his group looked like trouble . So , she opted for a white lie . At the mention of his father , Gabriel toned down considerably . Though still suspicious , he was much politer . " I see . I really don't remember . What's your name ? Let's have a drink together ? " " No , thanks . I'm here to meet a friend and am leaving now , " Maxine declined politely . Gabriel couldn't find fault with her response , just watching thoughtfully as she turned to leave . By the time Maxine found Cleo and brought her out , Gabriel and his group were gone . " What are you looking for ? " Cleo casually asked , then sighed , rubbing her chest . " Take me to your place , and make me some pasta . I feel awful . " Maxine helped her into the car and said , " Can't . We're heading to the hospital . " Jessica was still waiting for her . Sure enough , Jessica hadn't slept yet when they arrived at the hospital . Reeking of alcohol , Cleo entered the ward . Seeing her , Jessica hid behind Maxine timidly , peeking out with big eyes at Cleo . Meanwhile , Cleo roamed around looking for food , and upon seeing Jessica , she found her curiously adorable . With a cheerful grin , she approached , " So you're Jessica ? Absolutely adorable ! Come here , let me give you a hug . " Maxine pulled Cleo back helplessly and pointed to a cabinet . " There is instant pasta inside . Make yourself some . " " So heartless . " Cleo pouted . With that , she turned around to find a bucket of instant pasta and some snacks from the cabinet , complaining , " Come on , Maxine , you can't be feeding Jessica this stuff . She is still recovering . It's way too lacking in nutrients . " " No. It's Maxine's . " Jessica suddenly spoke up in a small voice . " She said it's convenient . " With that , Jessica tugged on Maxine's sleeve again and said softly , " Maxine , you should eat something nutritious . When my hand gets better , I can cook for you at home . " Maxine was somewhat surprised and asked with a smile , " You know how to cook ? " Jessica's expression turned both proud and confident . " Mom taught me ! I can make pizza , and pasta too . " " Impressive ! When we get back home , can you teach me ? " Maxine asked . " Sure ! " Jessica replied . Meanwhile , Cleo was having her pasta quietly while watching Maxine and Jessica chat happily . After Cleo finished her pasta , Jessica was already coaxed to sleep by Maxine . 1/2 09:10 Wed , 18 Jun Chapter 30 The two adults quietly left the ward and came to the hallway . Cleo took out a box of lady cigarettes from her pocket , lit one up for herself , and casually handed one to Maxine . Maxine hesitated for a moment before taking it . Seeing this , Cleo put the cigarette in her mouth and smiled at Maxine . " Oh, didn't you say you were quitting smoking ? " " Yeah , but you still gave me one ? " Maxine said calmly as She took a deep drag of the mint - flavored cigarette , only to cough uncomfortably afterward . " Take it slow , no one's rushing you , " Cleo said calmly , her gaze somewhat unfocused as she looked at the dim sound - activated light in the hallway . " You and that kid do seem destined to cross paths . " I don't know about you , but that girl is more like your biological child than Brian . " AD