Chapter 396
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After Ashley and Amanda talked with Emily for about half an hour, Chase said, “I’ll be right back.” He’d been mostly silent during that time.
Emily impatiently said, “Go ahead, then.”
Chase left the ward. He was gone for over half an hour. Emily’s carer was attentive. She had been providing fruit, pastries, and tea for them. But not long after she left, Ashley noticed Amanda‘ tea was cold and went to refill the teapot.
Seeing Ashley do this herself, Emily remembered Chase. She frowned.“What’s Chase doing? He’s been gone so long.”
Ashley hadn’t given much thought to Chase’s departure. Now, hearing Emily’s complaint, she remembered Tanya was downstairs. He’d likely gone to keep her company. Still, half an hour was a long time.
After brewing the tea, Ashley poured a new cup of tea for the three of them. Just as she set down the teapot, Chase came back.
Emily snorted.“I thought you weren’t coming back.”
still makes the best tea.”
Chase simply smiled. Emily ignored him.“Ashley still
Chase didn’t join their conversation, but after they finished their tea, he refilled their cups at Emily’s request.
After another half–hour, it was getting dark. Ashley and Amanda decided to leave. Emily asked Chase to have dinner with them.
Chase hesitated slightly, seeming reluctant. Ashley and Amanda didn’t want to have dinner with him, either. Before he could speak, Amanda said,“No need. We’re going home.” Emily didn’t insist, simply asking Chase to see them downstairs.
Chase agreed, telling Emily, “I have some things to
to do. I’ll see you tomorrow.
“Fine. I don’t care.” Since her fall, Chase had been visiting the hospital frequently. He was being dutiful. Emily was mostly satisfied with him, only unhappy with his attitude towards Ashley. She sensed he was still determined to divorce Ashley.
As they left the elevator, they encountered Jake. Carrying a backpack, Jake greeted them.
Ashley and Amanda nodded.
Jake asked, “You guys going to dinner?”
Before Ashley could answer,
“I wanted to visit Grandma first.”
“Then hurry up.”
“Oh…”
Chase asked, “Why aren’t you at
school yet?”
After Jake entered the elevator, Ashley said to Chase, “There is no need to see use to the gate.”
Chase didn’t insist.“Okay.”
Ashley and Amanda approached their car. As they were about to get in, Tanya got out of a car.
“She hasn’t left yet,” Amanda commented, looking away. Ashley realized Amanda had seen her.
12:44
A
< Chapter 396
Menu
Watching Chase approach Tanya, Ashley recalled his half–hour absence from the ward.“They do look in love,” she commented.
Ashley fastened Amanda‘ seatbelt, saying nothing. As she started the car, she saw Jake running out of the hospital. He was surprised and happy to see Tanya and rushed towards them. Ashley glanced at them before driving away.
“Chase!” Jake excitedly ran over, staring at Tanya.“You…you’re Ella! I… I thought I was mistaken!”
Tanya knew Chase had a high school–aged brother, but they’d never met. She was surprised. Before she could speak, Jake continued, “Ella, hi! I’m a huge fan of you! I went to your race, your overtake at the 3.03–second bend was amazing. I watched the video dozens of times… I can’t get enough-”
Seeing that Chase raised an eyebrow, Jake asked, “Uh, you… you know my idol?”
Chase countered, “Is there a problem?”
“No, no problem.” Chase was older and well–connected; it wasn’t surprising that he knew Ella.
Chase asked, “Why are you down here so quickly?”
Jake slapped his forehead.“Right, right! I forgot something. Wow, it’s so late!” He rushed to another car.“Chase, Ella, I’ll go! I—”
་་
He remembered something and ran back, his face flushed. He looked expectantly at Tanya.“Uh, can I friend you on WeChat?” He hastily added, “I promise I won’t bother you!”
Tanya smiled.“Sure.”
Jake was thrilled, immediately friended Tanya. He thanked her and was about to leave when he remembered something else.“Can you sign an autograph?”
“Sure, but…”
Before Tanya finished, Chase said to Jake,“Go ahead. I’ll bring you her autograph later
Jake was relieved.“Thank you, Chase!” He ran off happily. He had thought Chase wouldn support his star–chasing, but Chase agreed readily. Perhaps it was because Ella was his friend.
