The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback novel Chapter 180

Anne blinked her big eyes, curiosity shining as she stared at Jeremy.

Felicia gave her an encouraging smile. “Anne, say hello to Uncle Jeremy.”

Anne nodded and piped up, “Hello, Uncle Jeremy.”

Jeremy’s smile was gentle as he pulled a chair over, settling in across from them. “Hi, Anne. It’s great to finally meet you. I should have brought you a present, but I didn’t.”

“That’s okay, I don’t need a present,” Anne replied, her voice soft but sure.

With Anne there, Jeremy and Felicia kept their conversation light and easy. Every now and then, Jeremy chatted with Anne, making her giggle.

A nurse soon came in to change Felicia’s bandages. Felicia’s forehead injury was pretty bad, with stitches and all, and she didn’t want to scare Anne, so she shot the nurse a look.

The nurse got the hint and announced, “It’s best if everyone else waits outside for a bit.”

Anne listened, taking Jeremy’s hand as they left the room together. Once the nurse finished, Anne hurried back inside.

By eight o’clock, Max showed up.

He walked in and saw Jeremy and Anne deep in a Sudoku battle, Felicia coaching Anne along. The whole scene felt cozy and peaceful.

“Yay!” Anne suddenly squealed, bouncing in her seat. “Evelynn, we won!”

Jeremy looked at her with a grin. “You’re amazing, Anne. I can’t keep up.”

Anne’s face lit up, her smile stretching so wide her eyes nearly disappeared.

Felicia picked up Anne’s water bottle and handed it to her. As Anne took a sip, Felicia glanced at the doorway and spotted Max there. He stepped inside, his presence changing the air in the room.

Felicia frowned a little. Something was off with him tonight, but she couldn’t guess what.

“Daddy!” Anne spotted him and waved, totally missing the tension.

Jeremy stood and nodded at Max. “Mr. Hawthorne.”

After they left, Jeremy turned to Felicia, updating her about business. He’d spoken to someone at Westfield Clinical Research, and they were set to sign the contract tomorrow. Apparently, Max hadn’t made a move yet.

Felicia let out a little sigh of relief. “I’m just glad we can get the contract signed.”

Jeremy nodded. “Maybe ask your doctor if you can step out for an hour tomorrow. It’s better if you’re there to sign it yourself. You started this, so you should finish it.”

*

Max helped Anne into her seat and the car rolled out of the hospital driveway.

After a moment, Anne piped up. “Daddy?”

Max glanced back at her. “What is it, Anne?”

Anne hesitated, then asked, “Can you be nice to Evelynn, like Uncle Jeremy is?”

Max looked at her, surprised. “Why do you say that, Anne?”