Chapter 4

Just as I was wondering, Mr. Davis, the driver, sent me a message:

"Miss Scarlett, I looked into all the information about Willow last night.”

"But strangely, her identity is very well protected. I couldn't find anything.”

I didn't reply. Instead, I looked at Willow, who had a seven-tenths resemblance to my dad.

If even Mr. Davis couldn't find her information, it seemed her identity was indeed out of the ordinary.

After school, I immediately went home.

As soon as I walked in, I saw my dad personally simmering my mom's favorite chicken soup.

"Scarlett's home? Come wash your hands and get ready for dinner.”

I washed my hands and sat at the table, eating silently.

My dad patiently fed my mom, his movements as gentle as if he were tending to a rare treasure.

After a while, I finally spoke up:

"Dad, our school has an appreciation ceremony tomorrow. Do you know about it?”

My dad paused slightly, asking curiously, "What appreciation ceremony?”

I slowly explained, "It's about that transfer student I told you about yesterday. Her dad donated an entire library to the school, and our teacher said they're holding a school-wide appreciation event to thank them in person.”

My dad smiled with satisfaction and nodded:

"Donating a library? That's wonderful! Supporting education is a truly commendable act. It seems your new classmate's family has a great sense of social responsibility.”

I smiled faintly: "Yes, so the school is taking it very seriously. The homeroom teacher requires all students to attend.”

Just then, my dad's phone rang.

After hanging up, he looked at me, his face filled with excitement:

"Scarlett, Professor Miles, your mom's specialist doctor, is coming back from overseas tomorrow! He says there's a new technique abroad that might allow your mom to fully recover! He wants to give your mom a detailed consultation.”

"Will you come with me tomorrow? We can both learn about your mom's future treatment plan!”

I paused slightly, then nodded:

"Okay, I'll ask the teacher for leave later. Mom's health is more important than any school event.”

The next morning, I woke up as usual and had breakfast with my dad.

He finished his meal with his usual expression, then picked up his briefcase:

"Scarlett, I've scheduled with Professor Miles for ten o'clock. It's still early, so I'll go to the company for a morning meeting first. After you finish eating, you can go to the hospital to talk to Professor Miles. I'll bring your mom over a bit later.”

I nodded obediently, watched my dad hurry off, then changed into workout clothes, put on a baseball cap and a mask, and took a taxi to school.

Mid-way, my dad even called me:

"Scarlett, are you at the hospital yet?”

Standing at the school gate, watching the appreciation ceremony about to begin, I calmly replied:

"Yes, I'm already at the hospital, waiting for Professor Miles.”

My dad's voice was natural:

"Okay, I should be done here in about half an hour. I'll come over as soon as I'm finished.”

After hanging up, I pulled my cap lower, walked into the school, and blended into the crowd on the sports field.

The field was already packed with people. After the principal delivered an enthusiastic speech, he grandly introduced:

"Now, let us welcome our esteemed guests today, Mr. Sterling, CEO of Sterling Corp, and his wife, with our warmest applause!”

Thunderous applause erupted across the field.

As everyone watched expectantly, a distinguished couple, impeccably dressed and radiating extraordinary presence, walked out side-by-side, smiling, and stepped onto the main stage.

When I clearly saw their faces, I froze on the spot!

The man, wearing an expensive custom suit, with a polished smile, waving to the audience below.

It was none other than my father, Mr. Sterling, who had told me earlier that morning he was going to a company meeting!

And the woman standing beside him, dressed in an elegant evening gown.

She wasn't any mistress or secret lover I had imagined.

It was my mother, who had been paralyzed for ten years…