NovelEnglishChapter 1405: As Marlene led Norah down the hallway, Sharon pulled out her phone, her hands trembling slightly as she dialed her son's number. "Derek, get back here immediately. Norah's here. If we win her over, the Carter family might still have a chance." Derek's voice crackled over the line. "Got it, Mom. Just stall her until I arrive." "I know. Oh, and where's your wedding photo? I need to find it.” Sharon knew that a golden opportunity like this shouldn't be wasted, not because of her temper-that was why she had tolerated Norah's sarcastic remarks.
She then remembered that Madeline might have disposed of the wedding photo of Norah and Derek and couldn't help but curse under her breath.
Marlene took the lead, stepping ahead of Norah. “Juliana usually keeps to herself. Ever since she got sick, she hasn't liked having visitors. If she's irritable, please be patient with her." She stopped at a door and glanced back at Norah. "I'm not sure if she's awake. Letcheck first." Before Marlene could step inside, Norah nudged her aside with her shoulder and walked in without hesitation. The room was dim, and a sharp, unpleasant odor hit Norah immediately.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe recognized the smell-the familiar staleness she'd encountered countless times in hospital rooms. Marlene flicked on the light, and the state of the room cinto full view. It was a mess.
"Sorry about this. I've been a little careless since I got pregnant," Marlene muttered, picking up sdirty clothes and tossing them onto a corner of the couch.
Discover more at Norah barely glanced at Marlene, her expression indifferent. She wasn't surprised. Marlene's true nature had been evident for a long time-ever since she'd lied and stolen her identity for money.
The room was cramped, and in the center of the bed lay a motionless figure covered with a thin blanket, barely resembling a person. The floor was filthy, with dust settled in corners. A bowl of porridge sat untouched on the bedside table, its surface crusted.
Norah placed the gift she'd brought on the table and walked over to the window. She yanked the curtains open, letting in fresh air and light, which seemed to cut through the suffocating gloom of the room.
It was clear to her that Marlene rarely bothered to care for Juliana. The neglect was evident in every detail—the smell, the state of the room, and the untouched food.
No wonder the rest of the Carter family avoided caring for Juliana.
Marlene avoided Norah's sharp gaze, her unease palpable. She had never made an effort to care for Juliana. To her, Juliana was nothing more than an obligation-a stranger she barely tolerated.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Miss Wilson, please... Check on her. She's awake," Marlene said, her voice faltering.
On the bed, Juliana's frail body stirred slightly. At the sound of Marlene om addressing someone as “Miss Wilson, her eyes moved weakly, as if trying to confirm something. Norah? Could it really be her? Norah approached the bed slowly, her gaze softening as she took in Juliana's condition.
The sight broke her heart. Juliana's once lively eyes were now cloudy, her hair unkempt and silver, and her cheeks hollow from illness.
But when their eyes met, a light of recognition flickered in Juliana'sexpression. She wanted to speak, but her lips quivered helplessly, and no words came. Her attempt to move was also futile.
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