Anathea’s outstretched hand grasped at nothing, and her elbow slammed against the hard floor. A sharp pain shot through her arm, forcing a hiss from her lips.

Xander just stood there without any expression. There wasn’t a trace of concern in his eyes.

Anathea had nearly lost her life giving birth to him. Yet now, he watched indifferently as she lay on the ground writhing in pain.

Anathea felt as if an invisible hand was tightening around her heart, making it hard to breathe.

Only now did she realize that, apart from a few of her features, Xander was just like Gregory. They were both cold and indifferent.

Anathea’s eyes burned with a stinging ache before the world around her spun. Then, everything went black. She passed out from the pain.

In the end, it was Jenny who called an ambulance and got Anathea to the hospital.

…

When Anathea woke up, the sharp scent of antiseptic filled her nose.

“Acute gastritis caused by stomach dysfunction.” The doctor delivered the diagnosis and reminded her to watch her diet and avoid overthinking.

Anathea nodded weakly, her face still pale.

“Mrs. Sinclair, should I call Mr. Sinclair and let him know?” Jenny asked cautiously.

Truth be told, Jenny didn’t dare make the call herself, as everyone in the Sinclair family knew Gregory had never cared for Anathea. However, she was still his legally wedded wife.

“No, I just need some rest.” Anathea forced a smile. “You should go home and get some sleep too.”

Jenny felt Anathea was merely putting on a brave front. With a helpless sigh, she turned and left.

With Anathea left alone, the ward fell silent. Just as she was about to lie back down, a small figure appeared in the doorway. It was Xander.

“Xander?”

Anathea hadn’t expected him to show up. The memory of him coldly stepping aside and watching as she collapsed in pain without the slightest reaction left her with mixed feelings.

Xander seemed distant from her and didn’t seem to care about her.

“Mom,” he suddenly called out. His voice was adorable and innocent.

And just like that, whatever bitterness Anathea had in her heart melted away. Smiling, she reassured him, “Don’t worry. I’m okay.”

She reached out, wanting to hug her little boy.

Anathea knew he’d grown up under the Sinclair family’s strict rules. He simply wasn’t good at expressing himself. Deep down, he still loved her.

That was why, no matter how much Gregory resented her, she’d endured it all for Xander. She didn’t want her precious son to suffer once Gregory divorced her and married Natalie.

Anathea knew all too well how ugly power struggles in wealthy families could get. She just wanted to protect Xander. At this thought, her gaze softened with resolve as she looked at Xander.

But just as her hand was about to land on his shoulder, he asked, “Mom, can you divorce Dad?” He continued looking at her seriously.

Anathea’s hand froze in midair.

Could even a child tell that her marriage to Gregory was beyond saving? But he was so young. Why would he even think about divorce?

Anathea gently ruffled his hair and asked softly, “Why would you say that?”

She assumed Xander was just feeling insecure and tried to reassure him. “Don’t worry, Xander. I won’t divorce Dad.”