Patrick scooped up the unconscious Emily and sped to the hospital without a second thought. Shirley stood alone at the club entrance, fuming. Just then, Marlon walked out.
"Why are you alone? Where's Patrick?" Marlon asked.
"Patrick took Emily to the hospital," Shirley mumbled.
Marlon looked stunned. "What?"
"Emily fainted suddenly, so I asked Patrick to take her. I couldn't get a cab. Can you give me a ride? I'm really worried."
Marlon saw through Shirley's act but was genuinely concerned about Emily.
"Get in."
At the hospital, Patrick paced the corridor, glancing at the emergency room door every few seconds. He was a bundle of nerves, unable to imagine what might happen to Emily.
'Okay, you win,' Patrick thought. 'Just wake up this time. Wear whatever you want, even that bracelet!'
Soon, Emily was wheeled out of the emergency room.
"Doctor, how is she?"
The doctor looked at him sternly. "The patient has severe allergies. How can you be so careless? She's stable for now but needs to be observed for two days. Go handle the admission."
"Okay." Patrick felt a wave of relief, looking at Emily with tenderness.
While Patrick was dealing with the paperwork, Shirley and Marlon arrived. After asking around, they found Emily's room.
"Emily, wake up," Shirley said, shaking her and wiping away fake tears.
Seeing Emily still out cold, Shirley continued, "I told you not to drink so much. You said it was for sealing deals. And that outfit, I warned you, but you were afraid I'd outshine you."
Marlon cut in, "Are you close to Emily? Isn't the office assistant supposed to handle contracts? What's the salesperson for then?"
"Marlon, you don't get our company. Can you stay with Emily? I need the restroom," Shirley said.
Marlon didn't respond, just looked at Emily tenderly.
Outside the room, Shirley seethed with jealousy. 'Why does everyone care about you, Emily? Just wait and see.'
Instead of going to the restroom, Shirley paced around.
Patrick finished the paperwork and ran into Shirley outside the room.
"Patrick, let's not go in yet."
"Why?"
"Emily, in her daze, kept calling for Marlon. He went in, and she fell asleep."
"Marlon?"
"Yeah, Emily had planned to meet him today. No wonder she dressed up. Patrick, listen..."
Before Shirley could finish, Patrick stormed into the room, eyes blazing, and grabbed Marlon by the collar.
"Come with me," Patrick growled.
Marlon glanced at Emily on the bed, then reluctantly followed Patrick into the corridor.
"I don't care what your intentions are, Marlon, stay away from Emily!" Patrick warned.
"What intentions? I genuinely like her!"
Patrick patted Marlon's shoulder, his voice icy. "If you don't want the Hughes Group to go down because of you, put those feelings away!"
"Why? Do you like her too? You hide it well!"
"Who said I like her?! It's none of your business!"
Just then, Patrick's phone rang.
"Yes, okay, Donna, I'll be right back." Patrick shot Marlon a glare, then turned and walked towards the hospital entrance.
"Patrick, if you don't like her, why not let me have a chance with Emily!"
Meanwhile, Shirley answered her phone.
Jennifer's voice came through, "Shirley, don't worry, I've arranged for Donna to call Patrick. He'll be back soon."
Shirley replied, "Okay, Jennifer. Whether Patrick likes me or not, I just hope he's doing well."
Shirley sent a photo of Marlon by Emily's bedside to Jennifer on WhatsApp.
"There have been rumors about Emily in the company. I didn't believe it at first, but..." Shirley said.
"Shirley, stop. I know. Emily is clearly after our family's status and money. I strongly disagree!" Jennifer's voice trembled with anger.
Shirley continued, "At first, I didn't believe Emily was so promiscuous. But I've seen her flirt with many men, not caring about Patrick!"
Jennifer's voice shook with anger as she tried to calm down. "Shirley, Patrick has always had you in his heart."
"Jennifer, I know. I've known Patrick since we were kids, of course, I trust him! But now, with everything that's happening..."
"Shirley, don't worry, I won't let Emily succeed!"
Seeing her plan succeed, Shirley went along with Jennifer's words, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and hung up the phone.
Emily woke up, the smell of disinfectant filling her nose. She remembered fainting at the club. Who brought her to the hospital? She remembered that embrace, warm and familiar, with the faint scent of cedar. One moment he called her a slut, the next moment he was getting close.
This time, Emily didn't intend to forgive Patrick so easily, unless he begged her. Otherwise, she would rather resign than forgive him. But if she resigned, what would happen to her brother in the special school and her mom working as a dishwasher in the restaurant?
Emily turned her head, letting a tear roll down her cheek.
At that moment, a pair of large hands held Emily's.
"Emily, you're awake?"
Emily quickly pulled her hand away, looking at Marlon sitting by the bed in disbelief.
"Emily, you're finally awake. You have no idea how worried Marlon was when you fainted. He stayed by your side the whole time you were unconscious! I'm so envious!" Shirley exaggerated.
"Mr. Hughes, did you bring me to the hospital?" Emily asked, puzzled.
Marlon didn't speak, just looked at Emily with great affection and smiled.
Emily looked at Shirley, saying in confusion, "Where's Mr. Rivera?"
Shirley said, "Patrick has been busy with business matters. After all, you fainted in front of business partners."