Jace gazed at the clear blue sky and let out a sigh of relief before shifting his gaze elsewhere.

"Dad!"

The moment he shifted his gaze from the sky, Jace was surprised by his daughter's voice, causing him to startle.

“Why are you here, Cece?"

Jace greeted Claudia with his usual warm smile, but he felt a little nervous in his heart.

"I came to check on you. Why do you look like you don't want to see me?"

She handed him the thermal mug, inquiring, “Who were you just speaking with?"

Grasping the mug, Jace replied with a light-hearted laugh, “I've been away from work lately. So, I had someone bring over some important documents here this afternoon."

Instead of pointing out his lie, Claudia teased, “You might be in a poor condition, but you never take a break, do you? Such a stubborn patient."

Jace just sipped his drink, replying with a smile.

The two then talked about Bennett's father's birthday. Jace asked her what they were going to do.

Claudia was afraid that Jace would be worried, so she said, "Bennett has made preparations".

She immediately changed the conversation to another subject.

Before lunch, Jace urged Claudia to go home, so she escorted him to his room and left.

The hospital's parking lot was somewhat maze-like. Hesitant and worried she'd lose her way, Claudia chose not to use the parking lot exit leading to the in-patient department.

She had to retrace her steps and return to the outpatient clinic first before using the parking lot exit there.

What a coincidence.

Earlier, she'd encountered Xavier and Felicity. And now, as she left, their paths crossed once more.

However, Felicity looked like she had been crying, trailing Xavier with a bitter expression.

Not wanting any drama, Claudia merely glimpsed at them and Looked away, slowing her pace, hoping to reach the parking after they'd gone.

But to her surprise, Felicity spotted her.

In Felicity's mind, her brother's scolding was all because of Claudia.

Felicity's displeasure intensified. Silently, she mouthed curses at Claudia.

Seeing her mouth, Claudia knew Felicity was bad-mouthing her.