Chapter 209

Tears betrayed Nancy's stoic expression, falling one by one onto her wrist. Shirley felt a tightening in her chest. She rolled down the car window, letting the wind tousle her hair, stray strands veiling her vision. The blur matched her feelings, a haze of confusion and doubt. The window was shut again. Nancy said, her voice carrying a note of concern, "The wind's too strong. You're still sick." Shirley turned her head, only to find Nancy already composed, the trace of vulnerability from moments earlier gone. Nancy's tone turned casual. "What were you doing alone in the hospital? Didn't Benjamin leave with you last night?" "He left me behind," Shirley admitted, her voice carrying a bitter edge. "I guess I embarrassed him last night." Nancy asked, "Do you want me to look into Leona for you?" Shirley shook her head. "It's fine. As long as she doesn't bother me, I'll pretend she doesn't exist." 20 minutes later, the car ascended a winding mountain road and stopped in front of a pr