Chapter 72

"Mom, what brings you here?"

Madeline rose from the bed, her body protesting the early hour, and perched on the edge, not quite ready to stand. Riley, clad in a pristine pink trench coat and sharp white heels, exuded an air of elegance. She gave Madeline a once-over and, seeing her upright, said, "Well, since you're up, it's time to check out and head home."

Madeline blinked in surprise. "Mom, is there a reason you want me discharged?"

Riley eyed her with a hint of suspicion. "Would you stay in the hospital if nothing was wrong?"

"Look around. Which daughter-in-law is constantly ill and always in and out of the hospital? It's bad luck."

Madeline thought, since when is getting medical help a sign of bad luck? However, she knew better than to argue with Riley. That would only invite a never-ending lecture on how a daughter-in-law should behave.

She bowed her head and replied gently, "Got it. I'll talk to the doctor. If I can leave today, I will."

Yet, Caleb had just told her yeste