The Apple of My Eye

Melissa felt upset to learn that Sheryl had started seeing someone.

Even more so because she heard it from her grandchild. It was Shirley who told Melissa that the new man in Sheryl's life had sent flowers to her and even invited her to have dinner with him. Hearing all this, Melissa felt heartbroken.

She gave this information the benefit of the doubt, trying to ignore it as a child's misinterpretation. However, when she saw that Sheryl was ashamed, she realized the truth behind Shirley's words. Sheryl was indeed dating another man.

But who was the man? Was he the same person who came to the Dream Garden with Sheryl?

The more Melissa thought about it, the more disheartened she felt. She couldn't bear to see the awkward look on Sheryl's face.

Hence, she cleared her throat and changed the topic. She smiled at Shirley and said, "Shirley, I heard that your teachers were all praising you. They said that you are clever, and you are also a good girl. Can you tell me how you became such a good girl?"

Shirley was excited to hear the nice words from Melissa. Like any other child, she also liked praises. Enthusiastically, she told Melissa what happened in kindergarten. Even Melissa seemed to have become engrossed in Shirley's narration.

Shirley even forgot to ask why her mother's face had turned red. Sheryl finally felt relaxed and looked at Melissa with appreciation.

Melissa ignored her appreciation. Her mind was still occupied with several questions about that man. As long as she thought of that man, she felt anxious.

Just a few steps away, Charles stood at the door of the medical ward with a grim face.

He had heard what Shirley had said and knew that the man was none other than Damian. But he couldn't stop Sheryl or Damian, because he and Sheryl were divorced. And that was the truth that no one could deny.

Sheryl was single now. She could date anyone, including Damian. 'It is none of my business. I can't stop them, ' Charles thought in his mind.

He must attend to the present problems as soon as possible. And then he could purse Sheryl once again and win her back.

Sheryl was embarrassed when Shirley revealed her involvement with another man, and the shame in her eyes kept playing in Charles' mind. And each time, it felt like a hard blow on his chest. He heaved a sigh in his mind and then walked far away from the ward. After a few moments, he called David.

"Hello, Mr. Lu."

"What has that woman done in recent days? Update me about her recent activities," Charles asked.

"Mr. Lu, nothing at all. Don't worry. I have a close eye on her. It is so strange. She has stayed in the villa ever since she left your office that last time. She hasn't gone out even once."

"She hasn't gone anywhere?" Charles frowned.

"No. She has not. I have deputed many people to watch over her day and night. As per their reports, she didn't leave the villa even once."

"Okay, I see. Keep a close eye on her," Charles ordered.

"Of course!" David replied. "Mr. Lu, you are going to have a meeting with Mr. Zhang this afternoon..." he added.

"I see," Charles replied in a low voice. "I will reach the company before that."

"All right." David felt relieved. He knew what had happened in the Dream Garden the day before. But Charles had warned him not to tell others. He didn't know how to explain it to Mr. Zhang if Charles wanted to cancel the meeting.

Charles hung up and stood still for a while. He was thinking about what would be Vicky's next step.

So far, Charles had come to know that Vicky had a connection with Ferry's subordinate, Rob. Even though Ferry was in prison, Vicky could communicate with him through Rob. But Charles had no idea about the kind of deal or agreement Vicky had with Ferry.

There was no other option than to wait for Vicky's next move. As long as Vicky did not start executing her plan, Charles had no way to find out her real motive.

This waiting period was the most difficult thing for him now.

Charles thought for a while and came up with an idea. It seemed that he needed to take action very quickly.

He raised his head and looked at Shirley's ward. He felt nervous. Though the idea was very dangerous, he must do it.

At noon, Dr. Scott came to check Shirley's physical condition.

Shirley was not afraid of him. She followed Melissa's advice and greeted the doctor with a sweet smile, "Hello, Uncle Scott."

Shirley was a cute and innocent girl who won everyone's heart very quickly. And Dr. Scott was no exception in that case. After conducting the checkup, he found that there was nothing wrong with Shirley. She was healthy now. So he said, "She is fine. We can release her tomorrow."

Sheryl felt relieved and thanked the doctor. She asked, "Doctor, is there anything else that I need to pay attention to?"

"She has a weakness of the spleen and the stomach. Please remember not to give anything spicy and cold to her to eat. Never." Dr. Scott looked at Sheryl with a serious expression, and then he turned to Charles, saying, "Mr. Lu, you and Ms. Xia are the parents of the children. Pay attention to the diet of your children. It is very important."

Upon hearing these words, Charles' face turned grim, and he frowned.

Sheryl hurried to reply, "Yes, Doctor. Of course. Thank you very much!"

Sheryl knew that Charles would be upset to hear such words. But the doctor was right. It was their duty as parents to take care of everything concerning their children. Their kid's ill health had been caused due to the parents' negligence. And Sheryl could not deny her responsibility for Shirley's illness this time.

The doctor was satisfied with Sheryl's reply.

Melissa was still worried about Shirley and asked, "Doctor, how long will it take for her to recover completely? In the summer, all the other children can eat ice cream. Can Shirley eat it, too?"

The very mention of ice cream, and then the diktat that she couldn't have it, made Shirley feel sad. She pouted her cute little rosy lips to express her disapproval.

She didn't understand much. But the very idea of refraining from having ice cream was enough to dishearten her.

"No, no. I want to eat them. I love to have ice cream. Grandma, I want to eat it," Shirley complained in a low voice. Melissa's heart mellowed down to hear Shirley's plea. She stared at the doctor, hoping to receive a satisfying reply.

"Just relax and take it easy. Shirley's medical condition will improve, but it requires a long-term and slow recuperation. She is young now. You must pay attention to her diet from now on, or it will get worse. I hope you can understand."

"What do you mean, Doctor? Can't Shirley eat ice cream anymore?" Melissa asked the doctor once again looking surprised.

Sheryl was initially surprised to see Melissa had continued asking the doctor about eating ice cream. But then she could understand Melissa's concern. As a grandmother, she was worried that Shirley couldn't eat her favorite food in the future.

"Mrs. Lu, don't worry. When Shirley recovers, she can eat ice cream in moderation." Sheryl looked at her daughter, saying, "Shirley, do you understand? If you can stop eating ice cream now, you can eat more delicious food in the future, all right?"

"Of course. I understand." Shirley's sweet voice sounded like the jingle of bells as she innocently replied to Sheryl with a nod.

Everyone in the room laughed out loud at hearing Shirley's words.

In the villa

Vicky paced up and down in her bedroom. She bit her nails out of nervousness.

She had not gone out of that room over the past few days. Since she had failed to win Charles' heart last time, she didn't know how to make him believe in her.

She kept walking, restlessly, back and forth inside the room, wrecking her brain to figure out how to win over Charles. Then, all of a sudden...