Chapter 56: Mabel Feels Things Slipping Out of Control
The next day.
Gemma started her day with hospital rounds..
Mr. Gray’s condition had stabilized enough to transfer him to a regular ward
Just as she finished her notes, Dr. Wayn popped up out of nowhere again. “Little genius! Have you decided yet? Will you be my PhD student?”
Gemma nearly jumped. “Dr. Wayn! You scared me! You’ve got to stop sneaking around like this.”
“Well, how else can I grab your attention?” he teased.
Gemma sighed.
She didn’t want to disturb Mr. Gray’s rest, so she led Dr. Wayn to a quieter corner for their conversation.
“Dr. Wayn, I’ve thought it through carefully. I do plan to pursue a PhD, but I already have a mentor in mind…”
Dr. Wayn froze, looking as if he’d been struck by lightning
“Who? Who dares compete with an old man like me?!”
Gemma lowered her gaze. “Emerson Soto.”
Dr. Wayn went silent, his expression complicated.
“So… Dr. Soto, huh?
Figures. If you become his student, your future will be limitless.
But no matter what, we’ll always be friends. If you ever have academic questions, you can still come to me.”
Gemma bowed deeply. “Thank you. Dr. Wayn
Dr. Wayn quickly waved her off.
“No need for all thatt Honestly, I just want to make it up to you.
When I involved you in Mr. Gray’s surgery-
“You gave me a chance, Dr. Wayn. I’ll always be grateful for that”
Her words interrupted him, but instead of annoyance, he looked down, humbled.
“You’re a good kid,” he said softly.
Gemma smiled, letting bygones be bygones.
She owed him. That high–risk surgery had been her breakthrough moment, saving her career.
Sometimes, risks bring rewards, and in a way, Dr. Wayn was her benefactor.
With work wrapped up. Gemina headed straight to Noah’s kindergarden after her shift.
Cassius had arranged for the necessary costumes and props to be delivered earlier, so all she had to do was use the school’s changing room
Soon, she emerged in a clown costume, complete with a treasure chest of tricks.
Linle Noah, dressed as a mini–clown, held her hand, bouncing as they walked. The sight was utterly adorable.
Marcus had just parked his car when he noticed Mabel’s vehicle pulling up nearby.
The moment she spotted him, Mabel quickly got out and ran toward him.
“Marcus! Why didn’t you wait for me?” she complained, sliding her hand into the crook of his arm.
In the past, they’d always attended these events together, and many assumed they were Alijah’s parents.
But today, Marcus instinctively pulled his arm away.
“We’re in public. Watch your image.”
Chapter 56 Mabel Feels Things Slipping Out of Control
Mabel’s heart sank.
Even in front of high society, he’d never been this distant before.
“Marcus, are you upset about something?”
“No”
In truth, he was in a great mood, already imagining how Gemma would dance with him later, apologize, and promise not to
divorce him again.
Mabel felt uneasy.
“Are things not going well with Gemma? I wasn’t trying to push her for money–please don’t be so aggressive”
Marcus glanced around at the other parents, most of whom were couples
Even those who likely fought at home still put on a loving front in public.
In comparison-
He realized he’d never given Gemma the respect or image befitting Mrs. Wilson.
He decided he’d invite her to dance later.
After all, it wasn’t her fault Brian had pursued her.
He shouldn’t have said such hurtful things.
A dance could be his apology
“Max Marcus!
Mabel had been talking non–stop but received no reply.
She turned to look at him, realizing he seemed distracted.
Her alarm bells rang.
Something was slipping out of her control
Still, no missteps came to mind as she replayed recent events.
With so many people around, she couldn’t press further and decided to strategize once inside.
She was organizing her words.
Meanwhile, Alijah ran over.
“Dad, Ma-
He stopped mid–word, looking around.
Where was his mom?
He turned to Marcus, silently questioning why his mom wasn’t here.
Marcus, confident Gemma would come around, had no intention of begging her to attend.
Even though, over the years, she’d gone out of her way countless times to support
him.
“Let’s go inside,” Marcus said, breaking the awkward silence.
Mabel reached out to take Alijah’s hand.
But he instinctively dodged her touch.
Mabel froze.
What was going on with these two today?
“Let’s go.”
Marcus grabbed Alijah’s hand and strode ahead.
Mabel followed them, gritting her teeth.
Inside the venue, Gemma and Noah sat by the dessert table.
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Chapter 30: Mabel Feels Things Slipping Out of Control
The beautifully arranged cakes and pastries were for guests to enjoy once the event began.
Noah, whose diet was strictly managed at home, couldn’t resist the lure of cupcakes.
“Gemma, are you sure I can only have three?”
She pinched his cheek playfully. “That’s right. You promised me–real men keep their word.”
Noah stared longingly at the cakes, licking his lips. “Fine. When I grow up. I’ll eat as many as I want!”
Gemma chuckled, amused by his determination.
Not far away, Marcus and Alijah took seats, just in time to hear her laughter.
Both father and son frowned.
Alijah grumbled.
“Laughing so loudly in public. So annoying.”
In truth, the laugh wasn’t loud or disruptive
He was just irritable because his mom wasn’t here, and now everything seemed wrong,
But then…
As his annoyed gaze followed the sound, he froze in shock.
“Ali, what’s wrong?”
Although Mabel didn’t know what had happened before to make the father and son deviate in their thoughts, she had the confidence to break it back
That’s why she kept an eye on them at all times, and was the first to notice Ali’s weird reaction.
She followed his line of sight and gasped.
“Wait, is that Gemma?”
Marcus turned his head at her words.
Gemma, with her hair tied up, wearing a bright red hat and an absurd clown costume, looked nothing like the poised Mrs.
Wilson
The thought of dancing with her later sent a wave of secondhand embarrassment through him.
How humiliating
Huge humiliation!
What had he been expecting from a bumpkin girl?
No, he needed to change his plan–immediately,
