what's going on with her

On the other side, Daniel finished his call and walked back to stand behind Alex.

"Mr. Howard."

"It's late. What's going on with her?"

They were also at the hospital, the same one as Isobel, but in a different section—the VIP ward.

"Miss Wilson seems to want to use the money from the card you gave her."

Daniel paused, considering whether to mention that Isobel had said something about her father being unwell, possibly in critical condition. However, due to poor phone reception, he hadn't caught the details. Seeing the expression on Alex's face, he decided against it.

Alex's expression darkened upon hearing Daniel's words. He hadn't forgotten that when he left, she had mentioned wanting a divorce.

How could she talk about divorce while still spending his money?

With a cold tone, Alex asked,

"Didn't you mention her dad recently took out a bridge loan?"

"Yes."

"Alright, inform the finance department not to release a single penny to the Wilson family, and keep her funds restricted."

"I understand, Mr. Howard."

Daniel left the hospital room after hearing the instructions.

...

When Isobel woke up again, she found herself in a hospital bed, and the sun was already shining brightly outside. She was momentarily stunned, then immediately thought of her father in the operating room. Panic spread across her face as she tried to get out of bed.

"Hey, don't move!"

The nurse who had taken her to pay the fees last night stopped her.

"You just woke up. Your body is still weak, and you need to finish the IV drip."

The nurse had just entered the room and was speaking as she walked over to Isobel's bed to change the IV bag.

It was then that Isobel noticed the needle in her hand.

"I'm okay, really. I just... I need to see my dad. Last night..."

"Your dad's surgery is already done."

"Huh?"

Confusion appeared on Isobel's face.

The nurse patiently explained,

"You fainted at the payment window last night. Dr. Carter from our hospital happened to be passing by and found you. He brought you in and, after learning about your situation, vouched for you so the doctors could go ahead with your dad's surgery."

"We later informed your mom. She came to see you, but she couldn't stay long because she had to be with your dad."

So that's how it is?

Someone had vouched for her dad.

Isobel felt a mix of emotions. The person she most wanted to rely on wasn't there, but a stranger had stepped in to help.

"Thank you," she said, unable to hold back her gratitude.

She was about to ask about the doctor who helped when a figure walked in from outside.

"Dr. Carter," the nurse called out.

Isobel turned toward the door, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Peter... Peter..."

Her eyes were filled with shock, but the man in the white coat simply smiled.

"What, a few years and you can't recognize me?"

"No, it's just... a bit surprising."

At first, Isobel hadn't recognized him, but now that he was in front of her, she knew exactly who he was.

"Dr. Carter."

He was her old neighbor from next door. They used to be quite close until her family moved when she was in high school, and they lost touch.

"Dr. Carter, you're a doctor now?"

"Yeah, is that so surprising?"

"Not really," Isobel shook her head. In her memory, he had always been calm and collected, traits that suited a doctor well.

Dr. Carter had a gentle smile on his lips, though it quickly faded. His voice remained warm.

"Isobel, you don't need to worry about your uncle. He's out of danger after the surgery. As for the medical bills..."

"Isobel..."

Before Dr. Carter could continue, a sudden voice came from the doorway.

Isobel turned her head to see Jason bursting in like a firecracker.

"Sweetie, you're finally awake! You scared me to death! How could you just faint like that? You have no idea, when I got the call from your aunt, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest."

Before Isobel could say anything, Jason was already talking a mile a minute.

Dr. Carter stood aside, watching Jason's excitement. He decided to hold off on what he was going to say and simply added,

"Your friend is here, so I'll step out with the nurse. If you need anything, just call me. My office is in the building next door, fourth floor, room 401."

He was very polite and courteous.

"Alright, Dr. Carter, we'll catch up later."

Isobel felt a small warmth in her heart for Dr. Carter's graciousness. As he led the nurse out, the room was left with just Isobel and Jason.

"Isobel, who was that?"

Jason watched Dr. Carter's figure as he walked away, suspicion in his eyes.

Isobel wasn't sure how to explain her relationship with Dr. Carter. Though he was just an old neighbor, before Alexander, she had... liked him.

"Just an old friend," she said vaguely.

Jason didn't quite believe her, but he didn't press further. There were more important matters to discuss.

"Alright, tell me what's going on. I heard a bit from Aunt last night about Uncle's situation. Don't worry about his medical bills; I've already covered them. You can pay me back later."

"But what about you and Alexander Howard? As Mrs. Howard, how can you not have money? And why is it that only you and Aunt are there for your dad in the hospital? Where's he?"

Isobel couldn't help but smile as she listened to Jason's rapid-fire questions.

"Can you remember I'm still recovering here? You're talking so fast, you're going to make me faint again. Which question should I answer first?"

Jason spoke up, straightforwardly,

"Alex."

Isobel's smile faded.

"No idea..."

She paused, then added,

"Probably with his first love."

"First love?"

"Melissa is back."

"What?!"

Jason almost jumped out of his chair.

After last night, Isobel was calmer than Jason.

"Keep it down."

Jason couldn't keep it down.

"How did she come back? Wasn't she supposed to be abroad? And why is she back? Is she trying to steal Alex from you? Is Alex getting involved with her again?"

Isobel didn't answer Jason's barrage of questions, but Alex himself provided the answer.

Because not long after, they saw Alex and... Melissa.

Here's what happened.

After Jason's questions, Isobel didn't respond and, tired of his pestering, made an excuse to have him accompany her to see her dad.

Their ward was in Building 1, while Mr. Wilson was in Building 2. To get from Building 1 to Building 2, they had to pass through the Little Daisy Garden downstairs.

It was during this chance encounter that Isobel and Jason saw Alexander walking alongside Melissa.

In fact, even before seeing them, they had already heard rumors about the two from passing nurses.

Nurse A:

"Oh my gosh, guess who I just saw? The head of the top-tier Howard Family. Wow, he's really handsome!"

Nurse B:

"Alexander Howard? What's he doing at the hospital?"

Nurse A:

"Apparently, his girlfriend is sick, and he's here with her. But it's just a minor cold, and he's treating it like a big deal. They're staying in the hospital's most luxurious room, and he even called several top doctors over."

Stuff like that.

If Isobel hadn't seen it with her own eyes later, she wouldn't have believed it.

That was Alexander Howard, after all. Who would have thought he'd go to such lengths?