Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 287

Vivian let out a soft laugh. Hooking a finger around his tie, she glanced down with a playful smirk. "You seem fully functional to me. Nothing's broken down there."

Julian cupped the back of her head and fiercely captured those soft, red lips that haunted his every dream.

...

The next day at the hospital.

The team of medical specialists was ready and waiting. As soon as Leila arrived, they began the comprehensive tests, but the results were far from ideal.

The scars on her face were too old. Repairing them would require multiple, agonizing surgeries.

But that was secondary. The real issue was her long-term exposure to heavy psychiatric medications. Even though she had forced herself to throw them up every time.

There was still residual absorption. Over the years, the toxicity had severely damaged her kidneys and her neurological functions.

This caused her frequent mood swings, sudden bouts of depression, erratic outbursts, and unexpected mental breakdowns.

Additionally, she had trouble maintaining focus for long periods and easily slipped into a dissociative state.

A complete cure was impossible. She could only manage it through slow, careful rehabilitation.

Medication was part of the plan, but her mindset and a positive, healthy lifestyle were far more crucial.

Summer couldn't stay abroad much longer. Back home, she had Maeve Vance recovering from a stroke, along with her young son, Leo Vance.

She had to go back, but she was incredibly reluctant to leave Leila behind.

Leila gently reassured her. "Don't worry about me. I survived all those years alone. Now that we're finally reunited, I have no reason to give up. I promise you, I'll follow the doctor's orders, live well, and do everything I can to recover so I can come home to you."

Summer hugged her tight. "Mom, call me if anything happens. Call me anytime. If you can't reach me, call Vivian. Her husband operates here, so he can step in if there's an emergency."

Summer flew back first, while Vivian stayed behind for a few more days to satisfy her intensely demanding husband.

Upon returning home, Summer immediately went to check on Maeve. "Mom, I'm back."

Summer had, of course, told Maeve the entire truth about her real parentage.

Before leaving the country, Leila had stayed at their house, and Maeve’s heart had broken for everything the woman had endured.

Leila, in turn, was profoundly grateful to Maeve for raising Summer all these years.

The two hit it off instantly, getting along famously like old friends.

Maeve took Summer's hand. "Did you get your mother settled in alright?"

Summer nodded, checked the time, and immediately initiated a video call with Leila. It connected in seconds.

Maeve smiled brightly at the screen. "Leila, are you settling in well over there?"

Leila beamed back. "Maeve, thank you for checking on me. It's wonderful here. Let me show you the estate. Once you're fully recovered, you have to come out for a vacation."

Holding the phone, Leila gave Maeve a virtual tour of the massive villa, followed by the expansive gardens outside.

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