Chapter 185 Discovering the Secret
"Just as the gurney was about to crash into Joyce, a big hand suddenly grabbed it tightly. Maxwell glared at the young nurse. ""Do you want to lose your job?""
The nurse, scared, quickly apologized to Joyce. ""I'm sorry, I lost control.""
Joyce turned and saw the stretcher inches away, breaking into a cold sweat.
Someone was on the stretcher, and the momentum was strong. If Maxwell hadn't acted, she would've been knocked down. It could've been bad.
Joyce thought, 'I just finished my check-up, and now this? Coincidence or on purpose?'
She played it cool and tugged Maxwell's arm. ""Maxwell, I'm fine. Let them go, the patient can't wait.""
Maxwell let go, giving the nurse a look that said ""scram,"" and she quickly pushed the stretcher away.
Joyce whispered in Maxwell's ear, ""Follow her and see who she talks to.""
Maxwell left. About ten minutes later, he came back to the car, looking angry. ""You were right. She met Isabella upstairs. She's the caregiver in Isabella's grandma's ward.""
Sophia, hearing this, cursed, ""I want to kill that bitch. Why does she cling to you like a fly?""
A cold glint appeared in Joyce's eyes. ""She must've seen us at the gynecology department and wanted to see if I was pregnant.""
Sophia said, ""Good thing I used my name. If she found out, who knows what she'd do.""
Maxwell, gripping the steering wheel, smiled maliciously. ""Since Isabella's in City C, I'll give her a proper welcome.""
They drove to Sophia's house first. After lunch, Joyce and Maxwell went to visit Harold.
Harold was already waiting at the door. When he saw the car, he walked over smiling. ""Joyce, why so late? I've been waiting for half an hour.""
Joyce hugged Harold's arm, smiling. ""I remember Mrs. Whitmore likes pastries from that shop in the west, so I got a box. It took some time.""
""Joyce, you're so thoughtful. After all these years, you still remember what my wife likes. Unlike Maxwell, who came back with nothing.""
He glared at Maxwell and pulled Joyce inside.
Maxwell shook his head. Whenever Harold saw Joyce, he ignored everyone else.
Maxwell opened the trunk and handed the gift boxes Joyce bought to the butler.
It wasn't Joyce's first time at Maxwell's house; she'd visited during college.
But the yard had changed a lot. There was now a helipad on the former golf course, with a helicopter on it.
Harold's business seemed to be doing well. She felt happy for Maxwell, having such a family background.
Harold led her through the courtyard. ""It's good you're here. Lots of people at home today, including relatives. It's lively.""
Joyce shook her head with a smile. ""Mr. Whitmore, it's your family gathering. I don't want to intrude. I'll just visit Mrs. Whitmore and then head back to Sophia's.""
""That won't do. Uma knows you're coming and has prepared a lot of delicious food. If you leave without eating, she'll be heartbroken."" They continued talking as they walked inside.
As soon as they entered the hall, a familiar figure appeared. Bianca, in a blue wool dress, stood at the door smiling. ""Joyce, hello.""
Joyce stopped in her tracks, staring at Bianca in a daze.
She thought, 'Could the relatives Mr. Whitmore mentioned be from the Winters Family? Did Grandma Aurora bring her family here?'
Joyce smiled in surprise. ""Bianca, are you all here?""
Bianca nodded. ""Yes, this is Grandma's home. She hasn't been back in years, and since I'm free this holiday, I brought her over.""
Joyce chuckled. ""What a coincidence.""
Bianca pulled her inside, saying, ""You have no idea. They knew you were coming and have been busy in the kitchen all day, making what they think are the best dishes for you. Maxwell and I only get to eat them because of you.""
Hearing the commotion, Uma and Aurora came out of the kitchen.
Both were well-to-do elderly ladies, yet they had personally cooked for her. Joyce would be lying if she said she wasn't touched.
Although she and Sebastian couldn't be together, she couldn't refuse their kindness. Joyce walked over with a smile and hugged Aurora. ""Grandma, happy New Year.""
Aurora, excited by the word ""Grandma,"" nodded repeatedly with a smile. ""Happy New Year, Joyce. Wishing you a great year.""
Joyce nodded with a smile and then hugged Uma. ""Mrs. Whitmore, happy New Year.""
Uma looked at her with a beaming smile. ""Why do you look so pale? Are you too tired from the trip?""
""No, I'm just excited to see you all.""
Harold laughed heartily. ""Joyce really knows how to talk. None of you can match her.""
Maxwell's father walked over. ""Joyce, it must have been tough taking care of Maxwell these past six months. Has he caused you any trouble?""
Joyce shook her head with a smile. ""No, Maxwell's been great. He's been doing an awesome job running the club; he's got a real talent for business.""
Harold said, ""That's because you and Sebastian taught him well. I heard you've taught him a lot about business. It's strange, he won't listen to anyone except you.""
As they were talking, Aurora came out with a small plate. ""Joyce, try this apple pie. I made it myself. I heard it's your favorite."" She picked up a piece with a fork and brought it to Joyce's mouth.
Just as Joyce was about to open her mouth, a wave of nausea hit her. She instinctively held it back. If she threw up in front of so many people, she'd have a hard time explaining it.
She took the plate from Aurora and said, ""Grandma, I'll eat it later. I need to use the restroom first.""
""Alright, the restroom is over there. Don't take too long.""
Joyce hurried to the restroom. Aurora watched her and then looked at her flat shoes, seemingly realizing something.
When Joyce came out of the restroom, Aurora pulled her into a room. Aurora looked at her with teary eyes. ""Joyce, you're pregnant, aren't you?"""
