Chapter 938
Lillian shot Jackson a glare, clearly annoyed.
"If you wanna laugh, just laugh! Why hold it in?"
Jackson sighed, feeling a bit helpless. Was it that obvious?
He turned to Oberon and said, "Thanks, Grandpa."
Oberon chuckled, a knowing smile on his face.
From the moment Jackson insisted that Oberon name the baby, Oberon knew Jackson had a little scheme in mind.
If the Frane family named the baby, how could they not give the child the Frane surname?
It was better to leave it to the Kelly family, showing respect and letting them decide the child's last name.
Jackson was well aware of Oberon's guilt and considerations.
By showing goodwill, Jackson hoped Oberon would make some concessions.
Jackson had probably calculated that Oberon would let Taylor take his father's surname, Frane.
Now, seeing Jackson's triumphant yet restrained expression, Oberon felt an urge to kick him out.
He huffed, unable to hold back any longer.
"The next kid, whether a boy or a girl, has to take their mom's last name!"
How could Jackson refuse?
Oberon's words implied he had already agreed to Jackson and Lillian's remarriage and was even encouraging them to have a second child.
Whether they would have a second child was a matter for the future, but Oberon's sentiment was significant.
Jackson immediately nodded and said, "Of course, Grandpa."
Oberon then looked at Lillian, "Lillian, for the next one, you should have twins."
That way, the Kelly family would have two more adorable children.
Oberon imagined the scene, grinning from ear to ear.
But Flora, standing nearby, gave him a heavy slap and anxiously waved at Lillian.
"No more babies, Ophelia won't have any more!"
Flora clearly remembered the toll childbirth had taken on Ophelia and was still shaken by it.
Lillian was about to comfort Flora when Flora pulled her close, patting her head.
"Lillian, be good. There was so much blood, it hurt too much. No more babies, we need to take care of you."
Seeing the love and fear in Flora's eyes, Lillian knew Flora was recalling the night she gave birth to Taylor.
She leaned in to hug Flora. "Okay, Grandma, I'll listen to you. I'm here, it's okay."
Flora gradually calmed down, and after chatting for a while, they left the hospital room.
Jackson carried Taylor ahead, while Lillian lagged behind.
As they exited the room, she turned to Ambrose, who had followed them out.
"Aren't you gonna check on Calliope?"
Ambrose glanced at her. "I'm not here for her, it's Grandpa and Grandma..."
Lillian cut him off with a smile. "I don't believe you. Ambrose, liking a woman isn't something to be ashamed of. Why hide it?"
Ambrose was speechless.
The problem was, he didn't think he was at the point of liking her yet.
But seeing Lillian's exasperated look, as if she was about to lose her mind, Ambrose stopped hesitating.
"Which room is she in? I couldn't find her records."
Lillian burst into laughter, covering her mouth. "Ambrose, if you don't care about Calliope, why are you looking for her room?"
Ambrose pressed his lips together. He really had no experience in pursuing women.
The main issue was, Lillian mentioned that Calliope was seeing a man who brought her flowers every day.
They might already be in a relationship, and he didn't want to intrude.
Seeing Ambrose's expression, Lillian knew what he was thinking. She smiled and said, "I was kidding. There's no man visiting her every day. But if you don't make a move, you'll regret it!"
She gave Ambrose a meaningful look and walked towards a room at the end of the hallway.
"Follow me, it's on this floor."
Ambrose followed, though he was puzzled.
This entire floor was for pediatric patients. Even if Calliope were hospitalized, she wouldn't be here.
But Lillian seemed certain, so she couldn't be wrong.
Ambrose followed her to a room. Lillian stopped but didn't go in.
She stepped aside and said to Ambrose, "This is the room. She should be inside. You go in, I won't be a third wheel."
Lillian turned to leave, but Ambrose hesitated and turned as well.
Lillian was speechless. She couldn't believe that Ambrose, usually so decisive and methodical, was being so timid now.
She glared at him. "Go in! Why are you leaving?"
She was frustrated, pushing Ambrose. He finally explained, "I didn't bring anything. Who visits a patient empty-handed? I should at least buy some flowers."
Lillian looked at his empty hands, realizing he was right.
She was debating whether to go with him to buy something or call Jackson to bring something up when the door suddenly opened.
Lillian was startled and looked up to see a slender figure standing in the doorway.
Her hair was pinned up, with some strands falling softly around her delicate face, making her look naturally beautiful and pure.
If Lillian hadn't met Phaedra, she wouldn't believe Calliope was a mother to such a big child.
Calliope's eyes fell on Lillian and Ambrose, then on Lillian's hands on Ambrose's waist.
Ambrose's hand was also on Lillian's arm.
Calliope's eyes flashed with an emotion Lillian recognized well.
Broken, forced, and bitter.
Realizing the misunderstanding, Lillian quickly let go and stepped away from Ambrose, waving at Calliope.
"Ms. Wall, hello. I'm Lillian, a fan of yours."
Calliope knew Lillian from the time she and Ambrose had dinner together.
When Lillian had an accident and Ambrose left in a hurry, Calliope had secretly followed Lillian's news.
She had watched Lillian's dance videos online and read about her and Jackson.
She knew Lillian was the Kelly family's long-lost daughter and Ambrose's sister in name. She also knew that Lillian and Jackson had been childhood sweethearts, their relationship tangled and enduring through many trials, yet deeply loving.
She knew Ambrose had feelings for Lillian but couldn't have her, and the thought of him silently guarding a woman he couldn't have made Calliope jealous of Lillian, almost to the point of madness.
She thought she would hate Lillian; after all, who could like their rival in love?
However, now that Lillian stood before her, smiling and greeting her, Calliope could feel her sincerity. She sensed Lillian's goodwill, and her claim to be a fan seemed genuine, not just polite words.
Moreover, Lillian's natural beauty and pure, clean aura made it hard to dislike her.
Suppressing her complex and bitter feelings, Calliope stepped forward slightly.
"Hello, Ms. Kelly."
Lillian blinked at her and suddenly said, "Someone's coming, don't let them recognize Ms. Wall. Ambrose, get inside quickly!"
With that, Lillian pushed Ambrose, catching him off guard. He stumbled forward, just as Calliope had stepped closer.
They collided solidly.
Calliope felt Ambrose's familiar yet strange presence like a drug, a poison tailored just for her. As it enveloped her, her cheeks flushed, and her legs weakened.
Ambrose's tall frame was overwhelming, causing Calliope to stagger back.
She was about to fall when a strong arm encircled her waist, and Ambrose's other arm braced against the wall, steadying them both.
The air grew quiet, and Calliope felt like she was suffocating.
This was the closest she had been to him in over four years, and she couldn't think straight, hearing her heartbeat like a drum.
"Ambrose, you two have a good chat. I'm leaving. Good luck!"
Lillian's voice came from the doorway, and she even closed the room door for them.
Calliope was confused, her mind unable to function properly.
She moved her lips, "Why did she..."
Ambrose made a low, magnetic sound.
Calliope realized he hadn't stepped back, still close to her, and his gaze was fixed on her.
His gaze was focused, making her feel like she was finally seen by him. But how could that be?
Calliope bit her tongue lightly, clearing her mind. She whispered, "I'm fine now, I can stand."
Ambrose released her waist and stepped back.
The pressure from Ambrose eased, but before Calliope could catch her breath, she saw Ambrose walking further into the room.
Suddenly, Calliope snapped back to reality.
'Oh no, Phaedra!'
She had been so startled by Ambrose and Lillian's sudden appearance that she hadn't thought of anything else.
Now she realized she couldn't let Ambrose see Phaedra.
"Mr. Kelly, why are you suddenly in Miracalia?"
She quickly followed him, relieved that Quiana had taken Phaedra to the park and wasn't in the room.
Ambrose didn't respond, his eyes scanning the room.
From the setup, the clothes on the bed, the toys, and the hair ties on the cabinet, it was clear this was a child's room.
Calliope wasn't wearing hospital clothes but a fitted knit dress.
"Who's hospitalized?" Ambrose turned to Calliope, feeling puzzled.
Since Calliope wasn't sick, why did Lillian lie? He sensed a secret related to him.
"It's a relative's child. Her parents are busy, so I'm staying with her."
Calliope tried to appear calm and composed.
But Ambrose wasn't easily fooled. He walked to the bed, leaning on the rail.
He was looking at the information on the bed, Phaedra's details.
Calliope felt her heart leap into her throat.
Did he know something?
As she worried, Ambrose looked at her.
"Your relative's child is named Phaedra Wall? Which relative? I don't recall you having such a relative."
His questions came rapidly, overwhelming Calliope. She instinctively replied, "A cousin's child. Not a close relative, we've just been in touch more recently."
"A cousin? Her husband is named Wall?"
Ambrose approached Calliope, who retreated, saying, "Yes, Wall. Of course, Wall. Phaedra Wall."
Ambrose could see her unease. He nodded.
"But why is your name listed as the guardian?"
Calliope, Phaedra—it sounded like her daughter.
Calliope waved her hand, laughing nervously, speaking firmly, "How could that be? Where would I get such a big daughter? Please, Mr. Kelly, be careful with your words, don't ruin my reputation."
Ambrose saw her anger, a dark glint in his eyes.
Calliope's overreaction seemed like she was hiding something.
"Sorry, I asked too much."
He didn't press further, his handsome face showing a gentle smile.
Calliope felt relieved but also embarrassed.
She wasn't sure if he was upset because of her attitude.
But her priority was to get Ambrose to leave quickly.
Otherwise, Quiana might return with Phaedra soon.
If they met, it would be disastrous.
"Mr. Kelly, I need to go downstairs for some errands. Shall we go together?"
Her intention to get rid of him was clear.
Ambrose raised an eyebrow, wondering if she really had a suitor she didn't want him to meet.
Seeing her anxious and eager to send him away, Ambrose felt a bit blocked.
He had rushed to Miracalia after Lillian's call, bringing Oberon and Flora, but now felt disheartened.
Ambrose nodded, "Let's go."
He walked out first, still calm and warm.
But Calliope felt he was unhappy.
She bit her lip and followed.
Ambrose opened the door, about to step out, when he felt something soft bump into his leg.
He paused.