In Josie’s view, Jannik was a bit too polite. There was no need to waste good manners on Audrey and David.

Audrey looked embarrassed. Just as she was about to shout back, David pulled her aside.

He said, “Let them in. They’ll be thrown out soon anyway, so there’s no need for us to spare their feelings.”

‘Surely, he doesn’t still think he’s acting in our best interests even at this point, does he?’ thought Josie.

Josie cast a sarcastic glance at Audrey and David, then followed Jannik into the ward.

“What kind of look was that from that brat?” Audrey couldn’t help but scold as soon as the ward door closed.

David pulled her a few steps away and said, “Keep your voice down. Be careful not to let the Longley family hear you!”

“So what if they heard? I never spoke ill of the Longley family.” Audrey recalled how, years ago, Reynard lost to Lonnard and subsequently left the National Hospital to join the research institute.

Since then, the Kinberg family’s status in Aloville had clearly declined compared to before. It had only been a few years, yet Reynard, Audrey’s father, had retired due to illness, while Lonnard still clung to the position of director and refused to step down.

Looking again at the status of the two families, the gap was huge. How could Audrey possibly accept that?

However, she only dared to display such unwillingness before David. In the presence of anyone else, she would not risk showing even the slightest disrespect toward the Longley family.

David’s expression was grim.

He said, “Enough. Stop talking and think about why Jannik brought Delilah and the others inside. Even if it’s to apologize, it isn’t the time!”

“What else could it be for, other than an apology?” said Audrey, whose face was full of resentment. “I underestimated Delilah, the bitch. I never expected her to go and seduce Dr. Markey.

“David, did you see that just then? Dr. Markey was acting obsequiously toward Delilah, clearly defending her. He’s been bought off. How could he be so blind as to fall for Delilah, the ugly freak?”

To be candid, although Delilah was well into her forties, she was by no means unattractive. Not only was she well-preserved, but she also looked as if she were in her early thirties.

However, Delilah usually appeared aloof and indifferent, and her manner of speaking was often unpleasant. She had few friends, let alone any ambiguous relationships with men, not to mention that her husband and daughter were always by her side.

David did not believe Jannik and Delilah were involved in a relationship. Moreover, he instinctively regarded Audrey’s remarks as lacking in refinement and unbecoming of her status.

David rebuked in a displeased undertone, “Audrey, you come from a distinguished family and are a person of status. How can you make such unfounded statements? Dr. Markey must have his reasons for bringing Delilah inside.

“Do not forget that, given the Reedshaw family’s standing in Aloville, it is unsurprising they have acquaintances in various hospitals. Judging by Dr. Markey’s age, it is possible that he was a student of either of the two elders of the Reedshaw family.”

“David, why are you defending Delilah?” said Audrey, a little unhappy. “Are you still thinking about returning to the Reedshaw family? If it had not been for Delilah back then, you would not be in your current situation…”

David had always regarded Audrey as a cultivated, knowledgeable, and somewhat shrewd scion of a distinguished family. However, it now appeared that it might not be the case.

“Enough! Stop talking! This is getting more and more outrageous!” said David.

He glanced at Audrey with disappointment, then took a few steps back to the ward door.

David thought, ‘This can’t be right. Why have they been inside for so long and haven’t come out?

‘Since Mr. Longley has stated that no one is allowed to visit him, he should apply the rule equally to everyone. Why, then, are Delilah and Josie permitted to remain inside? Does Mr. Longley truly believe Josie was the one who saved him?’

The mere thought that Josie might thereby establish a connection with Lonnard and that Delilah could also benefit as a result caused David’s expression to become exceedingly grim.

Audrey hurried after him. Upon seeing David’s expression, dark as ink, her heart skipped a beat. She thought, ‘I must not offend David. My future in the medical field depends on him.’