Chapter 532:

Elyse felt a pang of embarrassment as she shook her head. Lanny and Glenda had avoided mentioning her parents, leaving her uninformed about their characters.

Curiosity piqued, Elyse asked, “Did you have a close relationship with my mother? What was she like?”

Her question trailed off as she noticed Morgan’s cautious expression. Morgan chuckled involuntarily. Gently patting Elyse’s head, she said, “Let’s go back to the ward. It’s too cold here for a conversation.”

As they walked, Morgan watched the car slowly depart for the funeral home. Putting her arm around Elyse’s shoulder, she spoke in a tender, nurturing tone, like a caring elder. “After we talk, I’ll go keep my mother company.”

Feeling a little embarrassed, Elyse replied, “I can wait a few days. There’s no rush.”

With a warm smile, Morgan said, “But I’m eager to share stories about your parents with you.”

Back in the ward, Jayden worked diligently at his desk. Looking up as they entered, he said, “I expected you’d be with your mother tonight.”

Morgan shook her head. “I’ll join her later. You’ve arranged everything well, haven’t you?”

Jayden nodded silently, glancing at them before returning to his work. Elyse fidgeted anxiously, sensing the tension. She yearned to learn the truth about her parents.

Pouring Elyse a glass of water, Morgan began to describe Elyse’s mother. “Jazmine Lloyd, your mother, possessed exceptional qualities—gentleness, courage, honesty, and sincerity. Your father often compared her to early spring, a delicate green sprout emerging after a harsh winter.”

Jayden interjected, “Like yourself.”

Surprised by Jayden’s observation, Elyse blushed and quickly looked away. Regaining her composure, she asked, “Is there more you can tell me about my mother?”

Morgan continued, “Your mother came from a family that favored sons over daughters. Despite her academic abilities, she had to abandon her studies to support her less capable brother.”

Elyse was taken aback. “Lanny said he provided for my mother.”

“Never trust him. His words are false. He’s deceitful, hypocritical, and cunning—a master of deception.” Morgan’s anger flared at the mention of Lanny.

Composing herself, Morgan recounted gently, “One day, your mother met Rickey, your father. It was love at first sight. However, apprehensive of love, your mother fled, leaving your father enraged.”

As Morgan spoke of Rickey, a genuine smile lit up her face. She was clearly lost in fond memories. Observing Morgan, a faint suspicion crept into Elyse’s heart. Did Morgan have feelings for Rickey?

After reminiscing, Morgan said, “Your mother never experienced true love growing up, never received the love she deserved, so she avoided love altogether. She became timid, self-deprecating, burdened by a profound sense of inferiority.”

Elyse was startled, placing a hand on her chest as she fell silent. She was different from her mother in this respect.

Morgan continued, “Fortunately, your father, Rickey, is immensely patient, though only when trying to win your mother over. Otherwise, he’s as fickle as the wind, interested only in what intrigues him. Once his interest wanes, he moves on.”

She paused. “In that way, he’s really like a child, don’t you think?”

After a moment’s contemplation, Elyse replied, “He does act childishly. Do you resent my father?”

Morgan responded immediately, “Yes.”

“What?” Elyse was surprised. She’d expected Morgan to have affection for her father.

Morgan sighed, rubbing her temples. “Your father has been a troublemaker since childhood. My mother, his nanny, spoils him. I fear he’ll go astray, so I’ve been strict with him. But ultimately, I’m the one who has to clean up his messes.”