Chapter 296 Do You Like Him?
Nicole froze when she heard that, but she kept her composure with a smile. “White was slandered in his earlier years and died in vain. I’m sure his apprentice wouldn’t show up so easily. Instead of holding onto this hope, you might as well look for other skilled doctors out there.”
She was calm and firm when she spoke, as if she was talking about someone else.
Colton had no choice but to stop and sigh. “You’re right. It’ll be best if we manage to find White’s apprentice. But if we can’t, there is nothing else we can do.”
Then, he continued with a smile on his face, “I didn’t expect you to know so much about White.”
This took her by surprise and she stiffly explained, “Since Julia and I are friends, I’ve heard her bringing White up a few times.”
She did not want to continue the topic as she was afraid that she would accidentally reveal more than she wanted. “Since Old Mr. Benedict is fine, I’ll make a move. When he feels better, I’ll bring Hayden here again.”
Colton nodded slightly. “Okay. Now that Grandpa is ill, my mother probably wouldn’t have the time to deal with you and Hayden. You can relax for now.”
Nicole was a little dumbfounded by what he said, albeit he was right. Without Benedict, she would never be forced by Anna to reunite with the Gardners.
Although Anna meant no harm to both Nicole and Hayden, Nicole really did not want anything to do with the Gardner Family. She was so used to living a carefree life that she refused to be restricted by their family rules.
“Alright. Thank you, President Gardner.” After saying this, she turned around and left.
When Nicole returned home, Zachary was sitting on the sofa awaiting her.
He raised his head once he noticed that she was back and a trace of panic flashed in his eyes.
In the past few days, she had frequented the Gardner Residence. Regardless of who she was there to meet, he still felt a sense of anxiety in him.
It seemed that she was being distant from him while getting closer to Colton.
“Nicole, you’re back. I heard from Hayden that Old Mr. Benedict is in a critical condition.” Zachary stood in front of her with a gentle face.
Nicole nodded in response. “Yeah, he doesn’t look too good. It is said that the tumor is pressed against his cranial nerve.”
He noticed the fatigue in her face and a hint of distress flashed across his eyes before he warmly said, “It’s not your fault. There’s nothing you can do about Old Mr. Benedict’s condition. Don’t stress yourself over it.”
She listened quietly to his consolation with a faint smile. There was something she could do, but she would rather not do it.
Back then, her mentor had died from a suspicious death. Coupled with the many years that she had not picked up a scalpel, her medical skills had long faded. It was unrealistic for her to immediately operate on someone now.
In addition to that, she had no intention of revealing her identity. Her identity as White’s apprentice would be a secret she would bring to the grave.
“Hmm, I’m not overthinking. Olivia does not want to see me and Hayden, and I wouldn’t send myself up their front door like that. However, Hayden is indeed Colton’s son. Since Old Mr. Benedict wanted to see his great-grandson, I have no reason to refuse.”
Zachary felt a little uncomfortable after hearing what Nicole said. He would rather Hayden be a son of a random tramp than to acknowledge him as Colton’s.
However, Zachary quickly concealed the sense of loss in his eyes and maintained a warm smile as he spoke, “Well, there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Then, he paused slightly before he looked up at Nicole and asked in a serious tone, “Nicole, do you like Colton?”
She was taken aback by his question. After regaining her senses, she questioned strangely, “Zach, why are you suddenly asking this?”
Yet, he reached out to hug her without any response. The only difference with the hug was that it was not as enthusiastic as the last; he was just gently holding her in his arms.
