Chapter 398 - 378: Just Off the Plane, Must Be Tired? 2

In the morning, after buying some porridge, Nancy ran right into Lana Caldwell, who was just returning from an internet cafe.

Lana Caldwell was in a foul mood; she’d just gotten into a fight with another girl at the cafe.

Nancy Hughes called out to her. Lana Caldwell turned around irritably. "Oh, it’s you."

"You were at the internet cafe all night? What happened to your face?" Nancy Hughes demanded, noticing the fresh nail marks scratching her cheek.

Lana Caldwell touched her cheek, the memory making her grind her teeth in anger. "Got into a fight. That woman was completely shameless!"

"See? This is why you shouldn’t be hanging out at internet cafes. It’s not safe for a girl on her own!"

"Nancy Hughes, you sound just like your mother. Always nagging!"

"..."

Nancy Hughes watched her walk away, then hesitated for a moment before hurrying to catch up.

"I have to go back to work in two days. I really need you to take good care of my mom while I’m gone," she said, catching up to her. "Mom doesn’t sleep well at night, so if she gets thirsty, remember to get her a glass of water. And..."

"I’m already in a bad mood! Can you just stop bothering me?!" Lana Caldwell yelled, glaring at her.

Inside the hospital room, Zoey Zane saw the two of them return together.

"Lana, you’re back!" Zoey Zane called out. Lana muttered a quick "Auntie" and disappeared into the restroom.

The atmosphere instantly grew awkward, and a hurt expression crossed Zoey Zane’s face.

Ever since Zoey Zane married Julian Caldwell, Lana had never liked her or her daughter.

And she always made her disgust painfully obvious.

Zoey Zane was good-natured, so she usually just tolerated it. After all, Lana was Julian Caldwell’s daughter.

Lana’s attitude only started to improve slightly after Zoey gave birth to Julian’s son.

Nancy Hughes placed the porridge on the table. "Mom, don’t take it to heart. She’s just in a bad mood."

Zoey Zane sighed. She was long accustomed to Lana’s attitude; she didn’t need her daughter’s comfort.

As Zoey Zane ate her breakfast, she remembered something important. "Nancy, I’ve been thinking, I should really get discharged. Spencer is still in school and needs someone to take care of him. And you know Mr. Caldwell... a man on his own can’t take good care of a child."

"But Mom, you’re not well yet! You can’t be discharged!"

"What’s wrong with me? Nothing even hurts, and the doctors can’t find anything wrong. Staying here is just a waste of money!"

"It’s not expensive, so don’t worry and just focus on getting better," was all Nancy Hughes could say. "Eat some more porridge."

’How could I ever tell my mother she has lung cancer?’

In the afternoon, Nancy Hughes found a moment to step outside for some fresh air.

The sun was brilliant today, almost dazzling, and its rays felt wonderfully warm.

Even so, Nancy Hughes still felt a chill.

’Lana Caldwell doesn’t care about Mom at all. If I go back to work, who’s going to take care of her?’

’Hire a nurse? Impossible. I’m already so broke I can’t even afford the medical bills.’

SIGH! She slumped over the back of the bench, watching patients stroll through the garden.

A few small children were gathered nearby, kicking a soccer ball.

’Kids really have it best. So carefree, not a worry in the world.’

"What’s on your mind?"

"Money."

Nancy Hughes was staring blankly at the children, so lost in thought that she didn’t even notice someone had sat down beside her. She answered the question automatically.

"Are you that short on money?"

’Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t need money?’ And she was desperately in need of it.

"How much do you need?"

"Huh?"

She whipped her head around to see the man sitting beside her, her eyes widening in shock.

’Wait... what is *he* doing here?!’

"Mr... Mr. Heston!"

"You seem very nervous to see me. Hm?"

Nancy Hughes gave a forced laugh. ’I’m not "very nervous," I’m so nervous I can hardly breathe.’

They were sitting too close. She caught his scent, and her mind instantly flashed back to that night.

She unconsciously scooted away. "Mr. Heston, what brings you here?"

The moment the words left her mouth, she wanted to smack herself. ’What a stupid question.’

’Liam Sheffield is a patient here. He must have come to visit him.’

"I was about to go up and see Liam Sheffield when I saw you here," Dylan Heston said. "Figured we’re acquaintances of a sort, so I’d come say hello."

His voice was light, as usual, and typically devoid of emotion, but this time, she thought she detected a hint of displeasure.

A prickle of unease ran up Nancy Hughes’s spine. Just as she was wondering what to say next, Dylan Heston asked, "Are you and Liam Sheffield close?"

"I was his upperclassman and helped show him around when he was a freshman."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

Nancy Hughes didn’t have a strong impression of Liam Sheffield; she only vaguely remembered someone by that name.

"Hm."

’What was that "Hm" supposed to mean?’

’The atmosphere is getting a little awkward. Why isn’t he leaving?’

’If he won’t leave, should I?’

Just as Nancy Hughes was about to stand up, Dylan Heston spoke. "You said earlier that you were short on money?"

The topic had circled back. Nancy Hughes smiled awkwardly and nodded. "Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t need money?"

"I heard your mother is ill?"

"Yes."

"If you don’t mind my asking, what is her illness?"

"Late-stage lung cancer." Nancy Hughes lowered her head, a sense of helplessness washing over her.

"May I go and visit your mother?"

"Huh?"

"If you’d rather I didn’t, just pretend I never asked."

"No, that’s not what I meant!" Nancy Hughes said, shaking her head frantically.

"Then let’s go up together."

"...Okay."

Nancy Hughes looked at Dylan Heston with a stiff smile. ’Why do I feel like I just walked into a trap?’

’That little trick of taking a step back to advance... I was completely defenseless against it.’

Nancy Hughes rarely brought friends to meet her family, so she felt a little nervous as they approached the room.

She pushed open the door. Lana Caldwell was lounging on the sofa, playing on her phone. She glanced at Nancy as she entered but didn’t move.

However, when her gaze drifted past Nancy and landed on the tall figure of Dylan Heston behind her, her eyes lit up. She was like a completely different person, immediately sitting up straight.

"Mom, I’m back!" Nancy announced.

Before Zoey Zane could even speak, Lana stood up and rushed toward Nancy, her voice cloyingly sweet. "You were gone for so long! Where did you go? You had Auntie worried sick!"

Nancy stared at her. ’Did she get hit in the head or something? What’s wrong with her?’

"Nancy, who is this gentleman?" Zoey Zane asked, looking curiously at the man beside her daughter. At the same time, Lana’s gaze was fixed on Dylan Heston.

She had to admit, he was the most handsome and charming man she had ever seen.

Nancy glanced at the man beside her. "Mom, this is my friend, Dylan Heston."

"Mr. Heston, you must be tired from standing. Please, sit down!" Lana said, stepping past Nancy and moving closer to Dylan.

Dylan subtly sidestepped her and took a step forward. "Hello, Ma’am. I’m a friend of Nancy’s."

"Hello. Please, have a seat."

Lana pulled over a chair, chiming in, "Mr. Heston, please, take a seat!"

"Thank you." Dylan Heston glanced at her, his reply a brief two words.

Nancy had only seen Dylan Heston maybe five times in her entire life.

And every single time, she was struck by his gentlemanly nature, an elegance that seemed to be an innate part of him.

Lana Caldwell’s face instantly flushed red. "Mr. Heston," she said bashfully, "let me go get you a glass of water."

Then, she couldn’t resist lecturing Nancy. "Nancy, Mr. Heston is your friend. Why didn’t you offer to get him some water?"

Nancy was speechless. "..."

’So that’s what this is about,’ Nancy realized. ’No wonder Lana’s had a complete personality transplant. It’s all because of Dylan Heston.’

It was a rare sight to see Lana being so attentive and playing the part of a diligent hostess. Nancy didn’t have the heart to steal her thunder, so she just pretended she hadn’t heard her.

Lana was clearly trying to leave a good impression on Dylan. After getting him water, she started diligently peeling fruit for him.

Dylan didn’t spare Lana a single glance, instead striking up a conversation with Zoey Zane.

Dylan wasn’t very talkative, but he never once mentioned Zoey Zane’s illness, which made Nancy sigh in relief.

Dylan Heston didn’t stay long. After a little while, he got a phone call and had to leave.

"Nancy, I’ll walk Mr. Heston out with you!"

Seeing her chance, Lana immediately latched onto Nancy, linking her arm and flashing a rare, gentle smile.

The sight was enough to give Nancy goosebumps all over.

With Lana there, Nancy didn’t get a single word in with Dylan. Lana monopolized the conversation, saying all the pleasantries herself.

The second Dylan was gone, Lana dropped Nancy’s arm in disgust. "Where did you meet a man like that? He’s a total catch! Quick, give me his number!"

Nancy said, "...I don’t have it."

"Nancy Hughes, don’t be so stingy! Why won’t you give me his number? Or is it that you’ve got your eye on him, too?" Lana demanded.

Nancy was speechless. ’Does she really think everyone is as shallow as she is?’

"I really don’t have his number."

"I don’t believe you. Give me your phone," Lana said, not believing a word.

’It’s not every day you meet a man that exceptional. What woman wouldn’t be interested?’

’Nancy must be afraid I’ll steal him away. That’s why she won’t give me the number.’

Nancy rolled her eyes at her. "I know what you’re thinking, so let me be blunt. That man already has a girlfriend. And her family background and education are a thousand times better than yours. There’s no way he would ever be interested in you!"

’Besides,’ she thought, ’Hannah Gunn is way more beautiful than Lana could ever hope to be.’

"Are you telling the truth?"

"Why would I lie to you?" Nancy shot her another look. "Just give it up."

Lana looked disappointed for a second, but her determination quickly returned. "It’s not often I find a guy I’m actually into. Now, tell me his number."

"The man has a girlfriend! You can’t just butt in!" Nancy tried to reason with her. Lana just snorted. "How will I know if I don’t try?"

"I can definitely make him mine!"

Nancy had no idea where she got all that confidence.

But she really didn’t have Dylan’s number. Lana snatched the phone out of her hands.

"Isn’t he supposed to be your friend? How can you not have his number?!"

"I told you I didn’t have it. You’re the one who refused to believe me," Nancy said with a helpless shrug.