<h4>Chapter 182: Chapter 182: No Retreat</h4>


    "At this point, it’s no longer important." Edward Stephens released her hand and draped a nket over her shoulders, "Get some rest early. When Daisy Gingeres back, you’ll still need to go out with her to unwind. Don’t let yourself fall ill before then."


    "Edward," Lady Stephens remained silent for a moment before she couldn’t help but speak, "Actually..."


    Edward Stephens interrupted her, "I’m not interested."


    Lady Stephens was slightly taken aback, looking at her son with reddened eyes, yet seeing his usual expression, unable to discern what he was thinking now.


    Did he know?


    When did he find out?


    Why hasn’t he asked her about it?


    Does he hate her?


    Does he me her?


    ...


    A multitude of thoughts surfaced in her mind in an instant, but they receded under Edward Stephens’ calm demeanor. She didn’t know how to start, and at this point, besides anxiety, there was ayer of guilt in her heart.


    Perhaps, when she made that choice, she no longer had the right to ask Edward Stephens, "Do you resent me?"


    "Edward," Lady Stephens lowered her head and choked back a sob before saying, "No matter what you think, you must know that I did this because I love you."


    Edward Stephens said, "I know."


    He then added, "I’ll take you upstairs to rest."


    Lady Stephens nodded with reddened eyes, held her son’s hand, and went upstairs.


    Stopping in front of the bedroom, Lady Stephens, wrapped in a thin nket, raised her hand to gently stroke her son’s cheek. Her gaze was tender and warm as she whispered, "My little Edward, you’ve really grown up..."


    Edward Stephens’ eyes shimmered slightly, and he let out a soft sigh, "Go rest."


    Lady Stephens nodded slowly, turned around, and entered the bedroom.


    After escorting his mother back to her room, Edward Stephens leaned against the wall, gazing into the void, exhaling a breath.


    Some things, as he just said, are no longer important.


    The human heart changes easily, especially after so much time has passed.


    What was once uneptable has now be a fact.


    He could not me her for anything, not to mention everything was his own choice.


    At this point, there was no way back.


    *


    When Daisy Ginger awoke from her slumber, she hadn’t immediately realized she was in a different ce.


    In a muddled state, still feeling very weak, she stared at the white ceiling for a while before slowly beginning to shift her gaze.


    The sight before her was no longer the furnishings of her memory.


    Shey on a double bed, opposite was arge projection screen, cream-colored curtains fluttered by the wind as she caught sight of the ocean not far away.


    When Daisy Ginger saw the shimmering coastline, she was momentarily stunned, thinking she had slept herself silly.


    It wasn’t until Ian Linton opened the door and entered with a wheelchair, inviting her to go out on the beach to soak up the sun, that she realized Ian had moved her to another ce.


    He was still the same, polite and gentle, standing by the bed inviting her with a demeanor that was wlessly graceful, his brown eyes gazing at her with warmth and friendliness.


    Daisy Ginger pped away the hand he offered, her voice hoarse, "Get lost!"


    She felt a slight panic in her heart.


    It seemed she was being moved further and further away by him.


    When would she ever be able to escape?


    "Director Ginger," Ian Linton sighed softly, his tone mncholic, "This is ourst few days of being alone together."