Chapter 229

I gently patted Mom's hand, giving her a reassuring look before turning to leave the ward. In the hallway, Lucas stood leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets and his head lowered. His expression was unreadable. I stopped in front of him. "Why are you back?" He lifted his gaze. "I saw the news... about your mother." My heart clenched. So, it was because of that. The reports, exaggerated and twisted, painted Mom as a malicious woman while amplifying Grandma's teary accusations. "They're all lies," I said calmly. Lucas was silent for a moment before replying in a low voice, "I know." He knew? What exactly did he know? Did he know the reports were false, or did he know who was pulling the strings behind all this? "Serena..." He started as if struggling with something unsaid. But in the end, he only shook his head. "You look exhausted. Get some rest. We can talk later." Then, he suggested, "Let's get something to eat. I haven't had a meal since I got off the plane