Agatha served Esther a bowl of soup and placed it before her. "Eat slowly, have some soup.""Okay," Esther replied, her tone carrying a hint of melancholy.Agatha did not say anything further, simply eating her own meal beside Esther.Her recent surgery should not mislead one. Despite her age, enduring lengthy hours in the operating room demanded considerable stamina. Thus, Agatha approached her three daily meals with a significant degree of seriousness, understanding that the path to a better future necessitated consistent nourishment."Esther, you should take a nap."Esther's eyes glistened with tears as she replied, "I can't sleep." Her heart remained restless, the constant longing to see Felix keeping her mind in turmoil.Agatha produced a golden needle and administered an acupuncture treatment to Esther. In an instant, Esther's eyes closed.As a doctor, saving lives held more significance for her than anything else. A mere few seconds' difference could often pull someone ba
"She can be cured." Agatha rubbed her temples. "But she needs to be in a new environment.""Esther could come to Capitus."Oliver treated Esther as the child his sister had left behind. Regardless of blood ties, she was part of the Quill family. He would not give Bradley another opportunity to mistreat Esther."I also support Esther's move to Capitus, but..." Jasper subconsciously thought of Bradley and Felix and hesitated. "Would Bradley agree?"Oliver sneered. "Once the court finalizes the divorce, Bradley and Felix will have no relation whatsoever. Whether he likes it or not, Esther can live in Capitus."Jasper cleared his throat and added, "I hope Esther lives well. In her youth, she was like a little sun, warming everyone around her..."-Esther had a long, deep slumber, experiencing many strange and fascinating dreams. However, she could not recall any of the details after waking up."Ms. Quill, you're awake? Would you like some water?" the female bodyguard asked with con
Agatha glanced at the medical record that Liliane handed over and coldly declined, saying, "Ms. Anstey, I won't perform the surgery for you."Liliane's anger shifted immediately toward Esther, who was diligently writing a medical record beside Agatha."Esther, did you convince Dr. Foster not to perform my surgery?"If Agatha hadn't identified Liliane, Esther wouldn't have recognized this disfigured woman as Liliane.Liliane always cared too much about how she looked, often going to beauty salons and using the best skincare since she was young.Esther could hardly believe that the Liliane she hadn't heard from in so long had changed into this horrifying figure, looking neither human nor ghostly."Liliane, have you seen yourself in the mirror? With this look, I couldn't have known it was you," Esther retorted.Hearing Esther's remark, Liliane glared and pointed at Esther's nose. "Esther, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't look like this.""Liliane, how is your look my fault?""It
After Liliane left, the calm and peaceful atmosphere returned to the charitable clinic.Some attendees even shared videos online showing Liliane causing the disturbance. Upon learning about Liliane's bad behavior, many people rejoiced at her facing the consequences, almost as if they were cheering with symbolic fireworks.Lee (Liam) Mendenhall, the once-famous celebrity, had vanished from the entertainment world in an instant. A few unaware fans still held onto hope, eagerly waiting for Lee Mendenhall's comeback.The charitable clinic buzzed with activity. Agatha carefully reviewed medical records and related materials brought by family members, diagnosing each patient with precision.Some family members were thrilled to know that Agatha had surgical skills. Others, however, were devastated when Agatha's assessments indicated that surgery wouldn't work, and they should let their loved ones peacefully embrace their final moments.As the clinic came to an end, Agatha looked at Esthe
Felix replied softly, "Okay, Mommyyy!""What a good boy."Agatha extended her hand and patted Esther's shoulder, her voice gentle. "Esther, wait for me outside while I assess Felix's recovery.""Sure." Esther wiped away tears of joy and rose quietly from her seat."Son, Mommy will be right outside. Be good, okay?"Felix hummed sweetly.Esther emerged from the room, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at Felix through the glass wall.Agatha performed a postoperative check on Felix. His recovery surpassed expectations because of his youth and Agatha's surgical expertise."You can arrange for him to be transferred to a regular ward.""Of course, Dr. Foster."Agatha gently touched Felix's face and whispered, "You're such a good boy. Once you're in the regular ward, you'll be able to see your mother.""Okay!"Exiting the ICU, Agatha reassured, "Esther, Felix's progress is much better than I anticipated. You can be at ease now.""Thank you, Grandma Foster."Esther could no
The pediatric ward exuded childlike charm, with bulletin boards, wall paintings, and even the patients' clothing adorned in adorable cartoon patterns."Mommy!" Felix's voice called out to Esther from a distance.With her bodyguards at her side, Esther entered the hospital room. She carried packages of various sizes. Lying on the bed, Felix had a happy expression on his face."Are you hungry, my darling?""Mommy, I'm hungry."Unsure if Felix was able to eat, Esther sent a message to Agatha.Agatha replied: [He can have something light.]"My darling, we can have a meal now. Let's see what we can order from the hospital, shall we?""Okay!"Esther scanned the QR code affixed to the bedside table and placed a food order for Felix. Considering that the food was for patients, the options were quite bland."How about… banana oatmeal?""Okay," Felix obediently agreed.After ordering Felix's oatmeal, Esther sat beside him, softly saying, "Son, Mommy loves you.""Mommy, I love you to
Felix's move from the ICU to the regular ward had reached Bradley through Kevin. However, Felix wasn't in a hospital owned by the Warner Group. Meanwhile, Oliver's bodyguards were guarding the hospital, yet Bradley, caring for Felix, didn't insist on entering. Instead, he thought about discussing with Esther the chance to visit Felix.What surprised Bradley was that, despite changing six phones to reach Esther, she still avoided any communication. As such, he sat in the hospital garden, looking sad as he watched the ward's faint light. He knew Felix was awake. He just wanted to see Felix. But Esther wouldn't allow it. She remained as cold as always.Bradley sat on a bench, focused on his tablet for business matters.Today, Clark also learned about Felix's accident. He brought fruits Felix liked and approached Bradley."Sir, I want to go upstairs and see Felix.""She won't let you."His handsome face showed some coldness. He remembered the recent briefing from the legal team. Fe
Clark had been deeply involved in Bradley and Esther's affairs. He likely knew more about Esther's past feelings for Bradley than anyone else. Still, he found it disheartening to admit that Bradley and Esther were heading for divorce."Esther, I'm not here to plead for anyone. Since you've chosen to divorce, I'll naturally support you." Clark spoke gently. "I'm even ready to testify for you in court, but I have one request."Esther replied with surprise. "Clark, what do you need?""Let me stay with Felix," Clark said, his face showing bitterness. "Mr. Thomas meant a lot to me. He was overjoyed about your pregnancy. His biggest regret before he passed was not being there for Felix's birth. I'd like to be with Felix for a while until you find your daughter. After that, I'll leave. Is that okay?""Sure," Esther agreed.Clark smiled in relief. "Thank you."-With Agatha's incredible healing skills, Felix's health improved daily. Bradley visited the hospital garden often. Some smitte
Bradley's brazen words made Gabriel raise an eyebrow, and his scrutinizing gaze on Bradley intensified.Unfazed by Gabriel, Bradley calmly stated, "Mr. Sinclair, when I visited Shane recently, he handed me some video footage. It showed Esther being assaulted and abused in prison, with the perpetrators claiming it was my order. I've always dared to own up to my actions. What I've done, I won't shirk from. What I haven't done, I won't admit."Gabriel had seen the videos online. Even though Bradley had obscured the protagonist's face in the footage, he knew it was Esther. He had believed entrusting Esther to Thomas would ensure her safety, only to discover how fate twisted things."Bradley, I'll assume your words are true," Gabriel began. "Then tell me, if those people who assaulted Esther in prison weren't influenced by someone else, who put her in prison? Have you forgotten how you, in your irrational madness, expected a woman carrying your children to pay the price? Or do you believ
When Bradley brought up his grandfather again, he felt utterly unfilial as a grandson."Your grandfather's greatest wish before he passed was for you and Esther to live peacefully and happily. Sadly, all he witnessed was discord and enmity between you as a couple."Gabriel understood better than anyone that Bradley, in his youthful arrogance, felt that everything and everyone should conform to his desires. When Thomas compelled Bradley to marry Esther, almost like an arranged marriage, his rebellious nature surfaced."I've failed my grandfather's hopes," Bradley admitted with a bitter taste in his mouth.During quiet, solitary nights, he revisited memories of the past repeatedly.He hadn't desired that marriage back then. However, since he had promised his grandfather to marry Esther, he should have genuinely treated her as a wife.Despite the subsequent events not aligning with his wishes, he was painfully aware that if he hadn't been arrogant and unwilling to listen to Esther's
Esther wasn't pleasant toward Bradley. If she had evidence, she would gladly send him to prison to experience the joy of life behind bars.Bradley gazed blankly at Esther's stunning face, a hint of indescribable sorrow in his eyes. Those deep eyes resembled a chilly cold spring."Not only do you want to chop off my hand, but you also want my life, right?"Esther gestured a slice across her neck at Bradley with her hand, then turned away to tell Logan, "Let's go. Don't waste time on this.""Okay."With languid steps, Esther walked into the elevator. Once they were inside, the elevator doors shut.Outside the elevator, Bradley watched Esther and Logan like they were two puzzle pieces that matched perfectly. Instantly, he felt an unbearable heartache, as if his heart was being torn apart.He instinctively reached out to steady himself against the wall, observing the numbers on the elevator panel decrease until it stopped at the ground floor.It took a while before Bradley recovere
Throughout the entire night, neither Esther nor Logan had shut their eyes.Feeling their eyes strain, they applied eye drops. It wasn't until Esther noticed someone who shouldn't have been there on the surveillance footage."Logan, take a look at this."Perplexed, Logan asked, "What's going on?""Do you think this person looks like Shirley?"Esther was particularly sharp in discerning a woman's physique. She could immediately tell that the woman being supported by a man due to her intoxication bore a striking resemblance to Shirley."Let me see."Logan zoomed in on the surveillance footage, carefully comparing it with the footage containing Shirley. Physically, the two women indeed looked very similar.There was just one question... How would they confirm if she was Shirley?"Esther, stay here and keep watching the surveillance. I'll retrieve other surveillance footage.""Okay."Logan and Esther divided their tasks. Suspecting that the intoxicated woman might be Shirley, Est
Logan and Esther exchanged a glance. They fixed their intense gazes on Jason's face, unable to discern if he was smirking or provoking them."Mr. Taft, the evidence you seek will come."Jason scoffed. He seemed to transform into a different person as he put his glasses back on."Even if Shirley deceived me, I never wished harm upon her, let alone her death."I can consider your suspicions toward me as part of the investigation, but I hope that once everything is revealed, you can restore my innocence."I've said my piece. As long as Shirley hasn't divorced me, she remains my wife. I am obliged to cooperate in the investigation, and I hope you find her soon."Logan and Esther sensed something amiss with the first confrontation. They didn't say anything untoward until they exited the elevator and looked up at Jason's balcony outside.Jason stood on the balcony, looking at Logan and Esther and waving toward them.Logan and Esther looked at Jason before they turned and got into the
"She blocked me on all forms of contact at that time. I even tried contacting her through my colleagues' phones but found out she had blocked them, too. I thought she might be angry, so we should both calm down."Logan didn't speak and just listened quietly as Jason recounted the events of the case."I was angry that she blocked me. At my age, what's wrong with wanting a child? My parents were pushing for it, and I wondered if this marriage was what I wanted."Shirley is very beautiful. My friends and classmates say I'm lucky to have married her, but they don't know that beauty comes at a price."While my colleagues were buying properties, my wife kept changing bags. Her clothes, skincare products, shoes—everything was designer. To support her lifestyle, I work diligently, even taking extra freelance jobs to afford it."I thought I was a good husband and just wanted a child. What did I do wrong? If she had said that she didn't want a child after marriage in the first place, it wou
Gabriel took a long look at Esther, realizing more than anyone that Esther seemed to be heading toward a different extreme now. He wasn't certain if this shift in Esther's demeanor was good or bad.However, one thing was clear to him—the intersection of Esther and Bradley's lives resembled two lines crossing. After intersecting, they would drift further apart."Esther, you can investigate Bradley's criminal evidence. I won't object to that," Gabriel said with a stern face, emphasizing, "But ensure you complete your tasks on time and with quality.""Grandpa Gabriel, rest assured, I won't neglect my work."Gabriel nodded. "Go on then.""Alright." Esther stepped out of the office and approached Logan. "We can set off now.""Okay."Logan didn't inquire about Esther's conversation with Gabriel. Although they pretended to be engaged, Logan maintained a respectful distance from Esther. He wouldn't interfere much in her matters. However, he was aware that if she needed his help, he woul
Gabriel stated, "According to her husband, they argued before she went missing. He assumed she had returned to her parents' home and didn't inquire further since they often had cold spells for ten days to half a month. Their relatives and friends can testify to this."However, the cold spell extended to a month this time, which alarmed him. When he called her parents, they told him his wife never went home."Esther knew that the husband was often the first suspect when the wife went missing in cases like this."The wife bought a high-speed train ticket to her parents' home but didn't take the train back. The police traced her taking a ride-hailing car, and the driver claimed to have dropped her off on the street. The dashcam recording is proof. However, after that point, there's a blind spot in the surveillance footage. Usually, surveillance is kept for a certain period and gets overwritten after that."Logan asked, "What about the investigation on the missing woman's husband?""T
Esther rose, fixating on the distant scenery with clear eyes. "As long as he commits a crime, he'll leave traces."Logan was on the verge of speaking but was interrupted by the sudden ring of his phone."Hello, Mr. Sinclair."Gabriel's voice sounded grave. "There's a new lead.""Alright, we'll be right there."Logan stood up, turning to Esther. "We'll meet at the locker room entrance in ten minutes.""Is there a new development?""Yes."For most girls, ten minutes might not suffice even for basic grooming. For Esther, it was just right. The only issue was her long hair. Time was too short, and she lacked the opportunity to blow-dry it. Her damp hair draped over her shoulders, slightly soaking her T-shirt.Logan kept his eyes on the road. "I'll drive. You can use a towel to dry your hair.""Okay."As Logan drove, Esther sat in the car, patting her hair dry with a towel. Her hair was thick, posing a challenge to dry with just a towel.Nevertheless, Esther refrained from openi