Chapter 171: Chapter 171

Chapter 171:

Bailee and Eileen were both happy to hear that. The following morning, after Bailee had departed, Eileen was left alone with Ruby in the hospital room. She cleared away the leftover breakfast that she and Bailee had shared. She then positioned herself at the foot of the bed and began massaging Ruby’s legs. Looking up, Eileen noticed the tears in Ruby’s eyes.

She paused, momentarily stunned, then rose to bring tissues and gently wiped away Ruby’s tears. “Mom, everything is fine now. Why are you crying? Seeing you every day is enough for Bailee and me,” Eileen said softly. In her heart, she understood Ruby’s tears. After overcoming so many hardships, it was natural for Ruby to want to cry. Her tears were of joy.

Ruby moved her fingers twice, her eyes brimming with happiness. She wasn’t crying anymore. Upon seeing this, Eileen went back to the foot of the bed and carried on massaging Ruby’s feet. “Did Bailee tell you? We’re in Wist Land now, not Onaland. It’s like eternal spring here, perfect for your recovery. Once you finish the targeted treatment, we’ll bring you home and start your daily exercises. You will recover soon,” Eileen said with a relaxed brow and a wide smile, her long-held worries now easing. Ruby blinked in acknowledgment.

After finishing with Ruby’s left leg and ensuring she was comfortable, Eileen was about to start on Ruby’s right leg when she heard a knock at the door. She saw a man’s shoulder through the glass in the door. Raising her eyebrows in curiosity, she opened the door and was surprised to see the person outside. “Benjamin? What brings you here?” she asked.

It had been a year since they last met, yet Benjamin hadn’t changed at all. He still wore his suit, looking as serious as before. When he caught sight of Eileen, a hint of warmth shimmered in his eyes. He raised the gift in his hand and said, “I happened to be in Wist Land for business, so I thought I’d drop by and visit you.”

“Thank you. Please, come in,” Eileen responded, accepting the gift and welcoming him into the room. Benjamin was stunned to see Ruby’s eyes open. He and Eileen had not been in touch for a long while, so he was unaware that Ruby had woken up. Eileen explained, “My mother has awakened, and she’s currently undergoing targeted cancer treatment.”

Benjamin quickly grasped the situation. Seeing Eileen’s smile, he couldn’t help but smile, too. “That’s wonderful. It seems everything is progressing as you hoped.” After a brief talk with Benjamin, Eileen told Ruby, “Mom, meet Benjamin, the one Bailee mentioned before.”

Benjamin stepped closer to the bed and gave a small nod to Ruby. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Curtis. I’m Benjamin Nash.” Ruby, who had been calm, suddenly widened her eyes and examined Benjamin from head to toe. It seemed like she had thought of something, her eyes reddening as if she was mustering all her strength to sit up. Eileen noticed Ruby’s fingers twitch twice as if reaching for something.

“Mrs. Curtis?” Benjamin followed Ruby’s gaze, then looked at his own hand. After a moment’s hesitation, he approached and took Ruby’s hand. In recent years, Ruby hadn’t been doing any housework. Despite some old scars, her hands still felt smooth to the touch. This interaction caught Eileen off guard; Ruby appeared to have a familiarity with Benjamin.

While still processing this, Eileen noticed that Ruby had turned to look at her. After staring at Eileen for a moment, Ruby’s eyes drifted down to Eileen’s hand. Eileen lifted her hand and frowned. She didn’t understand what Ruby meant. Suddenly, she felt a comforting warmth as Benjamin took her hand.

Benjamin looked at Ruby and asked, “Mrs. Curtis, is this what you want?” Ruby quickly blinked. Eileen was momentarily taken aback. Instinctively, she tried to pull her hand away, but Benjamin gently drew it toward Ruby’s. Benjamin said, “Mrs. Curtis, you want me to look after Eileen for you, right?”

Ruby didn’t blink this time, emotions swirling in her eyes. Eileen could sense that Ruby’s hand was trembling. Did Ruby want her and Benjamin to be together? With this thought, Eileen felt resigned and shook her head at Ruby. Before she could say something, the door swung open. She turned, only to find Bryan and Jacob standing at the door.

Jacob carried several boxes of pricey nutritional supplements and stared at Eileen and Benjamin, who were still holding hands. He quickly turned to look at Bryan. Sunlight shone through the window onto Bryan’s face, yet it couldn’t melt the coldness in his eyes. He narrowed his eyes as he looked at Eileen’s and Benjamin’s hands. Eileen’s smile revealed dimples on her face, her eyes twinkling with joy. The sunlight illuminated her and Benjamin… The warm scene made Bryan’s heart sink.

Benjamin was the first to snap out of it. “Mr. Dawson, I didn’t expect to see you here.” He took a quick sideways look at Eileen and figured it out. It seemed Eileen had gotten involved with Bryan again. Benjamin’s voice brought Eileen back to reality, and she quickly withdrew her hand. She met Bryan’s cold stare for a moment before shifting her gaze.

“Benjamin, what brings you here?” Jacob asked in surprise. He knew Benjamin worked for Kian. Why was Benjamin here with Eileen? Releasing Ruby’s hand, Benjamin nodded respectfully toward Jacob and Bryan. “Mr. Meyer, Mr. Dawson, Eileen and I have been friends since college.”

“What?” Jacob was visibly stunned. “Does Kian know you’re visiting her?” Everyone knew about Kian’s resentment towards Eileen. Benjamin visiting Eileen might be viewed as a betrayal to Kian. Upon hearing this, Eileen furrowed her brows. Indeed, Benjamin had been a great support to her, secretly helping her behind Kian’s back.

If Kian discovered this, it could mean trouble for Benjamin. Instinctively, she stepped in front of Benjamin and said, “Mr. Meyer, Benjamin and I…”

“Stop! Stop!” Jacob cut her off, observing her worried look. “Relax. I was only joking. I won’t tell anyone.” Relieved by his words, Eileen let out a deep sigh. Bryan raised his eyebrows, the coldness in his demeanor unmistakable. Was she really that concerned for Benjamin? In the past, when Kian had caused her problems, she had never asked him for help. But now, she had quickly spoken up for Benjamin’s sake.

“Well…” Jacob suddenly sensed the tension in the room. He now regretted bringing Bryan to visit Eileen’s mother. Their encounter with Benjamin seemed like unfortunate timing. “Mr. Dawson, Mr. Meyer, what brings you two here?” Eileen asked, her nerves pushing her to busy herself with making coffee for them.

Bryan said, “You shouldn’t have come. Jacob, put these things down, and let’s go. We don’t want to disturb them.” The moment he finished talking, he turned and left. Jacob hurriedly placed the nutritional supplements on the nearby empty bed, offered Eileen a forced smile, and followed Bryan out.

Eileen’s heart sank as she watched them leave the room, then glanced back at Benjamin and Ruby. Finally, she decided to follow Bryan and Jacob.

“Eileen,” Benjamin called out suddenly, stopping her. “I heard Mr. Dawson’s project here in Wist Land is not going smoothly.”

“Yes, the Apex Group has pulled the funding. Bryan’s business partner is also facing financial issues, so he couldn’t proceed with the project,” Eileen replied, her thoughts a mess now. Seeing Eileen wouldn’t follow Bryan, Benjamin casually suggested, “Why don’t we grab lunch together?”

“Sorry, I can’t,” Eileen quickly declined. She was preoccupied with thoughts of Bryan, feeling an unexplained emptiness. Realizing her response might have come off as rude, she added, “When are you heading back to Onaland?”

“I’ll be here for a few more days. Mr. Warren has entrusted me with some work here,” Benjamin replied.

“Well… Let’s have a meal for another day. Bailee’s not around today, and I’m the only one here looking after my mom, so I can’t leave,” Eileen explained. Since she was residing in Wist Land now, she felt it was only right to treat Benjamin to a meal.

“Okay.” Benjamin accepted her offer without hesitation. He talked briefly with her before leaving the hospital.

On the open road, the Mercedes-Benz sped along, causing even Jacob to clutch the overhead handrail with both hands in fear. “Bryan, if you want to die, leave me out of it. I haven’t even had sex yet!” Jacob exclaimed.

Bryan kept his eyes on the road and responded coolly, “That’s your issue. Life’s meaningless for a man who’s still a virgin at thirty.” Furious at Bryan’s words, Jacob said, “Bryan, don’t take your frustrations out on me! What’s so meaningful about your life anyway? You’ve been with her for years and spent money on her, and still, you got nothing!”

“I’m still braver than you, a coward!” Bryan’s expression darkened. Their exchange of painful truths continued until they abruptly stopped at the curb. Bryan unbuckled Jacob’s seatbelt, swung his leg, and delivered a sharp kick to Jacob. “Get out!” The kick was so powerful that Jacob nearly tumbled out of the car. He swiftly wrapped his arms around Bryan’s leg and altered his tone, saying, “I’m sorry, Bryan. Don’t be mad. I lost my temper and spoke without thinking. I know Eileen isn’t that kind of woman.”

Bryan shot Jacob a sharp look, then withdrew his leg, frowning. Bryan started the car again. Jacob stayed silent. He believed anyone who walked into the hospital room and saw Eileen and Benjamin holding hands and smiling at Ruby would think there was more to it. He secretly messaged Phoebe, asking about Eileen’s relationship with Benjamin. But Phoebe was clueless. She had only met Eileen after moving to Wist Land and had no idea about any connection between Eileen and Benjamin.

Observing Bryan’s stern expression, Jacob sighed, thinking about the hardships of Bryan’s romantic life. In the hospital room, only Ruby and Eileen remained, with Eileen absentmindedly massaging Ruby’s leg.

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