Chapter 36

Hearing Serena's words, Frederick didn't hesitate for a second.

He shot a glare at Jasper, who was still standing next to Charlotte, and barked, "Get over here and treat Serena now. Charlotte's not that sick; you don't need to play along with her drama."

In Frederick's mind, Charlotte had always been healthy.

All these years together, he could barely remember a time when Charlotte was sick. So, the moment he brought up divorce, she suddenly fell seriously ill? Yeah, right. He was convinced she was just putting on a show with Jasper to get his attention.

"Play along with my act?"

Charlotte's face froze for a second, then she sneered and pointed at Serena,

"And what about Serena? Isn't she acting too?"

Serena secretly fumed and started to act even more dramatically, her body trembling slightly.

Frederick reached out to steady her shoulder, his tone growing colder,"Serena's been in a coma for years; her health isn't like yours. Plus, she's pregnant now, so of course, she's weaker. Don't make baseless accusations."

If it weren't for saving him back then, Serena wouldn't have ended up in a vegetative state. He'd always feel indebted to her for that. Charlotte didn't want to get angry, but hearing Frederick's words,she couldn't help buIt feel a pang of discomfort in her chest. Jasper had been quiet, but seeing Charlotte so upset, his expression turned icy.

He turned his head and quietly observed Serena.

Then he asked, "Ms. Brown, do you remember the discharge evaluation I did for you? Your body had indeed recovered to normal, but I'm curious,how did you get preg..."

"Dr.Johnson!"

Serena shouted,cutting him off.

Then, with tears welling up in her eyes, she said pitifully,"Isn't that my privacy as a patient? Are you trying to ruin me?"

Jasper adjusted his black-framed glasses slightly and said calmly, "Didn't you say we were friends? Discussing health matters between friends shouldn't be an issue."

Charlotte looked at Jasper in surprise.

In her mind, Jasper was always gentle. He had always taken special care of her and Taylor in their studies and life, like a warm sun.

But just now, she suddenly felt that Jasper was quite cunning.

Serena almost ground her teeth to pieces. At this moment,she indeed felt a deep threat from Jasper. "Dr. Johnson, if you don't want to treat me, that's fine, but there's no need to dislike me. I'm still very grateful that you saved me." Serena said obediently, then looked at Frederick with tears glistening in her eyes. "Let's go. Don't disturb them anymore. It's all my fault. Don't blame Charlotte. I believe she has nothing to do with this."

"Alright, let's go."

Frederick agreed immediately.

He could hear the threat in Jasper's words. He wanted to ask more and understood the deeper meaning behind their words.

There must be something between Serena and this doctor that he didn't know.

His gaze lingered on Charlotte's face. "If you need something,reach out to me. You should be aware of your role and be mindful of your boundaries."

Frederick's eyes carried a warning as he glanced at Charlotte and Jasper,then he picked up the limp Serena and left the ward.

Charlotte lowered her head, her eyes full of bitterness.

She had always known that in this confrontation with Serena, Frederick's balance would always tilt towards Serena.

Even though Charlotte thought she was ready for it, Frederick's suspicion still stung.

He had given all his trust toSerena,leaving barely any for Charlotte. Since that was the case, she felt no need to feel guilty towards him. She would never confess about hiding the child from him. "Charlotte,you okay?" Jasper placed a meal in front of her. "This is a work meal I asked a colleague to bring. You should eat some; it's pretty good."

Charlotte looked at the rich dishes but had no appetite. "I don't feel like eating.You have it."

"You need to eat even if you don't feel like it. Your baby needs it too."

Jasper set the utensils for her, looking at her like he was coaxing a child.

"Thanks."

Charlotte obediently took a few bites, but before she could eat much,a strong wave of nausea hit her.

The spasms in her stomach made her retch again.

Jasper immediately patted her back to help her breathe and opened the window to let in some fresh air.

Charlotte immediately felt better. "Thanks."

"Alright,don't talk."

Jasper apologized, "It's my fault for not considering how severe your morning sickness is. But as a first-time mom, it's normal to have a strong reaction. To alleviate it, besides watching your diet, it's best if your partner massages you every night to reduce the symptoms."

Charlotte thought of Frederick and sneered. Jasper then realized they were getting divorced and quickly said, "Look at what I'm saying. Frederick doesn't care about your feelings, causing your anger during pregnancy. How could he possibly give you massages? But a man with such a bad temper and character,leaving him early is a relief." Charlotte glanced at him.

She felt that Jasper's words seemed to carry some inexplicable hostility towards Frederick.

Was she overthinking it?

In the hallway.

Frederick, holding Serena, had just left the ward and was about to take her to see a doctor.

But Serena claimed she was feeling much better now and asked him to put her down.

Frederick looked at her and asked in a deep voice, "Serena, what did that doctor mean by his words? Are you hiding something from me?"

Her expression stiffened upon hearing his questions.

She hadn't expected Frederick to be so perceptive, immediately sensing the hidden meaning in Jasper's words.

After thinking for a moment, Serena pretended to be troubled and said, "I don't know why Jasper said that. Frederick, could it bebecause he's Charlotte's friend and wants to discredit me in front of you?"

She spoke convincingly, her eyes filled with tears as she continued,"Otherwise, I can't think of another reason why Jasper would treat me this way.We have no conflicts."

Frederick frowned.

His voice was calm but authoritative, "Do you think Charlotte is deliberately instigating?" "What else could it be? Frederick, are you doubting me now? Am I a criminal for you to suspect like this? I have no reason to falsely accuse Charlotte. Five years ago, I was supposed to marry you, but I didn't mind Charlotte taking my place. I tolerated her provocations multiple times. The bitterness of losing five years of my youth is something I bear alone! If you still doubt me, you might as welllet me go!"

Serena suddenly became hysterical, her eyes red with grievance.