Chapter 395 Why Do You Look So Out of It

• Alice knew she had a hidden illness no medicine could fix, and she didn’t want to stir up trouble. More importantly, she didn’t want Nathan to know she was sick. She couldn’t bear to let the man she loved find out her days were numbered. Her plan was to return to Country F when the end drew near, so the version of Alice Nathan would keep forever would be the innocent, pretty, carefree girl. That’s why, back when she was still in the state, she went out of her way to hide her condition from Nathan. The frailty she was born with would flare up from time to time, sending ice through her veins and pain so fierce it made her wish she were dead. Every time it hit, she would keep her distance from Nathan. Once the stabbing agony passed, she’d change into something beautiful and show up in front of him again. Even if fate never tied the two of them together, she still wanted to hold on to her best image in Nathan’s eyes. Too bad she thought she’d covered it all perfectly, while Nathan had found out long ago. Now he sat off to the side. When he saw Alice refuse, his eyes narrowed a touch. The Quille residence held great power in Quocester. Back then, after a stunning first meeting at a banquet, this girl would pop up in front of him from time to time, then vanish for no reason. It happened often enough that Old Mr. Quille got alerted and ordered his people to look into her. Who knew that one check would uncover an incurable disease—hereditary—unsolved for nearly a hundred years. Alice’s manners were measured, never grating. On top of that, Nathan had just started taking on the Quille Corporation’s business back then and hit more than a few crises. More than once, she helped him through them. So he gave Alice some leeway. Years had passed since they last met. Nathan’s gaze dimmed. If that old report still held true, she had maybe two or three years left. His lips pressed together. Her body was delicate, and the couch was too soft—not great—so he shot a look at Assistant Hu. Assistant Hu got it right away. He hurried over with a chair, added a cushion, and invited Alice to sit. Alice hated being a bother and quickly waved it off, saying she could still manage. Nathan’s brows pinched. “Alice, your health comes first.” Then he turned his head. “Assistant Hu, move the chair closer to the window, and make a bowl of ginger soup.” Assistant Hu answered at once, “Got it, Mr. Quille.” He shifted the chair and headed for the kitchen. Hearing him, Alice’s lips curved like honey. She sat down slowly. “Thanks, Night.” Nathan’s face stayed calm as he nodded. That nickname caught Charlotte’s attention. Whether it was Belinda or the folks from the Quille residence, no one else called him that. “Night” sounded intimate, like there was a closeness no outsider could break. Nathan’s attitude was interesting too. He had an intense presence, usually cold toward everything. This was the first time she’d seen him worry about someone’s comfort. Thinking that, Charlotte couldn’t help sneaking another look at Alice. The woman moved with effortless grace. Her eyes shimmered, her posture was dignified, and she carried a regal air. A rush of muddled feelings rose in Charlotte’s chest. The scene in front of her felt a bit harsh on the eyes. Her expression cooled without her noticing, and her gaze slid off to the side. The three little ducklings at her feet sensed Mommy’s mood was off. They all lifted their heads to look at her. Benny and Tony were on edge. They too felt that Teacher Alice and Daddy had a complicated tie. Tony whispered to Danny, “What do we do…” Benny got anxious. He couldn’t help but jump in. “Mommy, let’s treat Mr. Quille first. I’m starving!” Tony’s eyes lit up and chimed in, “Yeah, my belly’s flat from hunger!” Nearby, Dr. Caseareo watched the room turn tense with a smile and said, “Mm, it’s getting late. Let’s start the treatment.” As soon as he finished, he asked with concern, “Charlotte, what’s wrong? You seem spaced out.” Every eye in the room turned to her.