Chapter 349
Mira assumed they would talk for a while, but it wasn’t long before Owen climbed back into the car. The glamorous Miss Voss looked visibly upset, her lips in a pout as she turned and walked toward her own vehicle.
While Mira was still pressing her face against the glass, straining for a better look, Owen settled into his seat. As the car pulled away, Mira kept craning her neck to stare out the window.
She was burning with curiosity. What exactly had Owen said to her, and what on earth was their history? But her manners kicked in; if someone wanted to keep their private life private, it wasn’t her place to dig. She liked a good piece of gossip as much as anyone, but only when it was harmless.
When they arrived back at the hotel, they were completely caught off guard to find Sebastian Quinn waiting in the lobby. He had been pacing, checking the entrance constantly. The second he saw Mira, he practically sprinted over.
“Niece-no, Miss Mercer. My mother is critically ill. Could you please come see her? She… she was calling your name as she slipped into a critical state p>
Sebastian was usually a composed, polished gentleman, but right now, his face was twisted in genuine agony. It wasn’t an act.
Having studied medicine under her mentor for half a year, Mira had already sensed that the old woman’s heart was failing the last time they met.
Mira hesitated. She didn’t believe she was destined for close family ties. Her connection to the Quinn family existed entirely because of Lacey Quinn Mercer. Now that she had severed ties with Lacey, her connection to the Quinns was officially dead. Yet, that elderly woman-despite them only meeting once-had radiated such genuine, intelligent warmth. She was one of the incredibly rare relatives who had actually shown Mira kindness.
The woman was in her twilight years. It felt cruel to simply walk away.
Mira was heading back to Melvion City tomorrow. The next time she returned to Aethelgard wouldn’t be for at least six months. By then, it was highly likely Eleanor Quinn would already be gone. If Mira didn’t go now, would she regret it?
Besides, during their last encounter, Mira got the distinct impression that the Quinns knew something-something crucial about her and Mara Mercer’s true origins.
From a strategic standpoint, she planned to expand into Aethelgard eventually. She had already made a bitter enemy out of the Lance family. It would be foolish to make an enemy of the Quinns, one of the city’s other elite families, even if they never became close allies.
Sebastian was still waiting, tense with desperation.
Mira couldn’t decide, so she looked over at Owen.
“If you want to go, then go. It’s fine. I’ll come with you,” Owen said gently.
Mira nodded and turned back to Sebastian. Hold you last time that I am entirely finished with Lacey. Because of that, any familial bond between us doesn’t exist. I will go with you today but only as an acquaintance visiting an elderly lady p>
“Alright,” Sebastian agreed softly, sounding defeated but relieved. The fact that she was willing to go at all was a massive victory.
Eleanor Quinn was truly in a dire state. Sebastian didn’t take them to the estate, but straight to the hospital.
“Mr. Lance!” Seraphina Quinn gasped in shock when they walked in.
The others in the room turned, equally stunned.
Mira and Owen offered polite nods of acknowledgment but didn’t say a word. Because Mira was refusing to acknowledge any family ties, Sebastian didn’t bother with format introductions.
her with ormals
Eleanor was lying frail and motionless in the hospital bed, having clearly just been
resuscitated. The medical staff were still hovering nearby.
Sebastian walked straight to the bedside. “Mom. Mira is here p>
Eleanor’s eyelids fluttered open. Her lips moved silently, but Mira could read the words perfectly.
“Child… child p>
Her frail hand reached out, trembling violently toward Mira. Eleanor was asben, her face slightly swollen, and small yellowish deposits had formed on her eyelids.