Chapter 116: Chapter 116

Chapter 116:

Bryan noticed Eileen’s discomfort and asked, “What’s wrong? Is there something in the photo I shouldn’t see?”

“No,” Eileen replied, her voice barely above a whisper, the corners of her mouth twitching nervously. “The owner is very busy, and it seems wrong to bother him just to retrieve a photo. Besides, I didn’t look my best in my college days.”

Bryan found it hard to believe that someone as attractive as her wasn’t good-looking back then.

He said casually, “Just interested in seeing how you looked back then.” His tone was nonchalant, leaving Eileen at a loss for words. She could feel her heart pounding. Just then, the waiter arrived with their ordered kebabs, and Eileen quickly changed the subject. “Let’s eat. They won’t taste as good once they get cold.” She thought it might be wise to leave before the owner returned with the photo.

Handing two lamb kebabs to Bryan, she took a bite of another and advised, “Just eat them like this.”

“I don’t often eat, but I certainly know how to,” Bryan responded resignedly. He even called the waiter over to order a bottle of beer.

Eileen watched him then look back. He was so different from his usual self, so carefree and unguarded with his sleeves rolled up. Halfway through their meal, Bryan lit a cigarette. The smoke curled from his thin lips, framing his delicate features in a smoky haze that captivated Eileen. She suddenly thought of the many nights they had spent together. His hand, the one holding the cigarette, had rested on her waist.

Her reverie was shattered by the owner’s loud announcement. “I’ve found the photo! Take a look!”

The owner handed the photo straight to Bryan. Still holding his cigarette, Bryan took the photo and examined it closely. He furrowed his brows deeply.

Eileen held her breath as Bryan’s expression grew serious. He held the photo next to her face, comparing her current features to those in the picture. After a moment, he said slowly, “Indeed, you weren’t as striking as you are now.”

New content live at gⱯlnσv𝑒𝓁s․com With a frown, Eileen snatched the photo from him. In it, she stood beside the owner and his wife. The image, several years old and poorly preserved, was somewhat blurry. Because of that, Bryan didn’t recognize her in the photo.

The owner was somewhat embarrassed as he explained, “My wife used to show it to our daughter a lot after she was born. The kid played with it so much that it became quite dirty.”

While looking at Eileen, he added, “She was as attractive then as she is now. It’s just that the photo isn’t very clear.”

Bryan smiled gently and responded, “I understand. I was just teasing.”

The owner nodded and advised, “Girls often take comments about their looks seriously. It’s best not to joke about such things. Enjoy your meal! I’ll get back to work.” He then made a move to take the photo.

But Bryan quickly said, “Could I keep this photo? Or maybe I could borrow it to make a copy and then return it to you?”

“Why do you want it?” Eileen’s objection was ignored by both of them.

The owner said to Bryan, “Of course, take it with you. You can give me a copy of it later.”

With her heart pounding, Eileen silently finished her meal. When she and Bryan tried to pay the bill, the owner refused to accept their money. Fortunately, Bryan had the foresight to place some cash under their plate before they left.

During their drive back, Bryan answered a phone call. Eileen caught a snippet of the conversation mentioning “hospital.” Seeing Bryan’s expression darken, Eileen held her breath.

After the call, Bryan was silent for a moment before saying, “You can go to the Clarkson’s place on your own tomorrow. I have something urgent to deal with.” His voice was cold, and his brow was furrowed deeply.

“Okay,” Eileen replied, asking no further questions. She thought about how timely Ewan’s purchase of the car for her had been, as she could drive herself to the Clarksons the next day.

That night, as bright moonlight shone through the window, they lay together in bed. Perhaps due to the fact that they had been spending too much time together or perhaps due to Bryan’s inebriation, they repeatedly made love and enjoyed every round. Eileen thought she had never had it this good. Later, she would realize that was their last moment of true happiness.

The next morning, Bryan kissed her forehead, got dressed, and left early. Eileen got up after that. She washed up with a smile on her face. Despite the passionate night, she was surprisingly energetic. She changed into fresh clothes and drove straight to the Clarkson family’s house. But halfway there, she received a call from Benjamin.

“Vivian was admitted to the same hospital where your mother is. Her driver told me she has found out that your mother’s in a VIP ward. She might cause trouble for your mother!” Benjamin said.

When Kian tasked Benjamin with locating Bailee, Benjamin realized Kian and Vivian were up to no good. Earlier that morning, Vivian’s driver had informed Benjamin that Vivian was now at the same hospital as Ruby. So, he called Eileen to warn her. Even if nothing had happened yet, he knew she had to stay vigilant.

Eileen’s heart sank. Before she could respond, Benjamin added, “Kian had me find out about Bailee’s whereabouts. They’re making moves. Be careful.” Then, Benjamin abruptly ended the call and wiped his call log with Eileen.

As Kian stepped out of the elevator, Benjamin greeted him with a nod.

“Were you able to find Bailee’s whereabouts?” Kian inquired, his hands tucked into his pockets as he walked toward his office.

Benjamin took a deep breath before responding, “I’ve learned she’s working at Huey’s studio.”

Walking to stand in front of the French window, Kian lit a cigarette and began to smoke. He remained silent until he nearly finished with the cigarette. Then he said, “Arrange to have her brought to me when the opportunity arises.”

After ending the call with Benjamin, Eileen immediately dialed Bailee’s number. She resolved to pick up Bailee first, then proceed to the hospital together. She needed to be with Bailee until she figured out how to protect her; otherwise, she would be consumed with worry.

Bailee’s residence wasn’t far from Huey’s studio, a mere twenty-minute drive away. Without explaining much to Bailee, Eileen drove Bailee straight to the hospital.

Seeing Eileen’s serious demeanor, Bailee grew anxious. “Eileen, what’s wrong? Has something happened to Mom?”

“No, Mom’s fine,” Eileen reassured Bailee, noticing her pale complexion. “I’m concerned someone might be targeting you. I’ll explain everything after we arrive at the hospital.”

Eileen’s plan was to transfer Ruby to another hospital and clarify matters afterward.

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the hospital and headed straight for Ruby’s ward floor. Typically, there were only a handful of patients in the VIP wards, with a dozen or so caregivers. However, as the elevator doors opened, Eileen and Bailee were met with a throng of people in the corridor.

Among the bustling crowd, comprised not only of patients and caregivers but also doctors, nurses, and various hospital staff, Eileen struggled to make out Ruby at the center. Though Vivian hadn’t come into view yet, her voice echoed through the chaos.

“I’m asking you, is Eileen your daughter?”

“She is. Why do you ask?” Ruby said.

Eileen hastened forward, elbowing her way through the crowd until she reached Ruby, creating a barrier between Ruby and Vivian. Eileen said, “Vivian, if you’re looking for trouble, come to me. Don’t involve my family!”

Upon seeing Eileen, Vivian hesitated for a moment before bursting into laughter. “You’ve brought this upon yourself, Eileen! I’m going to spill everything to your mother. Let her know that you’re shameless!” She lunged forward, shoved Eileen away, and seized Ruby’s arm. “And you listen to me! Eileen’s been the other woman, a homewrecker! She has been sleeping with a married man, shamelessly earning dirty money to save otherwise, she wouldn’t have afforded your medical bills! She’s a shameless bitch!”

Vivian’s tirade was abruptly halted by a resounding slap across the face. Vivian initially assumed Eileen had struck her, but upon regaining composure, she realized Eileen had been pushed against the wall by her and hadn’t yet moved. The slap had come from Ruby. Surprised, Vivian instinctively covered her cheek, gazing wide-eyed at Ruby.

“My daughter wouldn’t do something like that! Do you have any evidence?” Ruby demanded.

Vivian wanted to speak, but she couldn’t. Ruby continued, “And who are you, exactly? You claim she’s slept with a married man. Is that married man your husband?”

Vivian shook her head instinctively. Ruby said, “You lack evidence and aren’t even directly involved. How dare you berate my daughter in such a manner?” Her forceful rebuttal echoed through the corridor, leaving everyone present stunned. Yet, despite Ruby’s defense, many still harbored suspicions that Eileen had indeed been entangled in an affair, as Vivian had suggested. Though Vivian lacked the authority to confront Eileen, her accusations held some truth.

Several onlookers regarded Eileen with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Eileen brushed her fingers through her disheveled hair, her expression a blend of emotions as she looked at Ruby. Ruby had positioned herself defensively between Vivian and Eileen, offering Eileen protection.

“Why can’t I confront her? A mistress is detestable and should be despised by everyone!” Vivian’s composure faltered, her tone growing more aggressive. “I think I truly understand how she could do that sort of thing. Was it you who taught her that? You’re not her biological mother, are you? Have you been using her to get money to treat your disease?”

Ruby stiffened, her body trembling uncontrollably. The confidence drained from her face. In an instant, she staggered backward. Eileen swiftly rose to her feet, supporting Ruby with both hands. Before Eileen could offer an explanation, Ruby’s head drooped, blood spilling from her bloodless lips to form a pool on the floor.

“Eileen, your mother is going to die because she’s too angry about what you’ve done. Stay away from Bryan from now on! You hear me?” Vivian’s voice cut through the crowd’s exclamations, sharp and mean.

Turning to Bailee, Eileen yelled, “Go find Dr. White. Hurry!”

The onlookers parted silently to make way for Bailee. At the end of the corridor, the elevator doors opened, revealing a tall figure. Bryan’s expression was cold. His eyes landed on Eileen, who was kneeling on the floor.

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