The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 981

Katrina's mom recognized her old friend at a glance and quickly called out, "Cassandra, you're here so early!"

Hearing this, the elegant woman's smile widened. She hurried over with open arms. "Willa! I thought I had the wrong hospital room!"

Speaking cheerfully, Cassandra Sterling stepped up to the bed and pulled Willa Lester into a tight hug.

Katrina stepped back politely, giving her mother and her old friend some space.

As she retreated, she sensed someone approaching from behind. She turned to see a tall, handsome man walking in. Dressed in a sharp suit with gold-rimmed glasses resting on his nose, he looked every bit the polished gentleman.

Katrina knew this was Cassandra's son, but awkwardly, she had forgotten his name.

Still, her first impression of him was quite good.

"Hello," Katrina said, offering a polite nod to greet their guest.

The man looked at Katrina, shifted his gift bags to his left hand, and extended his right. "Hello. It's been years. You've grown so stunning I almost didn't recognize you."

Katrina offered a constrained smile and lightly shook his hand. "Hello."

"Did you forget my name?"

"..." Katrina just pressed her lips together.

"I'm Julian Sterling, remember now? Friends call me Leo. Just use whatever you're comfortable with," the man said politely, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses.

"Hello, Mr. Sterling. Welcome back," Katrina nodded eagerly, feeling a bit stiff. Then, remembering something, she added, "I'm Katrina Lester."

"I remember."

"..." She felt even more awkward.

By the bed, the two lifelong friends finished their initial greetings and turned to see their children already chatting, which only deepened their joy. "Look, childhood friends really are different. Even after over a decade apart, they aren't strangers at all."

Katrina turned back to the older women and greeted them sweetly. "Hello, Mrs. Sterling. You haven't changed a bit. You're still as beautiful and elegant as ever."

"Hahaha..." Hearing the praise, Cassandra beamed even brighter. "Katrina always has the sweetest things to say. You're just too lovable. Come here, I brought you a little something."

Katrina quickly waved her hands. "There's no need for that, Mrs. Sterling. I'm an adult now, not a child."

Despite Katrina's refusal, Cassandra gently but firmly pulled her closer and took a velvet box from a gift bag.

"Here, it's just a bracelet. The style suits you perfectly. You can wear it with your outfits."

Katrina recognized the brand. Even if it was cheaper abroad, it still cost a couple of thousand dollars.

She tried to decline again, but Cassandra wouldn't take no for an answer, lifting Katrina's wrist and fastening the bracelet on her.

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