Chapter 83

Chapter 83

Having obtained the answer he wanted, Pristley left quickly.

From the moment he sat down until he departed, he hadn’t touched a single bite of the food on his plate.

Daisy still only half-understood what they had been discussing. Biting down on her silver fork, she asked wistfully, “I didn’t understand a word of what the Dean just said.”

Tu Nan gave her a look of pity. “Perhaps the Dean was right.”

“About what?” Daisy blinked.

“These things aren’t really for you to worry about.”

Daisy: “…”

*

After dinner, Tu Nan returned to the fourth floor and first went to feed Eric.

York watched her the entire time with a beaming smile.

Ever since learning York’s true colors, Tu Nan felt nothing but utter disgust for him, yet she was forced to maintain a facade of politeness.

She barely managed to finish the feeding. Just as she stepped out of the door to Ward 404, she ran straight into the grim-faced Head Nurse.

In truth, the Head Nurse’s face always looked the same, but Tu Nan felt instinctively that her expression was particularly solemn right now.

“Head Nurse,” Tu Nan greeted her. “Is there something I can help you with so late?”

The Head Nurse’s somewhat terrifying eyes rolled slightly before settling on her.

“Miss Charles says she wants to see someone,” the Head Nurse said calmly. “You should know who Miss Charles is, right?”

If Miss Charles wanted to see someone, it was unlikely to be her. Since the Head Nurse was appearing at the door of Ward 404, the most likely candidate was York.

Tu Nan recalled the sight of Miss Charles being carried away on a stretcher and couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on.

Miss Charles was far too infatuated. If Tu Nan wanted to convince her to testify that York had instigated her actions, it would likely be difficult.

She nodded. “I know her.”

“She wants to see York.” The Head Nurse stared at her intently. “Logically, Miss Charles shouldn’t even know him. Do you know what’s going on?”

Tu Nan had no choice but to briefly recount the events of the afternoon to the Head Nurse.

After listening, the Head Nurse let out a cold sneer.

“I was wondering why she would fall from the pavilion for no reason…” She shot Tu Nan a frigid glance. “You failed to prevent this tragedy in time; you must take responsibility.”

Tu Nan didn’t understand why the Head Nurse seemed so angry, but under the gaze of those inhuman eyes, she couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat.

“Yes,” she said, lowering her head. “I am trying to make amends.”

The Head Nurse gave a noncommittal grunt. “And how do you plan to do that?”

Tu Nan then informed the Head Nurse of the task the Dean had assigned her.

This time, the Head Nurse remained silent for a long while before slowly speaking. “Since it is the Dean’s order, then go ahead and do it. If you fail to find evidence of York harming others…” She trailed off again.

Tu Nan already understood the unspoken threat.

“Yes, I will do my best,” she promised once more.

The Head Nurse played a vital role in whether Tu Nan would be promoted to a permanent position. Unless absolutely necessary, Tu Nan did not want to offend her.

“Take York to see Miss Charles.” The Head Nurse glanced at the situation inside through the glass on the door of Ward 404. “I trust you understand the gravity of this.”

“I do.” Tu Nan nodded, sighing inwardly. “I will stay by his side every step of the way.”

The Head Nurse finally nodded.

“Miss Charles is in Room 418. When you’re finished, return York to his ward. You don’t have to pull a night shift tonight. Once you’ve brought him back and finished your rounds, you may go back and rest.”
Tu Nan gave a quick nod of acknowledgment.

The Head Nurse then turned and strolled away at a leisurely pace.

Tu Nan checked the time before turning back to re-enter the ward.

*

York’s bed was closest to the door, so he was the first to notice her.

“Is there something else, Nurse?” he asked with a smile.

Tu Nan gave him a fake smile in return. “Miss Charles wishes to see you. Please come with me; I’ll take you to her.”

York arched an eyebrow, appearing unsurprised, and quickly agreed. “Of course. I’ve been quite worried about her myself.”

His expression seemed remarkably sincere. Had Tu Nan not already known his true colors, she might have been deceived by his masterful acting.

“Follow me,” she said, opening the ward door. At the same time, she addressed the Peters in the room, “We will be back before rounds. Please remain quiet and do not disturb the other patients.”

York was already at her side, seemingly impatient as he urged her to move faster.

*

Room 418, where Miss Charles was staying, was a rare private suite.

Through the window in the door, the interior could be seen brightly lit. Miss Charles was lying in the hospital bed, and a lady dressed in the finery of a noblewoman sat beside her.

It was likely the Duchess.

Tu Nan turned to glance at York, who was following behind her. “Miss Charles is very fragile right now. Please be mindful of your words and actions. I will be staying by your side the entire time.”

York shrugged, looking at her with a half-smile. “Is all this tension really necessary, Nurse?”

Tu Nan kept her face taut. “It is very necessary.”

“Fine, fine,” York replied dismissively. Tu Nan knew he hadn’t taken a word she said to heart.

Tu Nan turned and knocked. Upon receiving an affirmative answer, she opened the door and led York inside.

A faint scent of perfume lingered in the air. The Duchess sat on the sofa, looking up to cast a haughty glance at them.

“So, you are York?” She scrutinized him from head to toe with a critical eye, her tone exceptionally blunt. “How exactly did you bewitch my daughter to the point that she insists on seeing you even at a time like this?”

“Mother!” Miss Charles cried out urgently. “You promised me!”

The Duchess gave a cold snort. “I only asked a question. Look at how worked up you’re getting.”

“Your Grace must be Mrs. Charles.” York, however, remained unhurried. He stepped forward naturally, took the Duchess’s hand, and performed a hand-kissing gallantry. “It is a pleasure to meet you. Emily has mentioned you to me; she said she respects you immensely.”

This routine worked wonders on Miss Charles, but in the eyes of the Duchess, who had seen all sorts of people, it appeared incredibly frivolous.

She pulled her hand back unceremoniously, her dissatisfaction deepening.

“You should be well aware that, given your status, you are not a match for Emily. I advise you to know your place and not harbor any delusions.”

Tu Nan hadn’t expected to get a free show out of this trip. She watched York with great interest, curious to see how he would handle the situation.

To her surprise, York actually put on a wounded expression.

“Yes, I understand. I am indeed unworthy of Emily, and I have never dared to hope for more.”

Tu Nan frowned. What was he plotting now?