Chapter 316
The night was as thick as ink.
Sienna carefully withdrew the last acupuncture needle from Grandpa’s head, sterilized it, and packed it neatly away.
The old man’s breathing was steady; he appeared to be sleeping very deeply.
Sienna gently tucked the covers around him. Just as she picked up her medical bag to leave, a soft knock came from the door.
The elderly personal attendant stepped quietly into the room.
He looked at her with deep concern, then glanced at Grandpa resting peacefully in bed, keeping his voice low.
“Ms. Sloan, it’s getting late. Helena and Grandma have already gone back to their rooms to sleep.
Why don’t you rest here for the night? Your room with Mr. Sterling has been kept ready for you p>
Sienna gently shook her head, her expression cool. “Thank you for the offer, but I have an early morning meeting tomorrow. I need to head back and get ready.
Could you arrange a car for me? I’d like to leave now while it’s still somewhat early p>
Seeing she had made up her mind, he didn’t push the issue, nodding respectfully as he turned and slowly stepped out.
Surprisingly, just two seconds later, he awkwardly stepped back inside.
Sienna paused, looking up at him. “Is something wrong p>
The attendant’s expression was complicated. His mouth twitched as his eyes darted toward the hallway, a layer of awkwardness settling over his face.
“Ms. Sloan, about that car… I don’t think I need to arrange one p>
Sienna frowned. Grabbing her medical bag, she walked over to the door and peered through the slight opening.
Bathed in the soft, dim light of the corridor, a tall, elegant figure stood quietly just a few feet away.
The man wore a dark overcoat, his features looking incredibly refined and gentle in the shadows.
He looked as though he had been standing there for a very long time.
It was Maloney.
Sienna’s fingers tightened slightly.
Maloney saw her clear, beautiful face appear from behind the door, and a faint, gentle smile slowly curled his lips.
“It’s late. If you don’t mind, let me drive you p>
Sienna’s grip on her bag’s strap tightened.
Her heart felt as though it had been gently squeezed—she couldn’t tell if it was bitterness or something else entirely.
Ever since their last argument, she and Maloney had been locked in a cold war, not exchanging a single word.
The resentment of being kept in the dark by family, the bitter chill of being deliberately deceived by someone close to her.
It had created an invisible, massive rift between them.
Fueled by disappointment and anger, she had actively distanced herself fully cutting ties the point of avoiding him even when they were in the same room.
But this time, when Grandpa’s life was on the line, while everyone else hesitated or watched from the sidelines.
Only Maloney had stood firmly behind her, silently supporting her without ever backing down.
Despite his kindness, the knot in her heart remained heavy, impossible to let go of and impossible to untangle.
Maloney held a white porcelain teacup, the rising steam carrying a faint, soothing herbal scent.
He slowly walked forward, offering the cup to Sienna, his eyes as gentle as always.
“You must be exhausted staying up this late treating Grandpa. I didn’t know how else to help, but this herbal tea is meant tosh and calm the nerves. Drink it and get a good night’s sleep p>
Sienna hesitated for a moment before finally reaching out to take the cup, saying softly, “Thank you, Maloney p>
She lowered her head and downed the warm tea in one go.
Maloney watched her quietly, a genuine, soft smile blooming across his elegant, cool features.
When he had deliberately hidden the truth back then, it was out of forced circumstances, mixed with a tiny selfish desire he didn’t want to confront.
But watching her pull away, actively shutting him out p>
His heart had been drowning in guilt, yet he could never find the right moment to explain, leaving the tension to fester until now.