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Chapter 76
Chapter 76
11
Doris and Laura exchanged glances, wanting to hide the truth from their mother, but Jimmy coldly spoke first, “Stage II breast cancer. The doctor said surgery is necessary, and we need to prepare a hundred thousand dollars. Otherwise, we can go for palliative care.”
Peyton’s faint smile froze. The light in her eyes dimmed, as if her life had been sucked away in an instant.
Doris held Peyton’s cold hand tightly. “Mom, it’s going to be okay. The doctor said the surgery is very advanced. If we follow the treatment properly, the five–year survival rate is as high as 80%. Mom, let’s do the surgery. You’re going to get better.”
Laura agreed, “Mom, we will definitely cure you.”
Peyton turned slightly and looked at her two daughters, whose eyes were filled with worry.
She forced a smile. “Laura, Doris, don’t worry about me. I’ve lived this long; I’m not afraid of death”
“Mom, don’t say that. You’ll live to be a hundred,” Doris said, her heart aching. But she couldn’t show any sadness. Instead, she had to force a smile and comfort Peyton. Such a feeling was truly unbearable for her.
“That’s right, Mom. As long as you have the surgery, you’ll get better,” Laura said, sharing the same feelings as Doris. .
“Mom, they’re right. Don’t worry. We will get you treated.” Rupert reassured Peyton.
“Alright, all of you, stop arguing. Your mom needs to rest.” Jimmy’s mind was in turmoil. “Go home, all of you. I’ll stay with your mom tonight.”
“Mom, we’ll come back to see you tomorrow.” Laura left with Rupert since Arianna still needed her care at home.
In the parking lot, Doris and Lewis happened to run into Danis.
Doris recognized him immediately. “Dr. Hartman.”
“Lewis, aren’t you going to introduce Ms. Reed?” Danis walked to the front of the black Passat and nearly dropped his jaw in shock.
As the heir of the Hartman family and the president of Hartman Group, Lewis was always seen in luxury cars. Now, in order to keep a low profile, he was driving a car worth much less.
“She’s Doris Hartman, your sister–in–law,” Lewis said, giving Doris her rightful status. Then he added, “This is my second brother, Danis, my uncle’s son.”
Realization dawned on Danis, and his eyes curved with a smile. He knew that someone who could make Lewis speak up for them must be important.
Danis clasped his hands together and bowed slightly. “So it’s Doris Hartman. Pardon my rudeness.”
“Dr. Hartman, you’re too polite.” Doris nodded slightly in return.
“Just call me ‘Danis‘ from now on,” Danis said. “If you need anything at the hospital, just come to me.”
“I really appreciate your help today,” Doris said sincerely.
“We’re family now. No need to be so formal,” Danis replied, and then turned to Lewis. “I’ll be expecting a reward from you.”
“How about a beating?” Lewis raised an eyebrow.
Danis went speechless. The corners of his mouth twitched. “Lewis, we’re blood brothers. Do you have to be this ruthless?”
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09.01 Tue, 4 Mar
Chapter 76
“Then what dogo wa tw you wk Law and
Danis glanced at his watch Lewis Weime 1 metre you and Doris to dinner?
o
“Dr. Hartman, we did to the treating you‘ Dons warmy owed Danis
Ben Lewis rejected the offer righe. “Thus, we have werking to do today Awther day, I’ll treat you?
Doris’s complexion want great, and her dark rifles were viuste clearly hadn’t rested well. What she needed most right now was to go home and get me prop derp Going out for dinner would only waste more time
“Alright then.” Dans didn’t in. I won’t diser you cough time
He got into his BMW sports car and drove of the parking bot
Doris turned to Lewis. “What do we have to dea
Doris had wanted to ask Danis ab
Peyton’s condition over dinner. Since he was both a doctor and Lewis’s brother, she
thought he could probably give her some solid advice,
“Go home and sleep.” Lewis opened the car door for Doris, “Get in
Doris glanced at him and sat inside.
A hint of delight rose in her heart, as she thought, So he is worried that I haven’t rested well at the hospital?
Lewis started the car and drove away from the hospital
Doris stared ahead. “Are you worried about me?”
“You need to take care of yourself. If you collapse, who will take care of your mom?” Lewis didn’t answer directly.
-Doris’s heart ached at the thought of her sick mother. She said firmly, “I won’t let myself collapse.”
“Then don’t push yourself too hard. Make sure you have some rest.” Lewis had heard from Laura that Doris had been holding on alone since last night–she was practically gambling with her own health. “If you’re tired, just sleep for a bit. I’ll wake you
when we get home.”
“Now that you mention it, I do feel a little sleepy” Doris yawned. “Drive carefully.”
With that, she leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes for a nap.
As soon as her eyes shut, exhaustion and drowsiness washed over her, pulling her into a deep sleep.
When they arrived at Greenlake Hill, Lewis parked the car and turned to look at Doris, who was already fast asleep. Her breathing was soft and steady.
The dim car light cast shadows over Lewis’s sharp features. His deep–set eyes were unreadable, as if lost in thought.
He leaned over and gently unbuckled her seatbelt.
A stray strand of hair had fallen across her cheek. Unable to ignore it, he reached out with his long fingers and caref tucked it behind her ear.
Her skin was perfect, glowing softly under the faint light.
Lewis stared at her for a few seconds before getting out of the car. He walked around to the passenger side, opened the door, and bent down to lift Doris into his arms.
09:02 Tue, 4 Mar
Chapter 76
Instinctively, Doris snuggled into his embrace, resting her head against his broad shoulder.
A faint, delicate fragrance lingered on her.
As soon as Lewis opened the door, Biscuit came running over, making his presence known by barking.
Lewis said, “Biscuit, don’t be noisy.”
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Biscuit immediately quieted down and obediently followed behind Lewis, watching as he placed Doris on the bed. She was in such deep sleep that she didn’t react at all.
Lewis sighed, “You probably wouldn’t even know if someone sold you off right now.”
Lewis made a simple meal and then went to wake Doris.
She didn’t respond at all.
He reached out and lightly patted her cheek. “Doris, dinner’s ready.”
Doris furrowed her brows slightly, her voice raspy. “I’m sleepy.”
“No matter how tired you are, you should at least eat something first. Skipping meals isn’t good for you.” Lewis coaxed.
“It’s just one meal. I won’t starve. Don’t bother me.” Doris turned over, hugging her little pig plushie as she continued sleeping.
Lewis sighed and shook his head. In the end, he left a note for her: [There’s food in the kitchen. Heat it up when you wake up if you’re hungry.]
AD
