Serena froze, her dark eyes shifting to look out the window as she unconsciously pressed her lips together.
"You have no idea what he became after your accident that he presumed that you were killed in it. Once he dealt with the hospital staff, he drowned himself in alcohol day and night, ending up hospitalized for a stomach bleed. And then, he attempted suicide in the hospital. If I had arrived just a moment later…" Lucas's voice choked, struggling to continue, "After Ms. Nightingale, you became pregnant, he visited you almost every day. Afraid that seeing him would upset you, he waited until you were asleep to come and left before you woke. You don't know… his face only softened when he looked at you. He loved that child dearly!"
Serena lowered her gaze, her hand resting lightly on her abdomen twitched slightly.
—So, he was anticipating that child as well?
Lucas recounted every detail to Serena, from Amelia stealing credit for saving phoenix and framing her, to the crisis at Lee Corporation, Phoenix losing both his parents while Serena secretly left the country, Phoenix's drastic personality change, and how he had waited for her all these years.
Upon hearing this, Serena showed little reaction, whereas Julia commented, "Your relationship sure is exhausting. And Phoenix, why act so Jekyll and Hyde when he likes Serena? From a professional standpoint, I can explain his behavior, but personally, I refuse to justify his actions."
When fate is thin, missed opportunities stay missed, and with wounds still fresh, how could she turn back?
"Ms. Nightingale…" Lucas still hoped Serena wouldn't be so heartless.
Serena replied tiredly, "Lucas, just focus on driving."
Arriving at the Nightingale family's old mansion late at night, Serena politely thanked Phoenix and led Julia inside, leaving the rest outside, dismissed.
Over the next few days, public opinion rapidly spread online. The initial wave of abuse toward Serena transformed into a crusade against Amelia, intertwined with apologies to Serena and discussions on how fitting Phoenix and Serena were as a couple. Amelia's identity as an illegitimate child and homewrecker was also exposed, turning her remaining fans against her, even prompting them to hunt her down.
Meanwhile, those who caused trouble at the airport were all apprehended despite their numbers, and the media Amelia had manipulated faced legal repercussions. The efficiency amazed Julia, who was lounging on the Nightingale sofa. Setting her phone aside, she observed Serena sorting through documents, "Looks like Phoenix is quite sincere, helping you this much. Aren't you going to invite him to dinner?"
Serena didn't even glance at her, "You've said plenty against him before. Are you feverish today?"
"I…" Julia propped herself up on the sofa, looking at Serena, "I just wanted to ask if you can truly let go?"
"I have business to attend to and will be stepping out for a while. Call me if anything comes up." Serena tossed out these cold words, grabbed a trench coat, and gathered several files from the table.
Julia jumped up, "I'll go with you!"
Serena glanced at her pajamas, "I have an appointment. You'll make me late if you start getting ready now. I'll call if I need anything, don't worry."
Thus, Julia didn't argue further, rolling over in bed. Once Serena left, Julia swiftly dialed Phoenix's number.
Meanwhile, Serena hailed a taxi and headed towards the welfare center, reviewing the documents during the ride. As she approached, Serena received a call from Amelia, a smile tugging at her lips, "Too scared to show up?"
"Hmph, compared to you, my life is far less miserable. I had nothing to begin with, so returning to that state is nothing to fear."
"Fine, see you soon." Hanging up abruptly, Serena paid the driver and stepped out of the cab.
