Chapter 298

Serena slept soundly through the night. As the first rays of morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, tiny specks of dust floated in the air. Snuggle mewed softly, rubbing against Serena's wrist. The marks Cole had left on her yesterday had faded. Now, only the ticklish brush of the kitten's whiskers remained, nudging her awake. Half-asleep, Serena sat up, unlocked her phone, and disabled the Do Not Disturb mode. A flood of unread messages filled the screen. Howard: "Nina, are you awake? We heard Mr. Larson Senior was hospitalized. We want to visit him today." Howard: "He's bedridden and seriously ill. As his granddaughter-in-law, shouldn't you be there?" Howard: "Reply as soon as you wake up! We're waiting near the hospital!" Howard: "Hurry up, you ungrateful brat!" Each message was more frantic than the last, hammering into her mind. Finally, a ripple of emotion stirred in Serena's calm thoughts. She dialed Howard's number. He answered in a fury. "So you finally