Chapter 518 The Gift
Pearl couldn't just stand by and watch her child go through surgery.
Shaking her head, she said, "I can't go into the operating room. Oscar, I'm really scared."
"I get it. But Pearl, Christopher's been through enough. Trust RavenWing's skills."
"Yeah, Pearl. I'll be assisting RavenWing," Jeffery added, though seeing them hug made him uneasy. He cared about Pearl and would ensure Christopher's surgery went smoothly.
Pearl's eyes filled with tears. From the time she was poisoned until now, Jeffery had always been there for her. She was deeply moved.
She let go of Oscar and said, "I need to talk to Jeffery."
"Alright, I'll go find Christopher."
Oscar gently stroked her head. He wanted to kiss her but held back, aware of Jeffery's feelings. He and Pearl had plenty of time ahead, but she and Jeffery just needed to talk. Kissing her in front of Jeffery would be like marking his territory, and Jeffery was their friend.
After Oscar left, Pearl gave Jeffery a meaningful look. He immediately walked beside her.
After a moment of silence, Pearl softly said, "Jeffery, thanks for always being there. You're a good person, and I understand your feelings. I just hope you'll be happy. You have a long life ahead, and even Barbara has found her place. You can't be alone forever, right?"
Jeffery didn't expect her to persuade him. He thought if he couldn't be with Pearl, he'd rather be alone. Being with someone he didn't love would be torture for him and unfair to the other person.
But to reassure her, he gently said, "Of course, I won't be alone forever. I just haven't met the right person yet. Don't worry, when I do, you'll be the first to know."
Pearl didn't believe him. Jeffery had expressed his feelings before. If it weren't for her, he wouldn't have opened a clinic in Serenea.
"If you don't mind, after all this is over, can I help you find a date?"
Jeffery felt a lump in his throat, like a knife to his heart. If he didn't agree, it meant he still had feelings for her. If he agreed, Pearl would really go through with it.
"Pearl, thanks for thinking of me. I understand, but please respect me. I don't like blind dates," Jeffery said slowly, pressing his lips together. He wasn't angry; he just genuinely didn't like it. Plus, seeing the person he loved arranging these things for him was too painful.
"I'm sorry. I just want you to be happy. I want you to..."
"I know," Jeffery interrupted with a gentle smile, his eyes full of sincerity and tenderness.
"Pearl, can I hug you?" he asked, knowing it would be the last time. Once Christopher's bone marrow transplant was successful, Pearl would return to Willow Creek with Oscar. Jeffery had settled in Serenea and couldn't close his clinic to follow her.
Pearl didn't say anything but quickly opened her arms and hugged him. Jeffery hugged her lightly. "Pearl, you and Oscar haven't even had your wedding yet. Make it grand, and I'll be there."
"Oscar has plenty of friends; he doesn't need me as his best man. Barbara and Janetta would be perfect bridesmaids."
"You are my family," Pearl said, acknowledging Jeffery's place in her life.
Jeffery felt happy for Pearl but also a deep sense of loss. This was as far as they could go.
Christopher's surgery was scheduled for 9 AM. The weather was great, and RavenWing and Jeffery entered the operating room. Pearl, Oscar, Louis, Jimena, Giovanni, and even Matteo were there.
Pearl remembered Matteo. When Haley tried to harm her, Matteo had saved her. This was the first time she saw him since then. His hair was now completely white, and he walked with a cane.
"Mr. Rossi. What brings you here?" Louis exclaimed in surprise.
Matteo shakily pulled out a gift from his coat, saying it was for Christopher.
"Thank you," Pearl said politely. Louis whispered to her, "He was once a subordinate of our father and also a friend."
"Nice to meet you," Pearl greeted.
Matteo delivered the gift and left immediately. Oscar cautiously whispered to Pearl, "Let me check this first." He was worried it might be a trick.
Louis heard this but said nothing. Pearl and Christopher's safety was paramount, so caution was necessary.
Oscar found something suspicious in the gift—a pile of white powder. He immediately went on alert. Louis instructed Giovanni, "Have the lab check this powder. Also, arrange for someone to keep an eye on Mr. Rossi."
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