Chapter 538 Family Reunion
At the mention of Ashley's "medical help," Mary's mysterious "ailment" miraculously vanished. After she was escorted away, peace finally returned to the estate.
"Pearl, it's getting late. Let's head back inside," Ethan suggested.
"Alright."
As the family of four walked toward the bamboo cottage, Ashley asked, "Ethan, any news from Ian about my brother?"
Just then, Ethan's phone rang. Checking the caller ID, he said, "Speaking of which, here's Ian calling now. Try not to worry."
"Okay."
Ethan answered, putting the call on speakerphone. "Hello, Ian."
"Your Highness, Ms. White's brother has been hospitalized following a car accident."
Hearing this, Ashley immediately cut in, her voice trembling with concern. "What? My brother was in an accident? How serious is it?"
"Ms. White..." Ian paused briefly. "I've seen him at the hospital. His injuries aren't life-threatening, but he's alone in Gold Valley District with no one to look after him, so he might need..."
"Which hospital is he in? I need to go to him right away," Ashley insisted without hesitation.
Ian provided the hospital address, and as Ashley listened, she grew increasingly anxious, wishing she could fly there instantly.
"Pearl, I'll have the driver take you," Ethan said. "Don't worry about the children; I'll look after them."
"Thank you. I should go now."
She turned to the children. "Be good for your father, darlings. I'll be back soon."
"Go ahead, Mommy," they reassured her. "We can visit Uncle another day."
Before leaving, Ashley looked at Ethan with profound gratitude. Since being with him, he had helped her in every way possible, making her feel truly cherished.
Unknown to them, Mary hadn't actually left the area. As she prowled near the estate grounds plotting her next move, she spotted Ashley leaving alone in a luxury car.
A malicious gleam flashed in Mary's eyes. "All alone now, Pearl? Perfect timing."
She quickly got into her own car and followed Ashley's vehicle at a distance.
At the hospital, Liam attempted to stand despite his injured leg. The moment he put weight on it, he let out a sharp cry of pain and collapsed back onto the bed.
Standing in the doorway, Ashley took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "Excuse me, are you Mr. White?"
At the sound of her familiar voice, Liam's entire body tensed. He turned quickly, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Ashley? Is it really you?"
Forgetting his injury, he rushed toward her in excitement, taking two painful steps before losing his balance.
"Liam!" Ashley cried out, hurrying forward to catch him.
Liam had thought he was dreaming, but her touch was undeniably real. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears began streaming down his face. "Ashley, thank God! I finally found you!"
He pulled her into a fierce embrace, as if afraid she might disappear again if he let go.
"Liam, please," Ashley gasped, "I can't breathe!"
Realizing how tightly he was holding her, Liam loosened his grip. "I'm sorry. It's just—this feels so surreal, like I'm dreaming!"
Tears continued flowing down his cheeks as Ashley helped him back to the bed. "Don't cry. Let's sit you down first."
His embrace had awakened something in her—a powerful sense of family connection that brought tears to her own eyes.
Liam clutched her hands tightly. "Ashley, how have you been all these years in Gold Valley District? Have you suffered much?"
He scrutinized her appearance, desperately hoping she hadn't endured hardship.
Ashley shook her head. "Thanks to Atticus's help, I've been fine."
"That's wonderful news," Liam said, his voice breaking. "Mom, Dad, and I—we'll all be overjoyed that I've found you. Will you come back to Aivalia with me?"
"Yes, I will."
Liam wept with joy.
"Liam, I saw you trying to get up earlier. Did you need something?" Ashley asked.
"Just thirsty. Wanted some water."
"I'll get it for you."
"No, please—I can't let you wait on me."
Ashley laughed through her tears, thinking how she must have been quite pampered by her family before their separation. Suddenly, she felt eager to meet the rest of her long-lost family.
"You're the patient now, and you need looking after," she insisted gently. "Besides, if we're going back to Aivalia, your leg needs to heal quickly. Wouldn't you agree?"
"You're right," he conceded with a smile. "Thank you for helping."
"It's no trouble at all." Ashley found a cup and filled it with water. "Drink slowly."
"Thank you."
After their long-awaited reunion, both siblings had countless questions for each other.
"How did you end up meeting Ethan?" Liam asked.
Simultaneously, Ashley wondered aloud, "Am I really Ashley?"
Their questions overlapped in perfect synchrony, highlighting just how much they had to catch up on.
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