Chapter 525
For the next few days, Camilla stayed at the hospital, keeping Tanner company.
Magee brought his team to refine the finalized plan. Once everything was officially locked in, Camilla finally broke the news to Elise that they had found Tanner.
She contacted the hospital where Elise was staying beforehand. Only after confirming Elise’s condition was stable did she initiate the video call.
On Tanner’s end, they had prepared his disguise.
The blanket was pulled up thick and high, covering him right up to his neck.
Camilla attached her phone to a stand dangling right in front of him.
Just to be safe, Camilla had specially asked Dahlia, Lance, and Carol to stay in the room. This was to ensure she had backup just in case Elise insisted on coming over or asked difficult questions.
When the call connected, Camilla could clearly sense that Tanner—who was usually so optimistic and always comforting others—had slowed his breathing. He was visibly nervous.
She shifted slightly, sitting closer to Tanner so her face was also in the frame, silently giving him moral support.
The video connected.
Through the screen, they could see Elise. Her eyes were red, and her body was trembling slightly.
Upon clearly seeing Tanner’s face on the screen, she murmured, “Tanner, it’s really you. You really came back.
“I never thought our family would have the chance to reunite. I p>
As she spoke, Elise broke down into uncontrollable sobs. She buried her face in her hands, desperately trying to stabilize her emotions.
“Yes, I’m back. Elise, you and Camilla have suffered so much all these years. I should have rushed back to your side immediately, but the doctor said my condition isn’t suited for travel right now. I need to rest for a while.
“Thankfully, Camilla came up with the idea to video call. Don’t be mad at me. I p>
“Why would I be mad at you? As long as you’re back, that’s all that matters. But your body… what’s your condition now? Is it serious?” Elise asked worriedly.
Camilla quickly took over the conversation. “Mom, don’t worry. Dad has just suffered from long-term malnutrition, which weakened his foundation. I’ll be here making him nutritious meals every day. I guarantee that by the time he returns to Cabinda, he’ll be as healthy as he used to be p>
To ease Elise’s suspicions, Camilla had no choice but to sugarcoat the situation, though she felt incredibly guilty doing it.
Her eyes uncontrollably darted away for a second, but thankfully, Elise’s attention was entirely on Tanner, so she didn’t notice Camilla’s slip.
Elise looked up, her gaze falling back onto Tanner’s face. She hesitated before speaking. “Tanner, now that you’re doing much better, and I don’t have anything urgent to do, why don’t I come over and keep you company p>
“No need. Camilla told me your condition isn’t suited for travel. Having Camilla here is enough. Don’t you know how tough I am?
“You can see me on the video, can’t you? I’m doing perfectly fine. Don’t worry, I’ll be back to see you soon,” Tanner declined Elise’s request with a hint of urgency.
Elise had never been particularly assertive. After hesitating for a moment, she gradually abandoned the idea.
Once she calmed down, she wiped her tears and started making small talk with Tanner. “Tanner, what are you guys up to? Why are you just lying there completely still p>
“I just finished eating. Camilla is just being overly cautious. She listened to the doctor and insists on watching me like a hawk,” Tanner answered vaguely.
Camilla smoothly played along and complained, “Dad has to be on IV nutrition drips constantly. The doctor stressed that he shouldn’t be moving around unnecessarily. Mom, what are you guys doing? Have you eaten? Is Jasper being a good boy p>
The topic was finally steered away from Tanner. Elise didn’t press further and briefly filled Camilla in on Jasper’s situation.
Kindergarten had started.
Darwin had personally scouted a new kindergarten for Jasper and sent both Elaine and Jasper there together. The two kids had become inseparable playmates and were adjusting to school life beautifully.
Tessa was usually the one picking Jasper up from school, and the grandmother-grandson dynamic was growing more harmonious by the day. To ensure Jasper wouldn’t be bullied, Tessa had generously donated a massive batch of supplies to the kindergarten.
Hearing that Jasper’s school life was on track, Camilla’s perpetually exhausted heart finally found a moment of reprieve.
Tanner was incredibly curious and asked Elise countless questions about Jasper. Elise even pulled up photos of the boy to show him.
The call lasted an entire hour. It wasn’t until a caretaker on Elise’s end reminded her to rest that she reluctantly asked Camilla, “Camilla, give me a straight answer. When can our family finally reunite p>
According to Magee, it would take at least a year for Tanner to fully stand up. That timeline was simply too long.
Camilla knew that if she told the truth, Elise would not only grow suspicious but would inevitably lose her patience and rush over.
Camilla replied, “Dad’s situation is a bit complicated right now, and the doctor hasn’t given us a concrete timeline yet. Once we have a firm date, I’ll let you know.