Chapter 456 Can't Even Afford to Hire a Doctor?
Violette nudged Katniss forward, "Your grandma's calling you. Go on, hurry up."
Katniss walked over to the bedside, looking at the elderly Charlotte, whose outstretched hand was covered in wrinkles. She instinctively grasped her hand.
"Grandma?" Her voice was soft.
Just that one word brought tears to Charlotte's eyes.
"The child is back, Briar, did you see? Your child is back."
In the quiet room, Charlotte's trembling voice was crystal clear.
Charlotte pulled Katniss to sit on the bed, and Katniss struggled to get up.
Violette hurried over to help her, but Charlotte held on tight.
"Talk to your grandma for a bit, but not too long. Her health isn't great," Violette whispered to Katniss.
Katniss nodded, and Violette signaled the nearby servant to leave.
Meeting for the first time, being held by the hand, and seeing the tears in Charlotte's eyes, Katniss didn't know what to say.
Charlotte leaned against the headboard and pointed to the bedside cabinet, "Open it."
Katniss did as she was told, pulling open the drawer. Inside was a small photo album and a pair of gold bracelets with intricate designs.
The album was filled with countless photos, including ones from the day she was born.
There were also several photos of a woman who looked just like her.
The woman had a long ponytail, and her eyes sparkled with a lively spirit.
She had the aura of a businesswoman, quite impressive for that era.
But those eyes held a subtle tenderness, reflecting the image of a child.
"Your mother was so strong. After you left, she fell apart. You were her treasure, but she never got to see you return."
Charlotte's tears flowed like rain as she gently brushed Katniss's messy hair, her fingers tracing down her forehead.
"You look so much like your mother."
Katniss looked down at the photos, letting Charlotte search for traces of Briar in her, releasing years of longing and anxiety.
About ten minutes later, Violette came in, giving Katniss a look, then sat beside Charlotte, "Mom, the child is back. She won't leave again. Don't get too excited. She just had a long flight. Let her rest for a bit. You can ask her more questions at dinner, okay?"
Charlotte wiped her tears and waved at Katniss, "Alright, go rest."
Violette stood up and led Katniss out.
The spacious living room was brightly lit, with a vintage decor that had a sense of history.
Violette guided Katniss to the room at the end, "This was your mom's room. You'll stay here from now on. There are many things your mom left behind. Your grandma wouldn't let anyone touch them."
"Got it, Aunt Violette." Katniss looked around the room and smiled at Violette.
After a while, Violette sighed softly, "Spend more time around the house. During meals, bring some food to your grandma and chat with her. She shouldn't get too excited."
It seemed Charlotte couldn't come out for meals.
After a moment's hesitation, Katniss asked, "Should we take Grandma to the hospital?"
Violette shook her head decisively, "The hospital is too far. Her body can't handle the trip."
That made sense. Thinking back, they had spent a lot of time at the hospital.
"How about bringing a doctor here?" Katniss couldn't bear to see Charlotte just staying at home.
Violette was stunned for a few seconds, then looked at her for a while before asking, "I haven't had a chance to ask, how have you been?"
Her sudden question carried a hint of scrutiny and probing, abruptly cutting the previously pleasant atmosphere in half.
Katniss frowned instinctively and replied, "I'm just an ordinary office worker."
"I figured you might not know how much it costs to bring a doctor home. I heard you came from Velvet City, where real estate is incredibly expensive. But this is different. It's inconvenient because of the distance."
Violette meant that bringing a doctor from the hospital to their home would be very costly.
Their family didn't have that kind of money now.
"Actually, after your mom passed away, she hasn't been well. We had her checked earlier, and it's just old age. The doctor suggested she stay home and rest. No need to go back and forth."
Katniss couldn't listen anymore and decided to stay silent.
She planned to privately find a doctor to check on Charlotte.
"Are you married?" Violette asked again.
Katniss shook her head, "No."
If she said she was married, she'd have to introduce Tristan. Her identity was easy to hide, but Tristan's wasn't.
Violette smiled and said, "Rest in the room for a while. I'll call you for dinner."
"Okay." Katniss watched Violette leave, then sat on the bed and took out her phone, which had rung several times.
Tristan had sent her several messages while she was asleep on the way back, and she hadn't replied.
Now he was calling.
Katniss quickly answered, "I arrived. I was just talking."
"Send me your location." Tristan sighed in relief, asking for her location.
Katniss frowned, "You can't come here."
Tristan's displeased voice came through, "Are you abandoning us now that you've reunited with your family?"
She could hear Evie's voice in the background, but it sounded like they were in a hotel, with no background noise.
"Of course not. It's just that the situation here is complicated. I told them I'm not married." Katniss's voice was as soft as a whisper, afraid someone might hear and feeling guilty."Katniss!" As expected, Tristan was angry, "You're really abandoning us for your family!"
"No, it's just a special situation. I'll explain when we meet." Katniss's tone softened, pleading.
Tristan scoffed, "When will that be? Will Evie push me in a wheelchair to meet you?"
Katniss's mysterious tone suggested she was caught in a sudden situation and couldn't leave.
Leaving them to wait in the luxurious hotel in Northern Grassland City!
Katniss was amused by him, her mood lightening a bit, "Stop it. Take care of Evie at the hotel. I'll send you my location. Try to get a couple of doctors here. Grandma's health isn't good."
Tristan's voice rose, "So poor you can't even afford a doctor?"
Even for an average family, calling a doctor to the house might be expensive, but not unaffordable.
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