Chapter 234
"Sir, your injuries are severe. Dr. Wood specifically instructed you not to get out of bed!"
Just as I reached the hospital room door, I heard a nurse's anxious attempts to stop someone.
I rushed in with a quick stride and saw Leopold, covered in bandages, his face pale, gritting his teeth as he gripped the bed rail, trying to stand.
"Leopold, what are you doing?"
Hearing my voice, Leopold's head snapped toward me, his eyes bursting with light. "Cindy."
Seeing him let go of the rail and try to walk toward me, I quickly moved forward to support him. "You just woke up—what are you trying to prove!"
Leopold pulled me roughly into his embrace, accidentally aggravating his wound and letting out a muffled grunt.
I tensed nervously, quickly telling him to let go.
But Leopold refused, pressing me tightly against him. "I almost never got to see you again."
I'd been about to struggle, but hearing those words, I immediately gave up.
I reached my arms around from under his, allowing him to lean on me and stand steadily.
His familiar body heat seeped through the fabric, transferring to me.
Only then did I truly emerge from the nightmare. "Thank god you're okay."
Leopold's hand locked tight around the back of my head as he promised in a low voice, "As long as you're here, no matter how far I go, I'll definitely come back to find you."
I lowered my eyes without responding, only tightening my hold on him slightly.
Suddenly, a cough came from the doorway.
Only then did I remember Donovan and Amelia had also come. I quickly reminded Leopold. "Let go quick—Grandpa and Amelia are at the hospital, too."
Leopold chuckled softly. "I know. They're right at the door."
My face immediately burned as I forcefully withdrew from his embrace.
Who knew Leopold would sway unsteadily, nearly falling.
My heart leapt in alarm as I hurriedly caught him again. "Are you okay?"
Leopold looked down at me, amusement flowing in his eyes. "As long as you don't let go, I'll be fine."
I shot him a look. "Is this emotional blackmail?"
Leopold weakly pressed his chest. "No, I hurt all over."
"Leopold, you don't look fit to be out of bed. You should lie back down." Amelia pushed Donovan into the room, her face full of concern.
Donovan also chimed in from the side, his tone even more forceful. "Covered in injuries and still not behaving—lie down!"
Only then did Leopold slowly sit, though he refused to release my hand. "Grandpa, why did you come? I'm fine. Having Cindy here is enough."
Donovan glared at him irritably. "You rascal, are you trying to anger me to death?"
Amelia's gaze swept over mine and Leopold's joined hands as she smiled. "Grandpa, I think Leopold's spirits are pretty good. How about we head back to prepare some food and come back?"
Donovan kept a stern face but reluctantly agreed.
Before leaving, he didn't forget to warn Leopold. "Don't bully Cindy, or you'll answer to me!"
Leopold nodded obediently.
After Donovan and Amelia left, seeing that he still wouldn't release my hand, I quickly reminded him, "Let go already. The nurse still needs to examine you."
But Leopold looked up at me. "Kiss me once, and I'll let go."
I frowned. "You sure about that?"
Seeing my expression was off, Leopold reluctantly let go.
I turned to the nurse. "Please examine him."
But the nurse explained, "Dr. Wood just finished the examination. I'm only here to record data. Since you're here now, I'll take my leave."
Seeing her flee in embarrassment, I felt rather awkward myself.
I couldn't help blaming Leopold. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Leopold chuckled. "You didn't ask. I thought you knew."
I felt frustrated.
"Upset?" Leopold grabbed my hand again, suggesting, "How about I kiss you to make you feel better?"
"No, you..."
Before I could finish, he pulled me close.
Worried about touching his wounds, I didn't dare struggle.
I could only lean against him and warn, "Don't try anything. This is a hospital—someone could come in anytime."
Speak of the devil.
Footsteps immediately sounded in the corridor, along with someone calling Brady's name.
I urged, "Brady's coming—let go quick!"
Leopold didn't let go. Instead, he pressed me tightly to his chest and said seriously, "You won't kiss me and won't let me kiss you. I'm suffering."
The footsteps drew gradually closer.
Leopold looked at me plaintively, clearly determined not to give up until he got his way.
I steeled myself and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.
Leopold froze abruptly.
I seized the chance to retreat from his embrace.
The next second, Brady entered with my parents.
My heart pounded. We'd almost been caught.
"Leo, how are you now? Does it hurt anywhere?"
The moment my mom entered and saw Leopold's condition, her eyes immediately reddened.
My dad also looked very remorseful, repeatedly expressing concern.
Leopold glanced at me first before responding warmly, "It doesn't hurt. I'm fine now."
"A perfectly healthy person injured like this—how can it not hurt?" My mom felt deeply distressed.
"Right, if you're uncomfortable anywhere, absolutely don't endure it. You must tell the doctor." My dad added.
Leopold's expression softened instantly. "It really doesn't hurt. As long as you're alright."
Seeing my dad's eyes also redden, I quickly signaled Brady to say something.
Only then did Brady speak. "Mr. Wipere, Mrs. Wipere, Leopold only looks badly injured. Actually, they're all minor wounds. The only serious one is his arm—a slight fracture. He'll recover in ten days to two weeks."
I quickly agreed. "Right, don't worry. Dad, you just woke up and shouldn't be walking around. Go back and rest."
"I'm here with Leopold. You can relax."
My parents chatted with Leopold a while longer before leaving the room.
The moment they left, Teddy arrived.
"Mr. Percy, Ms. Wipere."
I immediately asked, "Is there new progress in the investigation?"
"Yes." Teddy nodded.
"Come in and tell us," Brady called him in, then glanced outside and closed the door. "What did you find?"
Teddy looked at Leopold, and seeing no objection, he spoke. "The police just called. They pulled a body from the river about a thousand feet from the truck. After verification, they confirmed it was the truck driver. But they currently can't determine if it was suicide or foul play."
I hadn't expected the lead to end with the driver. I felt certain the entire accident had been deliberately orchestrated.
Brady was thinking along the same lines and immediately asked Leopold, "Leopold, who do you suspect?"
I turned to look at Leopold.
Leopold looked thoughtful for a moment before saying, "No leads yet."
"Hidden pretty deep." Brady snorted coldly. "Since the person's gone, start with the vehicle. Whoever did this was clearly targeting you, which means this truck very likely came from Silverlight City's used car market. Take the photos there to investigate—there'll definitely be new leads."
I agreed with his suggestion. Leopold had no objections either and instructed Teddy to handle it.
Brady discussed some precautions with Leopold before leaving as well.
Leopold's injuries were more severe, and after talking so long, his face had gone somewhat pale.
I quickly helped him lie down. "You just woke up. You can't overexert yourself mentally. Rest quickly."
Only after he'd fallen into deep sleep did I tiptoe out.
The moment I stepped out, I ran into Ethan, who was about to knock.
Seeing me, he immediately broke into a warm smile.
"I just learned about Mr. Wipere and Leopold's accident and that they were seriously hurt. I came specially to visit."