Chapter 7

Sophie arrived at the hospital.

Daniel walked ahead, his steps hurried, while Sophie trailed behind.

The moment they pushed open the ward door, Eleanor's displeased sigh filled the air. "We Carters don't welcome you. Can you stop coming here?"

Sophie looked up and saw Eleanor propped up on the hospital bed, her face flushed, chest heaving.

The heart monitor on the bedside table beeped erratically with her agitation.

Lily stood there, holding a white porcelain bowl filled with soup.

At Eleanor's harsh words, Lily's shoulders trembled, and her eyes reddened instantly. "Ma'am, I... I just wanted to bring you some soup. You're not well, you need to eat something..." Her voice carried a note of grievance.

"Who wants your food?" Eleanor snapped, swiping at the bowl in Lily's hands. The sudden movement tugged at her IV line, causing her to wince in pain.

"Mom, don't get upset!" Daniel rushed forward, steadying her shoulders, his voice full of concern. "The doctor said you can't get worked up. Please calm down."

Seeing this, Lily quickly set the bowl on the bedside table and reached to help Eleanor, but Eleanor recoiled, shoving her away. "Don't touch me!"

Lily stumbled back, tears streaming down her face. She looked at Daniel, her eyes brimming with helplessness and pity. "Danny, did I... did I do something wrong? I just wanted to be kind to her..."

Daniel watched her cry, his heart softening with pity. He opened his mouth to comfort her but caught sight of Sophie at the door. The words died in his throat, and his face showed awkward hesitation.

Sophie stood still, coldly observing the scene.

Her gaze fell on the bowl of soup on the bedside table. It was thin, with just a few grains of rice floating on top, bland and unappetizing.

Lily hadn't even bothered to learn Eleanor's preferences.

"Eleanor," Sophie said, her voice calm.

Eleanor's anger softened slightly at the sight of Sophie, replaced by a look of grievance. "Sophie, you're here at last! Look at this woman, stirring up chaos in our family, and now she's come to the hospital to upset me!"

At the sound of Sophie's voice, Lily stiffened, her sobs growing louder, as if Sophie were some terrifying beast.

Sophie ignored Lily and walked to the bedside, her eyes on Eleanor. "Eleanor, I came to check on you. The doctor says you need rest and shouldn't get upset."

Eleanor grabbed Sophie's hand, as if finding her anchor. "You're the sensible one, Sophie! Not like some people who only know how to make me angry! Tell me, has Daniel been bewitched by this woman? Why would he choose her over a fine girl like you? Don't worry, I'll never let that woman into our family. You're the only daughter-in-law the Carters recognize!"