Chapter 74

Sensing Valda’s confidence, Cedric felt uneasy. “Mom, you need to be careful. Leroy is pretty cunning, especially when extra cautious.”

After Cedric finished speaking, Valda waved her hand. “I know. Don’t worry. I’ll go check it out tomorrow.”

They exchanged a smile.

The next morning, Leroy was up early and headed to the market. Even Olivia found her son’s behavior odd. She had never seen him this serious before.

When Leroy returned, Olivia approached him. “I thought you had the day off. Why are you suddenly buying groceries? Are you planning to cook something special?” Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Leroy shook his head and smiled helplessly. “Mom, stop overthinking. It’s for a patient at the hospital. They don’t have any family, so I’m helping out.”

He didn’t elaborate, but Olivia speculated. She wondered what kind of patient would need their surgeon to prepare medicinal meals, especially something so time-consuming. She suspected this wasn’t an ordinary relationship.

“Don’t forget about Yvonne, son. She mentioned you just a few days ago,” Olivia added casually.

Leroy’s hand paused before he managed a smile. “Mom, how could I forget? It’s really just an ordinary patient, nothing more,” he added, his tone laced with helplessness.

He knew Olivia had misunderstood, but she gave him a knowing look. “This is your business, so I won’t pry too much. But don’t disappoint Yvonne,” Olivia said earnestly.

Leroy nodded repeatedly. He couldn’t tell Olivia everything. Olivia shook her head and turned to leave, leaving Leroy to sigh wearily.

Meanwhile, Scarlett waited for Leroy. Ever since tasting the familiar flavor from his home-cooked meal, she had been anticipating it.

A knock interrupted her thoughts.

Scarlett frowned. “Come in.” She didn’t recall Leroy ever being that polite. But as she glanced up, she saw Valda, causing her expression to change.

“Mrs. Reid, what a surprise! Isn’t Cedric with you?”

Scarlett smiled. Valda returned the smile, her eyes filled with concern as she stepped closer.

“Lettie, I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been going through this. I would have come to see you yesterday if I’d known.”

Valda sighed deeply. After another long sigh, she took a hesitant step forward. “Lettie, how are you feeling? When can you be discharged from the hospital?” she asked, her voice laced with worry.

Scarlett responded helplessly, “Mrs. Reid, the doctor said the earliest I can leave is at the end of the month.”

Scarlett smiled and noticed the thermos in Valda’s hands. Valda had learned her lesson. She transferred the takeout soup into the thermal container to make it appear homemade.

Scarlett sniffed the air suspiciously as Valda proudly presented it.

“I got up early to make this for you. Come. Have some.”

When Valda lifted the lid, a delicious aroma filled the air. Scarlett recognized it as the signature dish from the Royal Haven restaurant. This time, it wasn’t regular takeout. Nevertheless, she shook her head. “Mrs. Reid, I’m still recovering, so I can’t eat this. Why don’t you take it back for Cedric?” Scarlett politely declined.

A brief flush of embarrassment crossed Valda’s face, but she quickly regained her composure.

“Lettie, you shouldn’t have asked Cedric to return to handle the company matters.”