I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 400

Only then did Xander open his eyes to look at her. The man's usually composed gaze was slightly red. His expression shifted, and finally, the anger faded from his face, returning to its usual gentle demeanor.

He reached out and wrapped his hand around her fingers, holding them delicately, as if she were a lost treasure he had miraculously found again.

Xander's voice was still a bit stiff. "You'd better keep that promise."

Seeing him trying so hard to maintain his stoic facade when he was clearly worried to death, Nora felt her heart melt. She held up three fingers. "I swear it."

Xander looked at her and finally cracked a smile, reaching over to tuck the blankets securely around her. Just then, a knock echoed on the door.

Xander let go of her hand and stood up to answer it. Standing in the doorway was a silver-haired older man.

It was Dr. Maxwell Reed.

Xander was visibly surprised but politely inclined his head. "Dr. Reed, what brings you here?"

Dr. Reed was still wearing a hospital gown, clearly not discharged yet. He waved a hand dismissively and looked toward Nora on the bed, his gaze carrying a thoughtful glint.

"I happen to be admitted here."

With that, Dr. Reed stepped into the room and settled into a nearby chair. Xander tactfully stepped aside, giving the two of them space.

Dr. Reed shook his head, choosing not to dwell on the subject, but the way he looked at Nora had noticeably shifted.

If his initial entrance had merely been to check on an injured junior colleague and his savior, his gaze now held a profound layer of professional respect.

He suddenly changed the subject, his tone becoming formal. "Nora, since I've run into you today, I have a few questions and I'd love to hear your thoughts. I've been working on a new publication regarding the theoretical research of cancer drugs. There are a few concepts I haven't quite ironed out, and I'd like to hear a younger perspective."

Hearing such a serious topic, Nora subconsciously tried to sit up straighter, even though it tugged painfully at her wound.

Dr. Reed gestured for her to relax back against the pillows. "No need to be so formal with me. I just want to have a casual discussion."