?Chapter 1053:

    As the pair headed for the elevator, Gracie hurried after them, refusing to let the matter about Brenna’s n drop. “Ethan, there are plenty of rtives who can take care of your grandmother. You shouldn’t rush off now. We need more time to review Brenna’s proposal; it’s too risky!”

    “I only have one grandma, and there’s always time to make money.” Ethan’s tone was cold. He had no patience for Gracie’s heartless suggestion.

    Once inside the elevator, Brenna reached for Ethan’s hand and tried to ease his worry. “Your grandmother has always been strong, Ethan. It’s just her pelvis; she’ll recover. Don’t worry too much.”

    A small nod came from Ethan as memories flooded back. “I spent half my childhood running away from fights with my mother, hiding at my grandmother’s ce. Even when my mother called me stubborn or caused a scene, my grandmother never med me. She would just pull me into the kitchen and cook my favorite dishes. She was the only one who really cared about me before.”

    Lost in her thoughts, Gracie looked at the elevator doors as they slid shut. Quietly, she whispered to herself, “Why does he care so much about his grandmother? Maybe she means more to him than I realized.”

    A moment’s pause was all she needed before she straightened up. “That must be it. I have to go there, too,” she said, her resolve hardening.

    Another elevator was waiting, and she stepped in without a second’s hesitation. At this point, Ethan had be her only lifeline. Deep down, she knew his heart already belonged to Brenna, so winning him over seemed nearly impossible. But what if she managed to win over his family?

    It dawned on her that Elsa’s dislike for Brenna might be her opening. Maybe if she yed her cards right, she could still tip the odds in her favor.

    Meanwhile, Ethan and Brenna emerged from the elevator, trailed by Neville. Calm as ever, Neville stepped forward and said, “Mr. Mitchell, please wait here. I’ll bring the car around right away.”

    Ethan nodded and continued sharing his childhood memories with Brenna.

    Brenna listened attentively.

    Within seconds, Neville brought the car over.

    At that same moment, Gracie hurried out of the other elevator and rushed over to join them. “Ethan, I’m genuinely worried about your grandmother. I know some of the best orthopedic surgeons in Norview; maybe I can help,” she suggested, already having rehearsed her pitch on the way down.

    ?????????? ?????????????? ???????????? ???? ?????????ν??????﹒?????

    She hoped Ethan would see the sense in her offer and agree to let her tag along.

    Ethan thought about it for a second, then agreed, “Alright.”

    The thought crossed his mind that if Belen’s situation became moreplicated, Gracie’s medical connections abroad might actually prove useful. Brenna recognized Gracie’s intentions immediately. She kept quiet, her expression cool and unreadable. When their eyes met, Gracie’s gaze flickered with hostility.

    They then all got inside the car.

    With Gracie now along for the ride, Ethan’s urge to share childhood stories vanished.

    The drive to the hospital passed in tense silence, the city lights blurring by.

    Inside the emergency ward, Belen remained under observation. Due to her age, surgery couldn’t proceed right away. Doctors needed to ensure her body could handle the risks before moving forward.

    .

    .

    .