Chapter 133

Elena's POV

Richard's bedroom was as immaculate as ever, filled with his distinctive scent. He opened the bedside drawer and took out a small bottle, pouring some special ointment.

"Take off your jacket," he commanded. "Let me see the wound."

I complied, and he applied the ointment to my injuries. Immediately, a strong herbal scent filled the air, making me feel strangely dizzy.

"What... what kind of medicine is this?" I asked. "Why does it smell so strong? I feel lightheaded."

"I'm not sure of the exact ingredients," Richard replied casually. "If you're dizzy, lie down."

He tossed aside the ointment bottle and suddenly lifted me into his arms, carrying me to the bed. I wanted to protest, but my body had already gone limp as water, consciousness quickly fading.

---

When I woke up, sunlight was filtering through the curtains. I felt warm and comfortable, enjoying the sensation of hugging my pillow—until I realized it wasn't a pillow at all.

Holy shit, was I... hugging Richard instead of a pillow?!

My pupils dilated in shock, but I didn't immediately pull away. Richard's sleeping face was unexpectedly peaceful, that usually serious or cold expression softened by morning light, making him look extraordinarily handsome. His features were sharply defined, long eyelashes casting shadows on his face, his lips beautifully sculpted yet strong.

My gaze involuntarily drifted to his exposed upper body. Damn, he was genuinely good-looking. Broad shoulders, muscles flowing in smooth, powerful lines, skin glowing with a healthy tan in the sunlight.

"Seen enough?"

The sudden voice nearly made me jump out of my skin. Richard opened his eyes, the corner of his mouth lifting in amusement.

"Is my body that fascinating to you?"

He turned to face me, clearly enjoying my discomfort. I felt heat rush to my cheeks, at a loss for how to respond.

"What were you thinking just now?" he pressed, eyes sparkling with interest.

"N-nothing," I stammered, my ears burning as I tried to hide beneath the covers.

Richard's arm shot out, pulling me firmly against him, making me catch my breath.

"Nothing, really?" His voice dropped lower, tinged with playfulness. "Don't you want to kiss me again?"

"What... WHAT?!" I stared at him in shock.

"Don't remember?" Richard said casually. "Last night after you fell asleep, who was the one nuzzling my neck? When I didn't cooperate, you stubbornly kissed me until you were satisfied."

I felt like I'd been struck by lightning, my mind going completely blank with a buzz. How was that possible? I wasn't the type to lose self-control!

"No, that's not it," I hurriedly explained, my face burning red. "Listen, I probably... probably mistook you for one of the children."

I tried to offer a reasonable explanation, but realized how absurd it sounded the moment the words left my mouth.

Just as I was about to explain further, Richard suddenly tightened his arm, pulling me flush against his chest.

Richard's sudden move left me frozen. Before I could react, his lips claimed mine in a kiss that sent electric currents throughout my entire body. My mind went completely blank.

What is he... what does this mean?

When he finally released me, I stared at him in shock, unable to form words. His eyes had darkened, holding an intensity I hadn't seen before.

"Don't look so surprised," he murmured, his voice husky. "You started this."

The realization hit me like a bucket of ice water. I had been sharing a bed with my children for so long that I must have instinctively sought warmth. But instead of my kids, I had found Richard.

"Tired?" His voice was uncharacteristically gentle. "Want me to carry you to the shower?"

"No!" I pulled the blanket over my head, mortified. "Just... get out. I need a moment alone."

I heard him chuckle before the mattress shifted as he rose. The door clicked shut moments later, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts and burning cheeks.

Richard's POV

I couldn't stop smiling as I descended the stairs. The encounter with Elena had awakened something I thought long buried—a lightness I hadn't felt in years.

After changing into a new suit, I found the children in the living room. Lily, having rested for the night, had recovered a lot, and her face was glowing with radiance.

"Daddy, you're up late today!" she exclaimed with a mischievous grin.

I knelt beside her, examining her face for any remaining signs of illness. "How are you feeling? Better now?"

"Much better!" She nodded enthusiastically before leaning closer to ask: "Where's Mommy? Did you take good care of her last night?"

The innocent question caught me off guard. I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling warm under my collar. "She's... resting."

Seeking escape from Lily's gaze, I retreated to the kitchen where Anna was preparing something with a rich aroma.

"What's that?" I asked, grateful for the distraction.

Anna glanced up, her expression carefully neutral. "A tonic for Ms. Winter and you, sir. It's good for the body."

I felt my face grow uncomfortably warm. I turned to leave, unable to continue this conversation.

I was about to go upstairs to handle some paperwork when I heard the sound of a car engine.

Without bothering to knock, Emma walked straight into Highland Estate as if it were her own place. She always did this, never respecting boundaries. I looked up to see her wearing that signature khaki trench coat.

"Richard! I heard you're on vacation. I came specially to pick you up!" Her voice was bright and confident.

"Treatment for what? I don't need anything," I said before turning toward the garden. But Emma, as always, persistently followed.

She was always like this—stubborn, refusing to take no for an answer.

"This isn't something you can just say you don't need. I make that decision, Richard. Don't forget, I'm your doctor. I put aside so many things to come here specially—I'm not here to play games with you."

"You didn't have to come!"

"I wish I didn't have to, but your father kept calling one after another. How could I not come?" she explained, followed by more urging. "Stop wasting my time and let me examine you now."

When she reached for my arm, I immediately pulled away. "You have three seconds to get out of my sight."

Emma didn't even flinch at my hostility. Instead, her expression shifted to something more calculating.

"Fine, then remember to come find me. Oh, and lend me some money," she said abruptly. "My father froze my accounts again."

I felt resigned. "Your father gave you five million dollars before you even returned. How did you burn through that already? You've only been back for what—a month?"

"Five million isn't much these days," she argued defensively. "Do you have any idea how expensive rare compounds are for my research?"

I shook my head. "You're insane."

Despite my harsh words, there was resignation in my voice. Emma had always been like this—brilliant but chaotic, dedicated to her research regardless of cost.