Chapter 185: Anne’s sudden encounter with Denis

Words : 1136 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 185: Anne’s sudden encounter with Denis Anne hesitated, her eyes drifting to Paule. She didn’t want to go. After all these painful years, she just wanted to stay a few more moments beside her father. Paule looked at her, his tired eyes softening as he slowly lifted his hand toward her. But Patricia swiftly intercepted the gesture, taking his hand in hers. "Let her go," she said, feigning concern. "She must have left her job to come here. She should get back. Right?" Her eyes flicked back to Anne, sharp and dismissive. "You must be busy." Anne felt the sting behind the words. It was clear they didn’t want her here. Swallowing down the ache rising in her throat, she nodded slowly. "Papa, I’ll come again later. I need to return to the office." She mustered a small, reassuring smile for him. Paule blinked once and gave her a slow nod. Anne lingered for a moment, then she turned and walked out. As she stepped into the hallway, her eyes welled with tears. "It’s okay, Anne," she whispered, comforting herself. "He is awake. That’s what matters." Anne blinked rapidly, forcing back the tears clouding her vision as she made her way down the corridor. Just as she turned a corner, her phone buzzed in her bag. She quickly pulled it out and saw Helena’s name flashing across the screen. "Hello?" she answered tentatively. "Where are you?" Helena’s voice came through sharp and accusing. "Why aren’t you at the office? The boss is in a meeting, and you just walked out! How irresponsible can you be?" Anne’s eyes widened at the harshness in Helena’s tone. "Helena, please—just hear me out," she said, stunned. "I’m at the hospital. My father just woke up from a coma after three years. I already informed the boss before I left." She wasn’t making excuses. She had texted Augustine on the way to the hospital. There was a pause on the line, then Helena’s voice came back—softer, almost faltering. "Oh... I—I didn’t know about your father. I’m sorry, I... I didn’t realize." "It’s okay, Helena," Anne replied. She realized Megan had complained about her. "I understand your concern. But just so you know, I don’t take my responsibilities lightly. I would never neglect my work. The boss knows that, too." Without waiting for a response, Anne ended the call. She took a breath to collect herself as she strode away. Nathan, who had been closely monitoring the Clair family, learned that Paule had come out of the coma and arrived at the hospital. He intended to speak with Paule and Patricia to uncover the truth about Anne and confirm whether she was truly his biological sister. As he spotted Anne leaving, he began to follow her, only to pause when he saw Denis suddenly step in and block her path. Nathan stayed there, hiding behind the wall and watching them for a while before slipping away. "Anne," Denis said, stepping in front of her, searching her eyes. "I called you. Why didn’t you answer?" Anne’s expression darkened the moment she saw him. He was the last person she wanted to meet. "Are you following me?" she asked skeptically. Denis shook his head quickly. "No. I came to meet the dean," he said defensively. "I wanted to make sure he took proper action against the doctor who faked Tania’s pregnancy report." He wasn’t completely dishonest. He had followed Anne to the hospital, but he had also taken the opportunity to meet with the dean. Denis stepped closer. "I wanted to apologize for everything that had happened last night. I was blinded by Tania’s lies. I was a fool not to see her true face earlier. But you... You made me see the truth. And I’m grateful." Anne’s eyes didn’t soften. Her tone remained detached. "It’s over. Her lies are exposed. She has paid the price. Now you should move on. And stop showing up in front of me." "Anne, please," he said with desperation as he reached out and clasped her hands. "I meant what I said. I won’t interfere between you and Augustine. I’m not trying to cause trouble. I just... I need your forgiveness." Anne struggled to wrench her hands free from Denis’s grip, but he held on tighter. "I know you are still angry, and I don’t expect forgiveness right away," he continued. "But at the very least, let us talk like family or friends. Let me be there for you when you need it. It’s the only way I can ease the guilt I carry. Please..." Anne’s uneasiness grew. She didn’t want to continue the conversation. With a sharp twist, Anne finally freed herself. Her brows knitted together in discomfort as she muttered, "I’ll think about it. It’s getting late—I need to get back to work." "I’ll drive you," Denis offered quickly. "There is no need. I’ll catch a taxi." "My car is just outside," he insisted. "I can get you there faster." Anne hesitated. She was aware that Augustine’s meeting could be over by now, and with Megan stirring up trouble in her absence, she couldn’t afford to be late. "Fine," she agreed reluctantly. Denis smiled in relief, stepping aside with a courteous, "After you." As Anne walked ahead toward the exit, Denis followed, casting a glance toward a dim corner of the corridor. There, a man dressed like a patient loitered, pretending to limp. He had a phone raised discreetly, snapping pictures of them. Denis caught the movement and gave the man a subtle nod before continuing out the doors with Anne. The supposed patient lowered the phone and limped off. A few taps later, he sent the images to Augustine. Meanwhile, Nathan quietly approached Paule’s hospital room. But he froze in his tracks as he noticed Lorie stepping out, phone pressed against her ear. Instinctively, he turned around and slipped behind the wall, staying out of sight. "What is it? Why are you calling me now?" she snapped with irritation, glancing around as if she didn’t want to be overheard. Nathan leaned ever so slightly around the corner as he watched her. "I’m at the hospital. Dad is awake," Lorie muttered tensely. From the other end, Robert’s voice growled, "I don’t care. Come home immediately. My friends are coming over. You need to cook." "You—" she started, but he cut her off sharply. "You still owe me five million. Don’t forget that," Robert warned coldly. "If you don’t listen to me, I’ll send you to the nightclub and make you entertain the guests there." Lorie gritted her teeth. Humiliation and helplessness flickered across her face. She didn’t have the means or courage to defy him—not yet. Swallowing her anger, she forced herself to comply. "Fine," she muttered before ending the call and storming off.

Chapter 185: Anne’s sudden encounter with Denis

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