Chapter 257

Calliope snapped back to reality, cleared her throat awkwardly, and quickly glanced away. "Ahem... no, I just remembered I haven't finished reading my textbook. Thought it's time to dig it out." Eleanor had been quietly watching her daughter from the hospital bed and noticed everything. She had seen Calliope zoning out while fiddling with her hands. Thinking about how her daughter and Conrad hadn't come back to the ward all night, she couldn't help but flash a knowing, proud smile that only someone who's been there would wear. She picked up the book next to her and started skimming through it lazily. Two days later, Olivia showed up again with a fruit basket to visit. After chatting with Eleanor for a bit, she couldn't hold back any longer and leaned in, eyes sparkling with gossip. "Did you guys hear? The Brown family really hit rock bottom this time!" Calliope was in the middle of peeling an orange for her mom. Her fingers paused the second she heard it. Eleanor looked surprised. "The