Renee fidgeted with her clothes and avoided eye contact with Lina, giving the impression that she had something
difficult to express.
After a long pause, Renee finally looked up and forced a smile. “My mom needs constant care.”
“Just that?” Lina sighed, concerned. “Renee, you need to consider this carefully. Taking care of your mom is
important, but you shouldn’t jeopardize your career for it.”
“Lina, she’s my mom.” Renee’s eyes showed a hint of sadness. “Since her surgery, her health has been declining.
She can’t be away from me even for a moment. I have to take care of her!”
“Is her condition serious?”
Renee shook her head.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLina felt puzzled. She remembered Lena mentioning Kaitlyn and describing her as healthy, not someone seriously ill
like Renee implied.
Lina considered that different people might perceive illness severity differently, leading to this discrepancy.
She composed herself and continued to advise, “Renee, don’t you have nurses and caregivers at home? They can
take care of Aunt Kaitlyn. If you’re not happy with them, you can replace them.”
“It’s not about the nurses or caregivers.” Renee sighed heavily. “My mom just can’t bear to be away from me.
Lately, she’s been making all sorts of demands, and if I can’t fulfill them, she… throws tantrums.
“I’ve tried everything. I have no choice but to give in.”
Lina was taken aback, then shook her head. She wouldn’t turn down Melissa if she asked for help, but the crucial
point was that Melissa would never ask Lina to give up everything and stay with her!
People were different, and Melissa’s perspective couldn’t represent all mothers, could it?
“Alright.” Lina finally nodded in agreement. “If you want to resign, then go ahead. It’s just a pity because I have
several projects in hand, all in the initial stages. I was looking forward to fighting alongside you!”
“It’s okay.” Renee smiled. “There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Maybe after taking care of my mom
for a while and helping her come to terms with things, she’ll let me come back?”
“Right!” Lina also smiled. “You’ll definitely come back, Renee!”
“I’ll keep your position for you. If you change your mind, just come to me anytime!” Lina added, giving Renee a big
hug.
However, Renee let out a soft “Ouch.”
Puzzled, Lina asked, “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you somewhere?”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
“No…” Renee subconsciously covered her forearm.
Lina gently pulled Renee’s arm over, but Renee kept evading her.
Lina suddenly realized something was off.
“Renee!” She grabbed Renee and rolled up her sleeve without hesitation, only to discover several bruises on her
arm.
“What happened here?”
“I accidentally hurt myself. It’s nothing.” Renee hurriedly pulled her sleeve down.
“Really?”
“Really!” Renee smiled and gestured. “I was pushing my mom’s wheelchair for a walk with her the other day. A
small stone was on the road, and we stumbled a bit. I was afraid my mom would fall, so I positioned myself in front
of her… That caused the bruises on my arm.”
Lina was skeptical, but Renee explained with such detail that she forced herself to dispel any doubts.
“Alright, since you have bruises on your arm, don’t carry things on your own. Gather your personal belongings from
your office. See if there’s anything you want to take with you, and I’ll have someone send them home for you.”