Chapter 384: Sylvia Stone Bit Her Lip

"Nathaniel, there's something I've been keeping from you." Sylvia Stone bit her lip, deciding to come clean. She knew her husband's temperament too well—the more she hid, the angrier he'd become.

Nathaniel's hand paused over the documents he was reviewing. "What is it?"

"It's about Dr. Ward," Sylvia Stone said carefully, watching her husband's expression. "The girl our son wants to marry."

Nathaniel frowned. His impression of this Dr. Ward was terrible, thanks to his wife's constant whispers. In his mind, she was a cunning country girl who had latched onto Adrian Stone's gratitude after he saved her life, then somehow managed to become a doctor.

"What about her?" His tone was sharp.

"I transferred her to the frontline hospital," Sylvia Stone blurted out. "The one near my brother's unit."

"What?" Nathaniel shot to his feet, papers scattering across the floor. "Have you lost your mind? That place is a death trap!"

Sylvia Stone stood her ground. "I wanted her to understand that people like us aren't so easily climbed over!" She lowered her voice. "Do you know what she was doing at the local hospital? Living in the specialists' quarters, enjoying privileges meant for senior staff—a nineteen-year-old girl! Who does she think she is?"

Nathaniel's expression darkened. His son was risking his life on the frontlines while this girl was living it up in safety.

"Nathaniel, I did this for our son's sake," Sylvia Stone pressed, seizing his hand. "We can't let her ruin his future."

Nathaniel sighed heavily. He understood his wife's concerns—being a stepmother was never easy. He'd seen the resentment his eldest son harbored toward her all these years.

"Fine," he said, patting her hand. "If Nathaniel asks, tell him it was my decision."

Sylvia Stone's eyes lit up.

"But," Nathaniel added sternly, "this is the last time. Next time, you discuss it with me first."

"I promise," Sylvia Stone nodded quickly, relief washing over her. This hurdle, at least, was cleared.