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    Chapter 2459


    The hospital room was illuminated by the dim glow of the bedsidemp. It was quiet and tranquil, yet there was a lingering warmth Jace had never known.


    Somehow, it felt familiar.


    Pain spread through every inch of his body as he struggled to sit up.


    Suddenly, his gaze froze.


    M was lying by the bedside, her hair slightly disheveled, her eyelids swollen as if she had been crying.


    Jace could tell the middle-aged woman was sleeping soundly.


    His body tensed as he stared at her in a daze, his breath growing shallow.


    He leaned closer, his pale face inching toward hers. His fingers twitched as there was an inexplicable urge rising within him an impulse to reach out and touch her.


    At that moment, M''s longshes trembled. Her lips parted as she murmured in her sleep. "Hugh... Hugh... Mommy misses you so much..."


    As she whispered, a silent tear slipped from the corner of her eye, tracing a delicate path down her face.


    A sharp pang clenched Jace''s heart. Without thinking, he reached out, his rough fingertips gently wiping away the tear.


    The instant his skin touched hers, a jolt of electricity surged through his body, spreading to every nerve. His temples throbbed with a dull ache.


    Yet, inexplicably, he craved this sensation. He wished this moment couldst a little longer. At that moment, M''s brows furrowed. Jace hesitated before slowly withdrawing his hand.


    By the time Be arrived at the hospital, it was already 6:00 a.m.


    "Aunt M!" She burst through the door, panting.


    In the faint morning light, M stood motionless beside the bed, staring at the empty sheets in a daze.


    "He''s gone..."


    A chill ran down Be''s spine. "G-Gone?!"


    M turned to her, a sorrowful smile in her tear-filled eyes. "Don''t misunderstand. He left... He''s not dead."


    "Oh..." Be exhaled in relief, though her heart still pounded.


    Even so, she felt a pang of disappointment.


    After all, if they had spoken to Jace, they might have learned Yvonne''s whereabouts.


    "Madam M, the results are in!"


    At that moment, Quentin rushed in, clutching a report, his face alight with excitement.


    Upon seeing Be, he hesitated, words faltering on his lips.


    "It''s alright. Be is not an outsider. Speak freely."


    "There''s no need." Be drew a deep breath, her gaze locking onto M''s tear-streaked eyes. Slowly, she spoke, enunciating every word.


    "I already know, Aunt M. You must have been investigating Jace''s true identity. You''re right. He is indeed your son, Hugh-my long-lost fifth brother."