The two of them rushed to the hospital, where John was treated. Hearing the doctor say that John had only developed a sudden high fever, they breathed a sigh of relief.
Even though John had opened his eyes, he didn’t even glance at Ella. Instead, he asked Danny, who was standing beside him, “Dad, the school wants parents to record videos cheering us on for the college entrance exams. Could you take Aunt Sarah to record one for me?”
Ella clenched her fist as a self-mocking smile tugged on her face. “Take care of yourself,” she said before leaving the ward.
Standing at the door, she convinced herself it didn't matter. They were getting divorced soon anyway. She had no intention of fighting for John's custody. From now on, neither father nor son would have anything to do with her.
She sighed and stared blankly out the window for a moment.
“Don’t take it to heart. John is just a child/ He doesn't think things deeply." Danny's voice snapped her out of her senses.
“What were you... about to say in the room? Divorce?”
Ella gave a faint laugh and shook her head. “Nothing. You misheard.”
She didn't plan to tell him now. Divorce was a sure thing anyway and with John's college entrance exams just days away, it was better to wait until after the exams.
But Danny's instincts told him it wasn’t that simple. Her smile didn’t ease his uneasiness at all.
Over the next few days, he packed a few belongings and moved back into their old home to live with her again.
Ella knew that he only did this because he felt guilty, not because he loved her. Therefore, she had no intention of changing her mind. She wouldn't gamble her life away again for his illusory, fleeting affection.
After staying for a few days, as if to make sure Ella was acting normal, Danny soon announced he had to go on a business trip and would be away for several days.
But she merely gave a light “Mhm." and a flash of strange emotion rose in his heart.
He asked reluctantly, “Aren't you going to ask where I'm going?”
“You're an adult. You don't need to report your whereabouts to me.”
Despite her words. Danny couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. In the past, whenever he left for a business trip, Ella would always give him numerous instructions, pack his clothes for him and even see him off downstairs herself.
This time, however, even as he stood at the door, she kept her head down, absorbed in her own work, not even glancing at him.
Exasperated, he left, planning to have a proper talk with her when he returned.
Not long after he left, Sarah knocked on the door. She smiled gently at her and handed a coat. "Ella, is Danny home? He... left his shirt at my place the other day. I brought it back for him.”
Seeing through her scheme, Ella sneered coldly: “Aren't you supposed to be traveling with him? Why not just give it to him directly? Who are you putting on this show for?”
Even after her plot was exposed, Sarah stayed calm. “Since you know so much, you should divorce my Danny sooner rather than later. Stop clinging to this position.”
Her word made Ella snort and say sarcastically, "If you have the ability, you can take it yourself. What? Hasn't Danny given you a proper title yet?”
A dark shadow flickered in Sarah's eyes as she replied coldly, "He will... soon. I'll confirm our relationship during this business trip. Oh, and one more thing..."
She stepped closer and whispered into Ella's ear, “This time, you probably won't be able to tag along. With your level of skill, the organizers would never send you an invitation.”
Ella's face darkened and she remained silent. Seeing her expression, Sarah felt a surge of satisfaction.
Watching her retreating figure, Ella picked up her phone and made a call.
“Teacher, I'd like to attend this awards ceremony. I'll go accept the award in person....”
***
In the lobby, everyone was buzzing about the Topical Award winner. She was the youngest recipient in history and upon learning her age, every person present was stunned.
"Dr. Sinclair, with your extensive connections, do you happen to know the project leader?”
Danny shook his head. “I've sent her several emails, but she hasn't replied to a single one yet.”
The person who asked him sighed when he heard his answer, but the curiosity in his eyes only deepened. “So mysterious? Looks like today might be our only chance to see her. I wonder which big shot in the industry she is.”
“But no matter how talented she is, she should at least reply to emails. My senior sent her so many—Isn't she being so arrogant?” Sarah muttered under her breath, but Danny heard every word.
"Don't say that. Her achievements clearly prove she’s more capable than me. Someone that talented has every right to be a bit arrogant.”
Seeing the admiration in his eyes, Sarah felt a pang of resentment. She silently prayed this person wasn’t a woman—and if it was, she hoped she was already married. But the voice beside her dashed her hopes completely.
"I just saw her being interviewed at the entrance. It’s a woman, looks pretty young, about the same age as Dr. Sinclair. Most importantly... I heard her tell reporters she's currently unmarried!"
In an instant, the voices of discussion rang one after another.
“Not married yet? That's surprising for someone so accomplished. You'd think suitors would be lining up.”
“It's not necessarily that no one pursues her. Maybe she's just picky? Someone ordinary wouldn't measure up. Only someone like Dr. Sinclair could possibly win her over.”
Danny smiled helplessly. When he was about to speak, the host on the stage announced, “Let's welcome the winner of this year's Topical Award—”
Amidst gasps of surprise, the crowd in front gradually parted to make a path.
Danny looked toward the entrance with anticipation, but the moment he recognized the figure approaching, his pupils suddenly contracted. He just stood there rooted in place.
