Chapter 417

Chapter 417 I’ll Protect You

Neera shared her address with her aunt.

After she ended the call, she hesitated a little and looked at Jean.

She spoke with caution, asking, “Hmm…would you like to see your mom or step out for a while?”

Taken aback, he looked at her with curiosity, asking, “What’s the problem? She doesn’t want to see me?”

Realizing she might have given him the wrong impression, she quickly clarified, “No, it’s not that. I want to set up a proper meeting for you two, especially since she’s aware of our contractual marriage.”

He got the full picture and asked, “Is she upset with me or my family?”

She answered awkwardly, “No, not really. She just feels the need to meet you. Regardless of the nature of our marriage, we’re husband and wife on paper. As an elder, it’s only natural for her to meet you.”

In reality, she worried her aunt would make things difficult for Jean.

Jean pieced together her concerns after he read her expression.

He raised his eyebrow a little and said coldly, “It’s okay. We’re bound to cross paths eventually. This meeting is unavoidable.”

He said slowly and added meaningfully, “After all, she’s family to you.”

Meeting his gaze, Neera was momentarily taken aback and deeply moved.

She snapped out of her trance and found it somewhat amusing. She thought to herself, What am I thinking? He surely didn’t imply anything else.

Collecting herself, she gave a gentle nod.

“Alright, just a word of caution. Aunt Adriana can be quite direct and doesn’t hold back her feelings. If her words come off harsh, remember that she doesn’t mean any harm. Don’t take it to heart. Just stay calm and don’t get angry.”

Jean smiled a little and said, “Do I look like someone who loses my temper so easily?”

O O

She touched her nose and replied, “That’s not what I mean. It’s just a reminder.”

“Don’t worry, I understand. She’s your family, of course, she would protect you.’

Thirty minutes later, Adriana arrived at the hospital and hastily entered the hospital ward.

Her gaze was immediately drawn to Neera.

She hurried to her side, scanning her up and down.

She asked, “How are you doing? Why did you look sick? Is there a problem with your health? What did the doctor say?”

Neera, amused and warm, when she listened to the barrage of her questions. She gripped her hand, assuring, “I’m fine. Just a bit of rest and I’ll be back on my feet.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, trust me. As you can see, I’m alright.”

After confirming that she was alright, Adriana finally breathed a sigh of relief and scolded.

“You brat! I’ve always told you not to push yourself too hard. Why can’t you heed my advice? Every time you’re at the research center, you neglect your well-being. Your research is important, but you can’t forget to take care of yourself! This time, you’re going farther. You had surgery without getting enough sleep. Are you having a death wish?”

Understanding her aunt’s concern, Neera lowered her gaze, accepting the reprimand.

Jean took a step closer, defending Neera, “Aunt Adriana, it wasn’t her fault. She did it for my mother.”

Adriana, upon hearing this, shifted her gaze to Jean.

Although she had seen him upon entering the room, her primary concern had been Neera and worried about

her niece.

She finally gave him the full attention. She adopted an icy expression and scrutinized him.

“And who might you be?”

She carried herself with the authority of a woman who had conquered the business realm. Even when facing a powerful figure like Jean, she radiated her distinct charisma.

Jean remained composed and introduced himself politely.

“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Jean Beauvort. I intended to visit you upon hearing of your return to the country, but unforeseen circumstances led to our meeting here. I hope you can forgive me.”

Adriana, unsurprised with his introduction, responded, “So, you’re Jean.”

Jean nodded, “Yes.”

Moving past the brief introduction, Adriana asked, “You just mentioned that Neera worked herself to this state for your mother. What did you mean by that?”