Ethan came to pick up the child and me to go to the hospital. His eyes were slightly red, and his mood seemed off.

The atmosphere was heavy, and I remained silent.

When we arrived at the hospital, Margaret was still in the operating room.

Landon and my father-in-law were waiting outside, both looking pale.

As soon as Landon saw us, he quickly stood up, hurried over, and handed the child to his father. Then, pulling Ethan aside, he said, "Brother, Sister-in-law, can I have a word with you?"

Ethan and I followed him to the stairwell.

Landon hesitated before speaking. "Brother, Sister-in-law, do you have any money? I... I don’t have enough."

His voice grew quieter with each word.

The air seemed to freeze.

I stayed silent, not saying a word.

Ethan asked in a low voice, "How much do you have left? Have you asked the doctor how much it will cost?"

"The doctor said it might take around a hundred thousand... I only have a bit over ten thousand."

I remained silent, instinctively fiddling with the buttons on my coat.

Ethan paused for a moment, then spoke. "I..."

Seeing this, I quickly cut him off. "We have thirty thousand here. We’ll front that first. For the rest, let’s all figure out a way together."

Ethan glanced at me but didn’t say anything.

Landon’s eyes were red as he gratefully said, "Thank you, Sister-in-law, for understanding."

I took a deep breath. "Why are we even talking about this? We’re family. With everything that’s happened, I just hope Mom comes out of this okay. Nothing else matters."

I changed the subject. "Landon, did you have breakfast with Dad?"

Landon instinctively replied, "Not yet..."

"How much longer is Mom’s surgery?"

"Another hour or so."

"Then I’ll go with your brother to grab some breakfast. We can also discuss how to raise the money."

"Okay, thank you, Sister-in-law."

I took Ethan’s hand and we started walking toward the hospital exit.

"Honey, are you upset?" Ethan asked after a long pause.

I didn’t answer.

In my mind, I kept thinking about how to express my true feelings.

Outside the hospital, I tucked my hands into my sleeves and looked at Ethan, speaking frankly. "Yeah, I’m a little upset. I admit, your mom has been good to you and even to me. So, when she asked for money last time, I didn’t object.

But she and your dad saved their retirement pensions for Landon, and there’s the matter of the demolition, and they didn’t even discuss it with us. I heard Landon bought his house outright, a 130-square-meter place. It seems like all the demolition money and your parents’ savings are gone. So now, when they need money, it’s all gone."

I paused, then continued. "Ethan, just looking at the facts, your family didn’t handle this well, and it bothers me. But now, with your mom in the hospital, I can’t just stand by and let you handle it alone.

She gave you life, and we should return that favor. If we had the money, I wouldn’t be saying any of this, but our savings of 550,000—remember, we already gave 250,000 last time. If we give another 100,000, then buying a house will be pushed back for years. Ethan, the kids are about to start school. We..." My voice caught, and my eyes watered.

"Ethan, if I had the money, I wouldn’t mind contributing whatever you need. I’d consider it part of your filial duty. But right now, we’re struggling too. We can tighten our belts, but we can’t keep the kids living like this."

Ethan gripped my hand tightly, his face torn, frustrated, and helpless.

I sighed softly. "I shouldn’t even have to say this, but we’ve been married for a while now, and we haven’t bought a house. We can’t let the kids stay at my parents’ forever. Bringing them back and having them live in this tiny rented one-bedroom apartment... it’s too much for them."

Ethan pressed his lips together. "Yeah, so what’s your solution, Honey? Just tell me."

"We can give the money, but not without some conditions. Ten thousand each, you and Landon, and have him sign an IOU. He can pay us back later. What do you think?" I looked him straight in the eye.

Ethan hesitated, his expression uncertain.

I added, pushing a little harder. "Ethan, you have to think about our own little family."

He looked at me, conflicted. "But we don’t have enough money right now, and my heart just can’t handle it..."

I took a deep breath, holding back my anger. "Ethan, if you really feel guilty, fine. We can settle this between us. After expenses, your salary is yours. From now on, I won’t touch your money. But my money, I have to save for the house. If you want to be filial, then go ahead..."

I turned to walk away.

Ethan grabbed my arm. "Evelyn, Honey, don’t... I didn’t mean it like that. Please, don’t go. I agree with what you said. We’ll do it your way."

I shot him a half-smile. "Don’t pull that on me. I’m afraid I’ll be blamed for not letting you be filial. Then I’ll get the bad name while you get the benefit."

Ethan shook his head frantically. "No, no. I’m going to talk to my brother right now. You’re absolutely right, Honey."

Seeing his sincerity, my tense heart finally relaxed. "Alright, you talk to him, and I’ll transfer the money. Just tell him we’re getting help from someone else."

"Okay."

Honestly, I could tell Ethan wasn’t thrilled, but I was relieved he was still rational and didn’t try to carry the entire burden himself.

That gave me a bit of comfort.

Maybe I’m selfish and cold-hearted, but I have to think about our little family.

Ethan and I picked up some burgers and coffee, then hurried back to the hospital.

When we arrived, I handed the child back to my father-in-law and told him to eat breakfast first.

Ethan then pulled Landon aside toward the stairwell.

The two of them returned quickly, looking more relaxed, probably having come to an agreement.

Ethan met my gaze and gave me a subtle nod.

I breathed a sigh of relief.