Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 333

My expression stiffened as Brandon gave Ellie a light tap on the forehead. "You're acting like you're checking the civil registry."

She pouted at him. "I was just asking out of curiosity."

I turned to him. "The checkup is done. You should take her to get something to eat. I'm going to check on something."

"Maddie, what are you going to do?" Ellie asked, her curiosity piqued.

Brandon understood my intention and gently pushed her along as he said, "You weren't this chatty before. Have you turned into a chatterbox since coming here?"

"I'm talking more because I'm worried I might not get the chance to later." Her words left Brandon silent and affected me deeply.

It turned out that Ellie was also afraid she wouldn't make it through the surgery.

"Stop talking nonsense." Brandon patted her on the head lightly.

Ellie linked her arm through his, and they walked away until they were out of sight. I then turned to find Zack.

"Maddie, why are you back again?" Bree asked when she saw me.

"I'm worried about Zack," I replied honestly.

I told Ellie earlier that Zack and Bree were my adoptive parents because I truly consider them as my own parents in my heart.

"I've already said that it's nothing." Zack's voice lacked strength. It was clear that something was wrong. "Don't lie to me if you see me as your daughter. What's really going on?" My voice was tinged with a bit o "It's just high blood pressure and a bit of tightness in the chest," Conrad interjected.

Bree nodded immediately. "Yes, he attended two banquets recently and had some wine. That's why he's

like this."

Even with Bree's explanation, I was still doubtful. I looked at Conrad anxiously.

"Mom, Dad, wait here for the checkup. I need to go outside to make a call." Conrad used this as an excuse to leave.

I added, "Bree, Zack, I'll go get you some water."

Conrad was already waiting for me outside. He suggested, "Let's sit in the cafe for a bit since my mom's around to handle things."

I followed him to the cafe and asked, "What exactly is wrong with Zack?"

"Recently, he's been coughing a lot. We had him do a checkup last week, and the results suggest that it might be small-cell lung cancer."

Conrad's words left me stunned. I couldn't speak for a long time.

Eventually, he looked at me and said, "Maddie."

"Has it been confirmed?" My voice trembled.

"It's mostly confirmed." His voice was also subdued.

We fell silent for a while.

Then, I asked, "What does the doctor say about this disease? Are there any good treatment options?"

"Dad still needs to do further tests to see if it has spread before the doctor can determine a treatment plan." Conrad took a sip of his coffee.

"Does Bree know?" I asked.

He shook his head slightly. "I only told her that there's inflammation in his lungs. She can't keep secrets, and I'm afraid that she'll tell my dad." "What about Chris? He should know, right?" I looked at Conrad.

"We'll tell him once it's confirmed." As an outsider, I didn't have much say in his plans.

"Maddie," Conrad said. "The matter with Chris leaving the company really has nothing to do with me."

At this moment, that issue seemed trivial and irrelevant.

I remained silent, and he gave a dry smile. "It looks like you still don't believe me."

"This woman trusts no one," a voice interjected, and before I could react, the person pulled out a chair and sat down with us uninvited.

Hooked at Yerick, who had appeared without a sound and felt a headache coming on.

Yerick grinned at me with a mischievous look. "Madeline, you're quite the player. Are you juggling several men at once?"

He really couldn't say anything nice, could he?

Conrad's face darkened. "Who are you?"

"I'm her boy toy. She tackled and touched me all over the first time we met-Ahh!"