Laura was two years older than Edwin, bearing a resemblance to Paul.

Laura stirred awake at the crack of dawn.

Her eyes widened, and with a voice as soft as a kitten's purr, she gazed at Mark and uttered, "Uncle Mark."

Mark caressed her hair. In a soft and comforting tone, he assured her, “You're safe. Laura, you'll feel much better after some rest."

Laura dutifully shut her eyes. Her countenance remained tranquil and beautiful.

After Mark had another brief conversation with the doctor, his phone rang. The call came from the landline at his house.

Mark guessed it was Zoey calling to give him an earful.

Mark planned to explain once he got home, so he didn't answer the call.

When he glanced at Laura again, he discovered that she had drifted off to sleep, and all her vital signs were within the normal range.

Mark rose to his feet.

Cathy was lingering at the doorway, lost in thought.

In a subdued tone, Mark suggested, “The Thomas family is wealthy. It might be beneficial for Laura to live with Paul's parents. Take some time to ponder it."

Cathy's lips curled into a slight smile. She knew he wanted her to head to Tashkao.

Mark's sole concern was for Laura. He and Cathy were not acquaintances. Without uttering a word, he drove back home.

Upon his arrival, Cecilia and Edwin were nowhere to be found.

The servant informed, “Sir, your son has developed appendicitis and has been taken to the hospital."

Mark was left in astonishment.

Without delay, he dialed Cecilia's phone number. Once she answered, he inquired with a raspy voice, "Which hospital is he in?"

Mark expected Cecilia to burst into tears and engage in a heated argument with him.

But Cecilia, in a composed manner, shared the location and then abruptly ended the call.