Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 664

"Be a good girl for me, Vanessa. From now on, will you try to listen to Mom a little more? Mom really does love you." Scarlett leaned her cheek against the top of Vanessa's head, her voice soft and almost pleading.

Vanessa sniffled quietly. "Okay. I'll listen."

Scarlett cupped Vanessa's face gently, hardly daring to believe it. "Really? You really mean that?"

Vanessa just stared back with a slightly dazed look and didn't answer.

Even though a part of Scarlett knew it might just be the fever talking, she couldn't help wanting—needing—to hear her daughter say yes.

But Vanessa didn't say another word, and there was nothing Scarlett could do but let it go.

Vanessa cried softly on and off for a while, until, still worn out and unwell, she eventually drifted back to sleep in Scarlett's arms.

Damien lingered outside the hospital room door. He didn't step in.

It wasn't just that he didn't care for Vanessa—truth was, he really couldn't stand being around her.

He was afraid if he went in now, his temper might flare and only make Vanessa resent Scarlett even more.

The night passed quietly after that.

Aside from a few tearful moments, Vanessa's fever never shot back up to 104.

Early the next morning, Lily showed up with a bag of freshly made breakfast.

Vanessa was still asleep, and Scarlett didn't have the heart to wake her.

After quietly unpacking the containers, Lily turned to Scarlett. "You should eat something, Mrs. Stewart. You've been up all night."

"Thank you," Scarlett said softly.

Lily was a little taken aback by the politeness, but just nodded before glancing toward Damien. "Would you like some as well, sir?"

Damien looked up with a bright, easy grin. "You know, Lily, you're really good people. If you ever need a job, come work at my place. I'll pay you double."

Lily glanced down at him. He was smiling, but he sounded completely sincere.

For a second, she couldn't tell if he was kidding or not.

Before she could reply, her phone buzzed in her pocket.

She pulled it out and glanced at the screen—Vincent was calling.

Lily looked toward Scarlett. "It's Mr. Stewart. I'll take this outside."

Scarlett nodded. "Go ahead."

Back in Nebula City, Vincent stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching snow fall outside. His gaze settled on Scarlett's image on the screen, and for a moment he went very still.

After a few seconds of silence, he said quietly, "Lily, let me see Vanessa."

Just as he finished speaking, Scarlett—who had been half turned away—looked toward the camera. Her voice was cool and clear. "Lily, Vanessa's still asleep. Hang up now, or you'll disturb her rest."

It wasn't that Scarlett didn't want Vincent to see their daughter. She just wanted Vanessa to rest a little longer.

Lily fumbled slightly. "Oh... yes. I'll end the call."

Without another word to Vincent, she tapped to hang up.

Back in Nebula City, Vincent stood by the window, his eyes narrowing faintly as he watched the snow.

The thought of Scarlett and Damien together in that hospital room left a low, restless feeling in his chest.

He pulled out his phone and typed to Lily, "Make sure anyone who doesn't need to be in the room leaves. Vanessa doesn't like strangers around."

Just as he hit send, Sabrina walked out of the kitchen. Seeing him alone by the window, she called softly, "Vincent?"

He slipped the phone back into his pocket and turned slowly, the tension easing from his expression as he smiled. "Yes?"

Sabrina returned the smile warmly. "Breakfast is almost ready."