Given both social norms and basic courtesy, she really ought to pay a visit. So Sylvia stood up, gave Milanda a brief rundown of her plans, and drove to the hospital where Eugene was admitted.
She picked up a basket of fresh fruit from a vendor outside, then made her way to the private suite. Inside, four or five people were already gathered around, including the one who’d called her earlier; they exchanged quick hellos.
Eugene had been chatting with someone, but the moment he saw her, his eyes lit up and he immediately sat up straighter. “Sylvia!”
The others stepped aside, making space for Sylvia to approach.
She set the fruit basket down and glanced at the IV drip by the bed. “What happened?” she asked.
Eugene gave a sheepish smile. “It’s nothing, really. Just a minor thing.”
Sylvia was about to press for details when a woman breezed into the room, calling out cheerfully, “More visitors?”
Sylvia instinctively stepped back to make space and turned to look at the newcomer.
The woman wore an elegant designer suit, her short hair styled in soft waves. Her makeup was flawless, her features strikingly well-maintained for her age—and there was a clear resemblance to Eugene.
Eugene introduced her to the group. “These are all my friends!” Then he turned to Sylvia and the others. “And this is my mother.”
He shot a quick glance at Sylvia after the introduction.
Everyone greeted her politely.
“Hello, Mrs. Winters!”
“You look so young!”
“No wonder Eugene’s so handsome—he takes after you!”
Eugene looked exasperated. “Mom, why are you here again? Didn’t I tell you to go home and get some rest?”
Through the cracked doorway, Sylvia caught a glimpse of Vicky leaving. She’d always thought Eugene was easygoing; she hadn’t expected his mother to be so formidable.
Once Vicky was gone, Eugene managed a small smile. “My mom’s just blunt—sorry you had to witness that.”
Everyone chimed in at once.
“No worries—she’s just worried about you!”
“Honestly, I like how straightforward she is!”
“Eugene, your mom’s right. If you’re allergic, you can’t mess around—it can be dangerous!”
Eugene’s gaze lingered briefly on Sylvia as he said with a wry smile, “It’s nothing, really. Just a few hives. Even if I hadn’t come to the hospital, I’d be fine in a couple of days.”
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