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The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 1373

Outside the door, Neera wore a complex expression. Her hand moved away from the doorknob, and she didn't go in.

She came over intending to check on Frederic, not expecting to hear such words.

“Mommy, aren't we going to see Grandpa?” Penny tugged at Neera's hand, asking in a soft, adorable voice.

Neera was momentarily stunned. She lowered her gaze toward them, then shook her head. “No need, it sounds like your grandfather is in good spirits. Let the two of them be alone for now. We should head home.”

Penny blinked her moist, large eyes, exchanged glances with her brothers, and then obediently nodded. “All right, let's go home. We haven't seen Auntie Zuniga since we got back. We kind of miss her.”

The family of four, mother and children, were chatting as they walked. Then they ran into Joseph, who had hurriedly arrived at the hospital entrance.

Neera took the initiative to greet him. “Joseph.”

Joseph smiled. “You're leaving, Neera?”

“Yes. Mr. Frederic's in good spirits. There's nothing for us to do here, so we'll head back. The kids haven't changed their clothes in days.”

Joseph nodded, his gaze falling on the triplets. He smiled as he crouched down to interact with them. “Go home and rest well. When there's time, I will take you out to play.”

The triplets obediently and cutely responded, “Okay, Uncle Joseph. You have to keep your word. Pinky promise.”

Joseph was amused and laughed. He reached out to make a pinky promise to each of them.

Then, he stood up, hesitated for a moment, and finally asked, “Are you still upset with Aunt Wrenn and Mr. Frederic?”

Neera hesitated for a moment, then said lightly, “It doesn't matter anymore. What's done is done. Regardless, they are Jean's closest kin, his parents.”

Joseph smiled faintly. “I understand that some wounds, once inflicted, are not so easily healed. However, since you left Kingsview, Aunt Wrenn has truly changed a lot. She's been feeling guilty. Though she's strong-willed and not one to cry easily, recently, she's been shedding tears for a long time, feeling depressed. She feels she has let you down, regretting her actions. Your return this time has made her very happy, and she's very grateful.”

Then, he added, “Of course, I'm not saying this to soften your heart, or to persuade you of anything. I just think it's necessary for you to know because, as you said, no matter what, they are Jean's closest kin. Some things are better said out loud. It's best if the knots of the heart can be untied, but even if they can't, at least there won't be any confusion.”

Neera understood his intentions and nodded slightly.

The two of them exchanged a few more words before parting ways.

When she returned, Zuniga was delighted to see the three children. She held them in her arms and cooed at them for a while.

Neera was feeling a bit tired. After letting the triplets bathe and rest, she also went to soak in a bath.

Reclining in the bathtub, she closed her eyes. It was as if a movie was playing in her mind as she reviewed the past, frame by frame, moment by moment.

The words and actions of Frederic and Wrenn still lingered vividly in her mind, yet the feelings of grievance, frustration, and anger seemed to have all but dissipated.

When she asked herself if she really couldn't forgive them, her answer wasn't absolute.

However, she was not yet able to forgive them with equanimity.

With a sigh, she felt a touch of annoyance. Sliding down, she held her breath and submerged herself in the water.

During that period, Jean's and Neera's life was quite simple, revolving around their home, the office, and the hospital.

As for the company, unless it was a special circumstance, both of them rarely visited the place.

Most of the time they spent was at the hospital.

Throughout that time, Jean was always considerate of Neera's feelings, seldom leaving her alone with Frederic and Wrenn.

Usually, either he was present himself, or he would ask Neera to leave, allowing her to rest.

In response to that, Neera observed everything, feeling a warmth in her heart, yet also experiencing a surge of complex emotions.

That day, Wrenn packed Frederic's luggage and said, “The weather's getting cooler. I'll go back to fetch some change of clothes for you.”

Frederic didn't want her to overwork herself. “Let the servants handle these tasks. There's no need for you to run around.”

Wrenn chuckled, seemingly unconcerned. “I'm just idling anyway. It's good to get a little activity in.”

Seeing her persistence, Frederic didn't try to stop her anymore.

Before leaving, Wrenn stood at the door, her expression conflicted. She hesitated for a moment, then mustered up the courage to ask, “Neera, would you like to come back with me? You've been working hard these past few days. Let's go back and rest. I can make some delicious food, and we can bring it to them after we eat.”

Then, she he looked at Neera with a burning yet somewhat cautious gaze. Deep inside, she harbored a faint hope, yet paradoxically, she dared not to expect too much.

Neera's response took everyone present by surprise.

She glanced at the time, pondered for a moment, and responded softly, “All right.”

Wrenn was stunned, her eyes full of disbelief, even thinking she might be hallucinating.

“You...” She opened her mouth, wanting to confirm, yet somewhat afraid it might be her own misperception.

Neera had already put on a light jacket by that time, walking over nonchalantly. “What's the matter? Are we not leaving now?”

Wrenn was momentarily dazed, realizing that all of that was real. She was instantly overjoyed, her face filled with uncontrollable excitement. “Let's go. We're going home right now!”

Neera nodded, then turned around and said, “Mr. Frederic, Jean, I'll be heading back first. The kids will stay here and keep you company.”

In the ward, Frederic also wore a face of surprise. He was stunned for a few seconds before he kindly said, “All right, all right, off you go then. Be careful on the road.”

As for Jean, his initial surprise had turned into delight at that moment. A satisfied smile appeared on his countenance, his eyes and brows soft with warmth. “Go back, take a good rest. There's no need to rush back.”

On the way back, Neera kept gazing out the window at the street scenes, her face expressionless, giving no hint of what she might be thinking.

Meanwhile, Wrenn felt her heart beating a bit faster, filled with excitement and apprehension.

Even though the atmosphere between the two was incredibly awkward at that moment, she felt an unparalleled sense of satisfaction.

Neera was willing to accompany Wrenn home, something that had never happened before.

Regardless of whether Neera had forgiven Wrenn or not, it was a good thing for the latter.

Even the slightest progress was enough to fill her with joy.

Upon arriving at the mansion, Wrenn busied enthusiastically. “Neera, why don't you go rest in Jean's room for a bit? I'll tidy up the clothes, then I'll start cooking. What would you like to eat? I'll make it for you.”

Neera casually replied, “Anything is fine.”

With that, she glanced at the time. “I'll lie down for half an hour, then I'll come down to help you.”

Wrenn was pleasantly surprised. “Okay!”

Subsequently, Neera went upstairs and headed straight to Jean's bedroom.

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