Chapter 88: Chapter 88

Chapter 88:

“I’m fine,” Ruby reassured her, still holding Eileen’s hand. “I’m just not used to the new ward and haven’t been sleeping well. Please don’t bother Dr. White too much; he’s very busy.”

It was at that moment that Eileen understood Ruby’s difficulty adjusting to her new sleeping environment. “In that case, speak to Dr. White about prescribing something to help you relax. He emphasized how crucial it is for you to get sufficient rest for your health,” Eileen said.

“Okay,” Ruby agreed with a gentle smile. “Go get some fruit. We can sit and chat.”

There was an assortment of fruit on the bedside table. Eileen chose Ruby’s favorite and went to wash them.

Ruby breathed a sigh of relief as she stood by the window, eagerly waiting for Bailee’s arrival to alleviate her anxiety.

She had been on edge, nearly revealing something to Eileen in her nervous state.

Looking out the ward window, Ruby spotted the hospital gate. A shiny car pulled up, catching her eye.

Bailee stepped out of the car, joined by Huey. They engaged in lively conversation as they retrieved two boxes of nutritional supplements from the trunk.

Bailee carried the boxes into the hospital while Huey drove away after saying goodbye.

After washing the fruit, Eileen entered the room and noticed Ruby standing by the window, deep in thought.

“Mom,” she called out.

New content available gⱯlnσνe𝓁s․com “Oh, you’re back!” Ruby snapped out of her thoughts, returning to the bed to chat with Eileen, smiling. “How have things been between you and Huey lately?” Ruby asked.

Before entering the ward, Eileen had anticipated Ruby’s inquiry about her relationship with Huey and had already crafted her response. “He’s rather young for me. I don’t believe it’s suitable for us to be involved romantically.”

Ruby’s expression darkened. “Why would you say that? Didn’t he get injured to save you? Weren’t you two on good terms before? Tell me the truth. Is it because…?”

Her voice trailed off, and the ward fell silent.

Confused, Eileen asked, “Because of what?”

“Nothing,” Ruby replied. “I’m just worried about you. Let’s have some fruit?”

Despite Eileen refraining from further probing, she couldn’t overlook Ruby’s palpable concern.

Compelled to reassure Ruby, Eileen said, “Don’t worry, I’m giving it my all. If there’s even a slight chance, I’ll pursue it. But we shouldn’t rush. If being with him isn’t the right path for me, I can’t force it.”

Ruby smiled and stayed silent. Shortly after, Bailee entered the room.

“Ma’am, Eileen, sorry for being late,” Bailee apologized as she placed the nutritional supplements on the bedside table.

Ruby looked at her and asked, “Did you buy the supplements?”

“A friend asked me to bring these as a kind gesture,” Bailee replied.

Ruby maintained a neutral expression as she advised, “It’s best not to accept gifts from others without a valid reason. Remember to conduct yourself appropriately.”

Ruby’s words didn’t seem out of place, as she had often shared such lessons with Eileen and Bailee.

Bailee leaned in for a hug, but Ruby gently declined.

The ward was peaceful as the three engaged in pleasant conversation and later took a nap after lunch.

Later in the afternoon, Eileen went to the Clarkson family’s house to tutor, leaving Bailee in the ward with Ruby.

“Bailee, not young anymore? Have you ever considered…?” Ruby suddenly brought up the topic.

Taken aback, Bailee quickly replied, “No, Mom. Are you trying to pressure me into marriage? Even Eileen isn’t married yet. No need to worry about me now.”

“Why not? My time is limited. It would mean a great deal to me to see you get married. Both you and Eileen should settle down soon,” Ruby said.

After a brief moment of reflection, she added, “I’ll have someone search for a suitable match for you later.”

Bailee somehow felt reluctant. She said, “I don’t need that. You can just focus on taking care of yourself.”

Sensing Ruby’s persistence, Bailee quickly excused herself. “I’ll go buy fruit for you.”

Inside the hospital room, Ruby’s expression grew somber.

Eileen was surprised to find Bryan at the Clarkson family’s house.

Seated on the couch, Bryan basked in the afternoon sunlight pouring in through the French window.

With a composed demeanor, his eyes casually scanned over Eileen as she entered the room.

As Eileen arrived, Harlan promptly stood up. “Ms. Curtis, Aaron is waiting for you upstairs. You can go there now. I’ll discuss some work matters with Mr. Dawson.”

After a brief moment of thought, Eileen greeted Bryan.

He acknowledged her with a nod, rising from his seat and putting out his cigarette. He glanced towards the stairs and said, “You can head upstairs now.”

Eileen replied, then smiled at Harlan. “I’ll go upstairs now.”

With that, she turned and made her way up the stairs, clutching a stack of documents. At the corner, she glanced back downstairs.

Bryan and Harlan were deeply absorbed in their business discussion. Bryan’s indifference felt chilling.

Bryan had made no effort to see her for days, and his apparent disinterest was clear.

Would their relationship really end like this?

“Ms. Curtis!” Aaron called out.

Eileen hurried over, noticing that the door to the study had been left open. It looked like Aaron had been waiting for her arrival for a while.

“Let’s begin.” Collecting herself, Eileen laid down the files and started the tutoring session.

Harlan placed great importance on Aaron’s education, as evidenced by the expansive library that covered almost one hundred square meters, filled with resources for various grade levels.

Eileen realized that she had forgotten a file. During the twenty-minute break, she ventured into the library in search of a similar book.

Countless shelves were filled with a wide array of books. The narrow space between the shelves barely allowed for a person to pass through.

As Eileen neared the end of one shelf, she noticed Bryan deeply engrossed in reading a book about advanced mathematics.

“Mr. Dawson?” she called out, furrowing her brow and stopping a short distance away from him. “You’re still here?”

Bryan raised his gaze slightly, returning the book to its place on the shelf.

“Mr. Clarkson invited me to dinner. I’m just here to kill some time,” he said.

Although it was almost time for dinner, Eileen hadn’t planned on staying for dinner. Her intention was to leave once she finished the tutoring session.

“I see,” she replied, turning to continue her search for the book. However, she found herself oddly distracted.

Bryan’s deep gaze fixated on her through the cracks in the bookshelf.

Her lips glowed with a glossy red hue, and her figure radiated a captivating charm.

The golden rays of the setting sun gently kissed her loose ponytail, lending her a youthful aura.

After a while, Bryan approached the end of the bookshelf where Eileen stood. “What book are you looking for?” he asked.

“The one about chemistry theory,” Eileen replied.

Bryan moved to another row of shelves. His voice, clear and pleasant, reached her ears. “Here.”

Eileen approached Bryan, studying him as he scanned the bookshelf with his gaze.

“Mr. Dawson, what are your plans after your grandmother’s birthday party? Should I prepare another divorce agreement for you?” Eileen asked softly.

Her words reverberated in the quiet library.

Bryan contemplated for a moment before he replied, “Alright.”

Eileen responded, then a weighty silence enveloped them.

Bryan didn’t glance around to search for the book; instead, his gaze remained steadily focused on a distant point. After a long silence, he suddenly asked, “Considering you won’t be able to get money from me in the future, what are your plans?”

His casual question landed like a heavy blow to her heart.

Swallowing hard, Eileen replied, “I don’t really know.”

Just as she finished speaking, a book suddenly appeared in front of her—the very one she had been searching for.

Taking it, she said, “Thank you, Mr. Dawson. I should head back.”

With that, she turned and quickly left the library.

Sitting at Aaron’s desk, she commenced the lesson, wrapping it up in less than ten minutes. “I’ll send you a couple of questions on this theory for further discussion. I’ll leave now.”

“Ms. Curtis, my father invited you to join us for dinner,” Aaron hurriedly said.

After a moment’s pause, Eileen responded, “I’m sorry, but I have something to deal with later. Please extend my gratitude to your father.”

With her bag in hand, she left hastily.

As she walked out the front door, the emotions inside her finally overwhelmed her.

She came to the realization that Bryan would never be exclusively hers again.

Even if she wished for any closeness with him, she would require his consent. He wouldn’t actively come to her in the future, regardless of whether she sought money from him or not.

The turmoil of her crumbling relationship with Bryan overshadowed the impending storm.

The end of their relationship felt inevitable.

When Eileen got home, she opted to immerse herself in the dark, forsaking the solace of light, and drifted off to sleep on the sofa.

Throughout the night, the cold breeze seeping through the partially open window made her shiver uncontrollably.

Despite getting a cold, she pushed through the discomfort and headed to the company in the morning.

There were only two days left before Stella’s birthday party. Eileen noticed Bryan had arrived earlier than usual today.

She also noticed Vivian’s bag on the secretary’s desk outside his office, indicating Bryan and Vivian had arrived together.

As Eileen made her way to her office, she couldn’t help but catch snippets of the employees’ excited chatter.

The atmosphere hummed with anticipation, suggesting that people were probably aware of Stella’s plan to announce Bryan and Vivian’s upcoming marriage at the birthday party. Eileen, however, had a somber mood.

Judie also seemed upset today.

With only ten days left until the end of the month, she appeared torn about whether to resign or not.

As Judie wrestled with uncertainty, a sudden commotion erupted at the door: Two employees were engaged in animated conversation, with Vivian being the topic of their discussion.

Judie asked them, “What’s happening?”

“Don’t you know? Miss Warren is going to marry Mr. Dawson soon. She has finally earned Mr. Dawson’s grandmother’s forgiveness!” one of the employees exclaimed.

Stunned, Judie’s initial shock quickly turned into elation. If Bryan was indeed going to marry Vivian, Eileen would be nothing. Eileen would not hold any power over her, and she wouldn’t have to resign because of Eileen. After all, Vivian was going to take control here.

Judie promptly stood up, grabbed a document, and made her way upstairs to find Vivian. Upon reaching the top floor, Judie found Vivian engaged in casual conversation with a group of female employees in the pantry.

Seeing Judie approaching her, Vivian just glanced at Judie indifferently.

.

.

.