Chapter 342 Burden

Seeing Chandler return with a grim expression, Meryl couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong? Where did you disappear to?”

“Nothing,” Chandler replied, sliding into the car and shutting the door behind him. “I’ll have a few bodyguards look out for you, just in case.”

Meryl’s eyes widened in surprise.

Bianca, sitting in the back seat, immediately chimed in, “Did something happen?”

Just days had passed since Meryl’s kidnapping, and the thought sent a chill down her spine. She had only recently learned that the kidnappers had even used explosives.

Chandler said as he buckled his seatbelt, “I might have ticked someone off during a mission back at the academy. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

He didn’t elaborate on the details of the mission, but Meryl understood that it was likely classified information.

She thought, “Wait a minute… they use codenames during missions to protect themselves and their families. Does that mean they know who he is?”

“Burden?” Chandler frowned. “What are you talking about?”

It struck him then – how many times had Meryl been dragged into trouble because of him? The thought darkened his expression.

Clearly, the adversaries were aware of his vulnerabilities, which was why they kept targeting Meryl. They had crossed a line.

As they drove, they passed a pharmacy.

Bianca suddenly said, “Why don’t you drop me off here? I overindulged at dinner and could use a little walk. I’ll grab a cab home later.”

Meryl raised an eyebrow.

She thought, “Overindulged? With that tiny portion?”

As soon as the car halted, Bianca opened the door, but as she stepped out, she stumbled slightly.

Meryl caught the movement in the rearview mirror and immediately focused on Bianca’s feet.

“Did you twist your ankle?”

Earlier, when the ice fell, Bianca had been so focused on pushing Meryl out of harm’s way that she hadn’t considered her own safety. She’d planned to buy some ointment and nurse it at home, but stepping out had made the pain all too real.

Bianca replied, a bit sheepish, “It’s nothing serious. I’ll just rest for a couple of days, and I’ll be fine.”

Meryl shook her head and settled back into the car.

As the door closed, Bianca felt a wave of disappointment wash over her.

Just as she turned to leave, the car window rolled down.

Meryl leaned out, resting her chin on her hands. “Why are you still standing there? Get in!”

Bianca blinked in surprise, turning back to meet Meryl’s gaze. Her voice trembled slightly, “Meryl…”

Meryl tilted her head and turned to Chandler. “Mr. Aniston, could you please take my mom to the hospital? I think she needs to get checked out.”

Chandler nodded without hesitation.

Bianca was taken aback, her heart racing with a mix of shock and joy.

She thought, “Meryl is… is she actually worried about me? She wants to take me to the hospital herself? And she just called me… Mom?”

She averted her gaze, not wanting to cry in front of Meryl.

She thought, “My daughter is so kind-hearted. After everything I’ve done, she still cares.”

The winter night was chilly, but inside the car, it felt like a warm embrace. The heater blew gently against her face, stirring emotions that made her eyes misty. Bianca lifted her hand to wipe her cheeks, only to find them wet with tears.