Free Web NovelChapter 198: Adelyn doesn’t owe this to anyone.
Dr. Rodger nodded. His expression remained calm —yet there was nothing reassuring about it.
Charlotte’s fingers tightened instantly around Liam’s arm.
Liam felt her fear, but he remained composed. Looking at the doctor, he asked steadily, freewёbnoνel.com
"What’s so concerning, Dr. Rodger? Didn’t you say there was nothing to worry about? Clara only fainted from weakness —and as long as we take care of her, she’ll be fine?"
"Yes, I did say that," Dr. Rodger replied, his tone measured. "She did faint due to weakness today. However, this report indicates something more about her condition."
"Something more?" Liam repeated, his brows drawing together. "What is it?"
The doctor’s gaze shifted between the mother and son before he spoke,
"The report shows signs of a weak heart."
"Weak heart?" Charlotte frowned deeply. "How is that even possible? Clara ... doesn’t have a weak heart."
She shook her head, almost desperately, as if trying to make him retract his words.
"Yes, doctor. Her heart has always been healthy. She used to be weak before, but after we brought her home —she recovered. How could she suddenly develop a heart condition?"
Liam wrapped an arm around her shoulders, steadying her. fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
Charlotte turned to him immediately.
"Liam, you know this too, don’t you? Clara has never had any heart issues."
Liam nodded, then looked back at the doctor.
"Dr. Rodger, she never had a history of heart problems. Could this be a misinterpretation?"
Dr. Rodger remained firm.
"It may not have been present earlier," he said, "but it is evident now."
Seeing Liam’s confusion, he continued,
"Some conditions don’t manifest from the beginning. They develop over time —often triggered by prolonged stress. Ms. Scott’s case appears to be similar."
"While she may not have had this condition before, the stress she has undergone recently has likely aggravated her health ... leading to what we are seeing in the report now."
Liam’s frown deepened.
Stress?
Had Clara really been under that much stress?
How had he not known?
"Doctor ... is it treatable?" he asked.
Dr. Rodger shook his head slowly.
"It isn’t exactly curable," he said gently, sympathy evident in his voice. "But it is manageable. As long as she avoids stress and maintains a stable emotional state, her condition can remain under control."
He offered a reassuring smile to Charlotte.
"Continue to love and care for her as you always have —and she will be fine. The report does not indicate the worst stage yet. It only hints at the possibility. With proper care, that outcome can be prevented."
Liam nodded.
But Charlotte—
She couldn’t calm down.
The doctor handed the report to Liam before taking his leave.
Silence followed.
Liam turned toward his mother, about to speak—
But Charlotte spoke first.
"Liam ... we can’t let Clara worry anymore," she said, her voice trembling with urgency.
Liam’s brows furrowed slightly, but understanding her fear, he nodded reassuringly.
"Mom, Clara will be fine. You heard Dr. Rodger —her condition is still under control. As long as she stays happy, she’ll be alright."
Charlotte nodded quickly.
"Yes ... she’ll be fine as long as she’s happy. So we need to make sure she stays happy —no matter what."
Liam was about to agree—
But then she added,
"And to keep her happy ... we must give her what she wants."
He stilled.
"Mom!"
"Liam," she continued, her tone firm with conviction, "it’s just a role ... just a movie. If Clara wants it so badly, let her have it. We just heard the doctor —she cannot be under stress."
Liam shook his head.
"It doesn’t have to be this. I’ll find her something better—"
"No," Charlotte cut him off. "You don’t need to find anything else. Give her this role —and she will be happy."
Then, after a brief pause, she added,
"... Or perhaps you don’t have to do anything. I’ll handle it myself."
She stepped back, gathering herself.
"I’ll go talk to Adelyn. If I explain it to her, she’ll understand. She’ll give the role to Clara on her own... she always has."
She turned to leave—
But Liam caught her wrist, stopping her.
"Mom," he said, shaking his head, "she doesn’t have to."
Charlotte frowned.
"Adelyn doesn’t owe this to anyone," he repeated. "This role isn’t that important. Clara will understand—"
"Liam!" Charlotte snapped, her voice rising.
"How can Clara understand? If she could—" she pointed toward the ward, "would she be lying there like this? She’s already suffering. Why do you want to make it worse?"
Liam closed his eyes briefly.
The accusation was heavy.
But he didn’t argue against it.
Instead, he asked quietly,
"Mom ... just to keep Clara from suffering ... can you bear to make Adelyn suffer? We did that once, and I still can’t let go of the regret."
Charlotte froze.
It was as if she had momentarily forgotten—
And was only now remembering.
"No ..." she shook her head, her voice breaking. "She’s my daughter too. How can I watch either of them suffer? I can’t ... I just can’t ..."
Liam gave a faint, understanding smile.
"Exactly," he said softly. "You can’t see either of them suffer. But if you go to Adelyn like this ... you will make her suffer. How is that right?"
Charlotte struggled.
"But Clara is like this —we can’t—"
Liam gently shook his head.
"No, Clara won’t suffer," he said firmly. "Let me handle this. I’ll take care of everything. She would be fine."
He pulled her into a reassuring embrace.
Slowly, Charlotte’s racing heart began to settle.
She realized—
She had been reckless.
Liam was right.
She couldn’t wrong Adelyn ... just for Clara.
————————
Meanwhile—
Freya finally dropped Adelyn off at her apartment.
Stepping out of the car, Freya glanced around, observing the surroundings carefully.
"This place is low-key ... not bad," she said, turning back to Adelyn. "As long as you’re careful, people won’t find out."
Adelyn understood what she meant and nodded.
Freya didn’t linger long.
After a brief exchange, she left.
Adelyn turned and headed toward her apartment.
But just as she reached her door—
She froze.
Her eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"You —what are you doing here?"
