Chapter 364

“Where’s Danielle?” Shermaine asked.

Ross lied effortlessly, his expression unreadable. “She’s asleep.”

Shermaine smirked, catching the whiff of a cover-up.

Ross changed the subject. “Have you eaten?”

“I had something on the plane. We’ll grab a proper meal later.” After nearly twelve hours of sleep, Shermaine was wide awake. She didn’t plan to linger at the hospital, just a quick visit before heading back to Jean Villa.

A knock interrupted them. A doctor entered, clutching a file.

After listening to his statement, Shermaine asked, “Did you bring the patient’s records?” Though she hadn’t operated in a while, she still took on three or four surgeries monthly to keep her skills sharp.

The doctor nodded eagerly. “Here, Dr. Jean.”

Shermaine flipped open the file and soon froze. The patient was Jameson. She didn’t slam the file shut. Instead, she read every detail before closing it with finality.

“Will you take the case, Dr. Jean?” the doctor asked.

“No.” Shermaine’s tone left no room for debate. “Let him find another surgeon.”

“Well, I’ll inform him.”

“Mm.”

The doctor didn’t push. After getting an autograph from Shermaine, he left.

Ross studied Shermaine’s expression. The patient’s identity was obvious. He had known about his hospitalization but hadn’t bothered visiting. To Ross, the man had been dead the moment he abandoned his family. His suffering now was nothing but retribution.

Thinking of Janice, Ross asked, “Sheary, really no exception?”

“I won’t lift a finger for him,” Shermaine said coolly. “But for Grandma’s sake, I’ll save him after letting him stew in despair a little longer.”

With that, she and Joshua left for Jean Villa.

The doctor delivered Shermaine’s refusal to Jameson and asked him to find another surgeon.

Jameson’s face drained of color, his body going numb as if plunged into ice. He thought, ‘Just as I thought, Shermaine would rather watch me die.’

After the divorce, Ruth had moved out of Jean Villa. But upon hearing of Shermaine’s return, she had come back for the evening, preparing dinner for Shermaine and Joshua.

Janice knew Jameson was critically ill. As his mother, she grieved, but she hadn’t visited him yet. When he got desperate enough, he would come to her.

When Shermaine and Joshua arrived at Jean Villa, Ruth and Janice showered them with warmth and pride. Shermaine’s triumphant return from Ustrana was a cause for celebration.

“Sheary, have some soup first,” Ruth said gently, ladling a bowl for her. “Joshua, you too.”

They settled around the table, the dinner full of laughter and ease.

Janice turned to Joshua. “I heard your father returned from the research institute?”

Joshua nodded. “We’re coming back tomorrow morning.”

It had been years since Janice last saw Stephen. She could barely recall his face. “Your grandfather always adored him. He would be overjoyed to know your father is finally home.”

Joshua had noticed Owen’s happiness that night.

Shermaine asked, “What field does Stephen specialize in?”

“Astronomy. He’s an astronomer,” Joshua replied.

Shermaine smiled. At least she wouldn’t run out of topics tomorrow. Astronomy had always fascinated her.