Our Daddy 90

Posted by AdminHHAdmin, ? Views, Released on May 2, 2025

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Chapter 90

Every eye in the room locked onto Irene, the hospital air suddenly crackling with tension. Rose shot John a bewildered glance, thrown by their typically disinterested son’s unexpected interest.

Joseph cleared his throat softly. The small sound drew Irene’s attention briefly, his weathered face giving nothing away while his eyes spoke volumes of quiet support. Whatever she decided, he had her back.

Irene shifted her gaze to Brandon, her usual ice–queen demeanor meting into something more direct–almost challenging. She met his calculated stare with the same confident poise she’d displayed during yesterday’s examination.

“Keep the wound clean,” she replied, her tone casual yet precise. “Stick to your therapy schedule like it’s gospel. And when your body says rest? Listen to it.” She paused, her eyes locked with his. “But most importantly-” her voice dropped slightly, “-do exactly what your doctor tells you to.”

Something clicked into place behind Brandon’s eyes. His mouth twitched upward almost imperceptibly as puzzle pieces aligned perfectly in his mind.

Henry, sensing the shift, quickly dropped his gaze to his tablet, hiding his reaction.

“Well, hearing that from you,” Brandon said with unexpected warmth “definitely boosts my confidence in my doctor. His smile cracked through his usually guarded expression. “You two should drop by more often, sis. Got a feeling I might heal up faster with you checking in on me.”

Rose’s jaw slackened while Anna’s fingers tightened around her thermos until her knuckles whitened.

Joseph chuckled, his voice innocent yet loaded with meaning. “Yes, definitely listen to Dr. Joy. She saved your legs during surgery yesterday. The hospital staff are calling it a miracle!”

Rose and Anna took this as an old man’s generic praise, but Brandon’s eyes narrowed slightly, catching the deliberate mention.

“These medical professionals,” Joseph continued, eyes twinkling mischievously, “they accomplish things ordinary people would never imagine possible. Wouldn’t you agree, Irene?”

Irene nodded, the ghost of a smile touching her lips. “Doctors just do their job, Grandfather. Nothing miraculous about it.”

Joseph patted her shoulder, his eyes brimming with pride. Their private conversation sailed cleanly over the heads of Rose and John, who exchanged increasingly confused looks.

The knotted questions in Brandon’s mind unraveled completely. Irene was Dr. Joy–the surgeon who had saved his legs, his career, his future. And she had chosen to let him know this truth, while keeping everyone else in the dark. The realization settled within him with surprising comfort.

“We should get going,” Irene said, glancing at her watch before turning to Joseph. “Ready, Grandfather?

“Sure thing, sweetheart.” Joseph pushed himself up, his hand finding his cane.

Irene steadied him with the same gentle efficiency she’d shown when handling Brandon’s leg during the examination, her touch both supportive and respectful of his independence.

I’ll see you both soon? Brandon’s question carried a hint of hopefulness that surprised even himself.

“Count on it,” Joseph answered with a warm smile. “We’ll be back before you know it.”

As Irene guided Joseph toward the door, Brandon called after them, Thanks for the medical advice, sister. The way he emphasized

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Chapter 90

“sister carried a weight of gratitude that went far beyond the simple suggestions she’d offered.

frene paused at the door, giving Brandon the smallest of nods–professional to professional–before they disappeared into the corridor.

The moment the door clicked shut, Rose rounded on Brandon,

“What on earth was that?” she blurted, her face a perfect picture of confusion. “Since when are you and her suddenly buddies?”

Brandon sank back into his pillows, surprisingly chill despite his mother’s wound–up state. The pain in his legs had backed off to a dull throb, nothing compared to yesterday’s hell.

“Just figured it’d be cool to have Grandfather and my sister stop by more while I’m stuck here,” he said with a half–shrug, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“Your sister?” Rose’s face went from zero to red in seconds flat. “She doesn’t even want to be here! Did you miss that look on her

face? She was practically sprinting for the door!”

Anna swooped in, placing a soothing hand on Rose’s arm while shooting Brandon a worried look. “Mom, please, take it easy. Brandon just got out of surgery–he needs peace and quiet.” Her voice was sweet as candy, though her eyes flashed with confusion at Brandon’s sudden about–face.

John, who had been silently watching from his spot by the window, finally spoke up. “Rose, tone it down. We’re in a hospital, for

God’s sake.”

But Rose was too fired up to hit the brakes. She yanked away from Anna and advanced on Brandon’s bed, her face twisted with frustration. “What’s gotten into you? She’s basically a stranger, and suddenly you’re acting like you two have some secret

handshake?”

Anna stood frozen, watching this exchange with growing dismay. She had spent two days running herself ragged trying to win Brandon’s approval–bringing specially prepared foods, adjusting his pillows, reading racing news, anticipating his every need. Yet he had barely acknowledged her existence, treating her with cool indifference. The contrast between his reaction to her tireless attention and his warm reception of Irene’s brief visit stung like a slap across the face.

Her fingers curled into tight fists, nails digging into her palms. All her careful maneuvering to secure her Sterling family position seemed to be crumbling before her eyes. If even Brandon was falling under Irene’s spell, what hope did she have?

“What about Anna?” Rose continued, gesturing wildly toward her adopted daughter. “She’s been here day and night taking care of you! She made you special healing broth! And you’ve barely said two words to her!”

Brandon’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. His mother’s attempts to force Anna on him were having exactly the opposite effect

she intended. The more she pushed, the more he pulled away.

A sharp twinge shot through his leg, either from the stress of the confrontation or his body’s natural healing process. He took a deep breath, trying to stay calm despite the growing pain,

“Hang on,” Brandon cut in, voice deceptively soft. “I thought we found our actual sister?” He cocked an eyebrow. “Isn’t that what you’ve been drilling into my head since I got back?”

Rose stuttered, clearly blindsided. “Well–yes, but-”

“Then here’s what I don’t get,” Brandon pushed on, keeping his voice steady despite the pain shooting up his leg. “You treat your flesh and blood like she’s some random party crasher while rolling out the red carpet for someone who isn’t even related to us.” His gaze flicked to Anna, who recoiled slightly. “And you wonder why she gives you the cold shoulder? Maybe look in the mirror.”