Chapter 673

Josefina stepped into Alivia's hospital room, where Dorian's expression remained as stern as ever.

Seeing Josefina approach, Alivia managed to crack a smile-something she hadn't done in ages.

But it was a forced smile, looking more painful than comforting.

Noticing this, Josefina said, "Grandma, if you need to cry, maybe you should do it with Dorian. I'm not the best at comforting people. I probably came at a bad time. I'll just step out."

As Josefina turned to leave, Alivia called out, "Josie, dear, that's not what I meant."

Josefina paused, confused. Was she hearing things?

Dorian, with his cool, detached tone, added, "Grandma, your smile just scared my sister."

Alivia sighed, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Josefina turned back, and Alivia forced a more genuine smile, her voice softening. "Josie, dear, I owe you an apology. I've been wrong in the past. With old age comes anxiety, awkwardness in my speech, and a short temper. Josie, I'm sorry. It was all my fault. Here I am, sincerely apologizing to you."

Josefina instinctively glanced at Dorian.

Such a significant change in Alivia had to be Dorian's doing.

Josefina offered a polite smile. "Grandma, there's no need to be so formal. We're family, after all."

Alivia felt a pang of bitterness. Dorian wouldn't threaten her as a family member.

She wasn't afraid of Hattie, but Dorian was different.

His presence was commanding, instilling fear in Alivia.

Dorian had warned her, threatening to cut ties with Evan if she continued causing trouble.

Without Evan's financial support, Alivia would struggle.

After much thought, Alivia realized she couldn't afford to be at odds with Josefina.

The hospital's physicians had also confirmed her exceptional medical skills.

Reflecting on this, Alivia acknowledged Josefina's talent.

Breaking from her thoughts, Alivia cheerful

said, "Josie, my past

mistakes were mine alone. I'll never say those things again care for you just as much as I do for Mandy."

Josefina remained silent, thinking, She wasn't seeking Alivia's affection; avoiding harm was enough.

Josefina sat down. "Grandma, it's not that I don't want to help you, but your condition is complex. The parasite has been in your body for too long, and removing it isn't straightforward, Moreover, getting rid of it might leave your bedridden again, unable to sit up."

Alivia was silent, absorbing the gravity of her condition.

"Josie, aren't your medical skills top-notch? My condition can't be that complex, right?"

Dorian chimed in, "Aren't you aware of your body's condition?"

Of course, Alivia knew; she desperately wanted to stand again.

"Josie, will the parasite continue affecting my health if it's not removed?"

Josefina replied, "Yes, it will have a significant impact. Without it, you'd live much longer."

Alivia's mood darkened further.

Ultimately, it was all Lena's fault!

Trying to lighten the mood, Alivia

pleaded, Josie, please think of something. Having you back has lifted my spirits so much want to spend more time with my only daughter."

Seeing Alivia's mood shift from sunny to gloomy, her eyes brimming with tears,

Dorian coldly stated, "Grandma, let's not let personal feelings scare Josie."

Alivia sighed again. Her great-grandson really didn't spare any emotions!

Forcing a smile, Alivia said, "Josie, dear, I'm aware of my condition. Let's just leave it to fate. I can't ask for too much."

Josefina smiled back. "I'll do my best to help you."