Chapter 146

Nora didn't dare make a sound. After living with Alvin for so many years, she knew his temperament well. He might seem gentle and polite on the surface, but deep down, he was incredibly stubborn. Once he made up his mind, no one could change it.

But Nora was quick-witted. She desperately needed Victoria's kidney to save her life and couldn't afford to mess things up now. She couldn't anger Victoria, nor could she offend Alvin.

"Alright, we won't do it. I know it's unfair to Victoria. She's still young and shouldn't have to make such a big sacrifice for me."

She even bowed slightly to Dr. Myers, apologizing proactively, "Dr. Myers, I'm really sorry for all the trouble I've caused you and the hospital."

Dr. Myers visibly relaxed, and perhaps it was just her imagination, but it seemed like the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

He responded kindly, "It's alright. We always follow the patient's wishes. Your decision is respected."

Daisy glanced at Nora with a look full of mockery and stepped forward, "Dr. Myers, I'll go handle the paperwork with you. I'll cover all the costs."

"Alright."

After the two left, Elara happily started packing up. "Victoria, go home and rest with your dad. I'll take care of things here."

"Elara, thank you!"

"Don't mention it! Just go home already!"

Victoria was eager to spend some time alone with Alvin. She had so many questions and wanted to know how he had been all these years in prison.

"Dad, wait for me. I'll change my clothes."

"Okay." Alvin walked outside the ward to wait.

Nora stood to the side, looking as if she had been wronged.

Alvin, now in his prime, stood tall and strong, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and straight, powerful legs.

Nora's heart suddenly raced, especially realizing that this was the man who had been by her side for so many years.

Her feelings for Alvin had been like still water, lifeless and unmoving. But now, it was as if a pebble had been tossed in, sending ripples across the surface.

"Alvin," she called softly, her voice gentle and melodious, reminiscent of the times they were intimate, her whispers filled with emotion.

Alvin stood still, not even sparing her a glance.

The love he once felt so strongly for this woman had been chipped away by too many disappointments and hurts.

During his days of imprisonment, he had reflected deeply on the past.

Nora had never truly loved him, and Alvin had known this for a long time.

Through the years they had spent together, Alvin had gone from being full of hope and naivety to feeling utterly exhausted and scarred.

He had given his all to this relationship and this family, with a clear conscience. He had offered his most passionate and pure feelings without reservation.

But unfortunately, Nora had never cherished them, treating them like trash.

"Alvin?" Nora cautiously approached. Without the boost of high heels, the height difference between them was even more pronounced, making her look more fragile.

She looked up, her eyes greedily scanning Alvin's chiseled face, then slowly moving down to his firm chest. Her heartbeat quickened, as if she were a young girl again, experiencing her first crush.

Realizing her loss of composure, she shyly lowered her head, her voice becoming even softer, "Please don't be mad at me about Victoria, okay? I know I've been a terrible mother, not fulfilling my responsibilities. But you have to understand. Ever since you were taken in, I've been living in constant depression."

"Yet you seem to be taking care of Bobby just fine." Alvin's eyes were cold, devoid of any warmth.

Nora's face turned awkward, and she mumbled softly, "Don't listen to others. It's not like that. Bobby has been taking care of me."

"In that case, let him donate his kidney to you."

"That's impossible!" Nora's reaction was intense, blurting out without thinking.

Alvin didn't argue, just continued to look at her coldly, his gaze seemingly able to pierce through her.

"Alvin, please don't misunderstand. Bobby's kidney isn't a match for me. He wants to help, but he can't."

At that moment, Daisy walked in. Seeing her, Nora immediately fell silent.

She recognized Daisy. Back then, Daisy was only twenty, with a cold and aloof personality, always sitting alone at gatherings, not getting close to anyone.

Now, Daisy exuded the charm of a mature woman in her forties, showcasing her feminine allure to the fullest.

Nora couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

Daisy walked past her and directly asked Alvin, "Where's Victoria?"

"She's changing inside."

Daisy walked in, "Victoria, are you ready to go?"

"Yes, I'm ready." Victoria came out, gave Elara a few instructions, then, like when she was a child, affectionately linked her arm with Alvin's, her face beaming with happiness.

"Let's go." Alvin's eyes were full of love as he led Victoria out of the room.

Neither of them looked at Nora even once.

"Alvin, Victoria." Nora tried to catch up, but Daisy quickly blocked her path, and said calmly, "Nora, Dr. Myers mentioned that you still need to stay in the hospital for observation."

"But..."

Daisy cut her off, "If you can ask Victoria to donate a kidney to you, then you must know better than I do that nothing beats your own health, right?"

Nora was full of displeasure but had to hold it in, saying nothing.

Daisy was right. At the moment, nothing was more important than getting her health back on track.

Alvin stood in front of the villa, lost in thought.

He turned his head to look at Daisy, "Did he help you get this place?"

Daisy nodded slightly, not saying much.

Alvin understood that some topics, once opened, would only complicate things further, benefiting no one, especially regarding why William went to such lengths.

Daisy turned to leave.

"I'll walk you out." Alvin grabbed his coat and led the way.

Daisy watched his back and slowly followed.

They walked out the gate, strolling along the path in the neighborhood.

This villa area, though not as luxurious as the top-tier neighborhoods the Carter family used to live in, was still home to many elites. The location was excellent, and the environment was serene and peaceful.

Daisy broke the silence first, "Remember the last time you walked me home? I was about Victoria's age."

At twenty, a girl harbors so many innocent secrets.

Alvin kept his hands in his pockets, not responding, his head slightly lowered, lost in thought.

Daisy wasn't one to dwell on the past for long. She quickly set aside those memories and asked, "What are your plans now that you're back?"

Alvin lifted his head, his gaze firm, "Find a job and make money to support Victoria."

He vowed never to let Victoria suffer any more.

Daisy nodded, "If you need any help, just let me know."

"You've already helped me a lot. Now that I'm back, I need to walk my own path."

Daisy stopped, looking at him with a cold expression, "Do you have to be so distant with me?"

Alvin looked at her deeply, "I know you've helped me a lot, and I remember it all. I'll repay you someday."

"Do you think I helped you to get something in return?"

Alvin was silent for a moment, then said, "Can you pass a message to William for me?"

Daisy was slightly taken aback, having a vague idea of what he wanted to say.

"If he has any grudges, he can come after me. Even if he wants my life, I won't flinch. But please, stay away from Victoria. It's best if he never appears in her life again."