Chapter 818:
I felt just as heartbroken. I hadn’t expected Betty to be so fragile, suffering from severe depression. I knew how difficult this illness was and how likely it was that someone with depression could end up hurting themselves. I did my best to comfort my mother.
“Mom, you can only stay by her side for as long as she needs. We have to be patient and care for her more,” I said, trying to offer some reassurance, though I didn’t know how to comfort her properly.
My mother suddenly took my hand and said, “Bella, I know Betty hasn’t treated you well in the past, but you can’t hold any resentment in your heart. You are sisters. Right now, I can only rely on you to help her.”
“Mom, I’ll do my best to help her…” I replied, though I knew it would be difficult. I couldn’t deny that I was still hurt by the way Betty had treated me. There had been times when I needed her, but she hadn’t been there for me. Instead, she had pushed me down when I was at my lowest. But I couldn’t ignore my mother’s feelings. I knew she needed me, so I hid my true feelings for Betty deep inside.
My mother sighed deeply, then said, “What makes Betty so sad right now is that she can’t see Anne. If she could just see her, maybe she’d feel better.”
She looked at me, her eyes full of concern.
“Bella, could you…?”
Before my mother could finish her sentence, I understood what she meant.I smiled back as I answered, “The case is progressing well. We’ve made some good headway, and everything is on track. I’ll make sure to keep you updated with any developments.”
I nodded, feeling a slight sense of relief.
“Thank you, Mr. Hall. I’ll let you know if anything comes up.”
After a brief pause, he continued, “By the way, I was wondering if you’d be available for lunch sometime soon? I’d like to discuss some ideas with you, outside of business.”
I hesitated for a moment. Given my current situation and the overwhelming stress, I didn’t feel ready to meet anyone outside of work, especially under these circumstances. But politeness guided me, so I replied, “I appreciate the offer, Mr. Hall, but I’m quite busy at the moment. Let’s keep in touch over email for now.”
“Of course, I understand,” Mr. Hall said.
“Well, I’ll let you get back to work. Take care, Mrs. Stepanek.”
“Take care, Mr. Hall,” I said, before hanging up.
As I put the phone down, my thoughts returned to Betty. It was hard to focus on anything else. My heart ached for her. How was she really doing? The idea of her being in such pain over Anne tore at me.
Sighing deeply, I looked out the window. The weight of everything seemed so heavy, and I wasn’t sure where to begin.
“It’ll be done tomorrow. I’ll send someone to deliver the case to you as soon as possible,” I said quickly.
“Alright, you really are quite efficient,” Mr. Hall replied politely.
At that moment, an idea crossed my mind. Although Mr. Hall was the boss of a small company, he had a wide network of connections and was known for his generosity and willingness to help. I thought it might be worth asking him if he had any ties to the person in charge of the sanatorium in the southern suburbs.
With a smile, I said, “Mr. Hall, there’s something I need your help with. I have no other choice. Please, could you assist me?”
