Chapter 241

Chapter 241

Emily gazed at the bloodshot veins in his eyes and the exhaustion etched across his face. Her heart softened.

All the fear and panic she had suppressed in the parking garage finally found release.

She gently raised her hand, cupping his tensed face. Her voice was tender. "I'm fine. I really am."

Feeling the warmth of her fingertips, Charles gradually relaxed his grip. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, greedily breathing in her scent. "Let me assign you some personal bodyguards."

The mental image that conjured made Emily shake her head immediately. "No way. That's way too dramatic. I'm not the President."

"But I can't be by your side every second. When you were in danger, the first person to help you was another man." Charles's voice was low and hoarse, tinged with jealousy. "I'm grateful he saved you, but he's got feelings for you too."

Emily couldn't help but laugh. She turned his face toward hers. "Where on earth did you get that idea? He just has a strong sense of justice. Remember when his sister Wendy was rude to me? He called her out first. Drew's a good guy. You're overthinking this."

Charles's gaze dropped, making him look almost petulant. "Men understand men. The way he looks at you is different."

"So what if that's true? I'm married to you." Emily's words were a promise. Charles's anxiety eased slightly.

But the lingering uneasiness refused to completely fade. He tightened his grip on her hand, stubbornness filling his eyes. "I don't care. What if he tries to become the other man?"

"That's impossible. You're being ridiculous." Emily shook her head helplessly.

But Charles pressed on. "Fine, I won't bring him up again. But you have to agree to having a bodyguard when you go out. If you won't accept a male guard, then a female one. She won't interfere with your life—just keep you safe."

"Charles, it's really not necessary..."

Emily tried to dissuade him, but when she met his eyes—still shadowed with fear, and the words died on her lips.

She'd seen how tense he was at the hospital, how frantically he'd rushed over. She remembered it all.

Seeing her resolve waver, Charles gently traced patterns on the back of her hand. His tone softened, taking on an almost pleading quality. "Just this once, okay? I can't risk anything happening to you again. As long as you're safe, I can breathe easy."

Emily finally relented. She let out a soft sigh and nodded. "Alright, you win. But it has to be low-key. She can't interfere with my work."

I'll just think of her as an extra assistant, Emily consoled herself.

Charles's expression brightened instantly. He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his voice brimming with relief and adoration. "Don't worry, I'll arrange everything. You won't even notice she's there."

The atmosphere in the car gradually turned tender. The evening breeze slipped through the window crack, wrapping around their shared warmth. The earlier panic and jealousy slowly dissolved in their mutual affection.

 

Meanwhile, back at the hospital, not long after Emily and Charles left, the door to Drew's room was thrown open.

Wendy stormed in wearing designer heels and clutching an expensive handbag, moving with characteristic urgency.

Her eyes immediately locked onto the thick bandages wrapped around Drew's arm. Her face went pale.

"Drew! What happened to you?"

Wendy rushed to his bedside, dropping her things as she demanded answers. "Who did this? Did you call the police?"

Seeing his sister, Drew's mood lifted slightly. He reached out and ruffled her hair reassuringly. "I'm fine. Just a minor accident."

"You were supposed to be at a business meeting today. How did you end up injured?"

Wendy's expression was grave. She wanted to examine his arm but didn't dare touch it, given how thoroughly it was wrapped.

Drew had no intention of explaining, but just then the doctor making rounds walked in. Seeing the tense scene, he paused mid-step. "I seem to have walked in at a bad time."

He took a half-step backward, as if to leave.

Wendy immediately stopped him. "Wait, doctor."

She raised her hand quickly before asking. "Do you know how Drew got hurt?"

Normally, doctors didn't concern themselves with the specifics of how patients sustained their injuries. But today, with all the nurses gossiping, even the doctor had overheard a few details.

He smiled. "Drew's a real gentleman. He got injured saving a young woman."

Wendy's eyes widened in surprise. "He saved someone? Who?"

This time, the doctor didn't answer. Instead, he began examining Drew's bandaged arm.

As he worked, he said, "I'm just a doctor. There's only so much I know. If you want details, ask the patient."

Wendy knew questioning Drew would be futile. She could only chew on her finger, lost in thought.

Shortly after the doctor left, Wendy suddenly shrieked, making Drew jump.

"Drew, you helped her, didn't you? Emily! You went to that office building today, and the Windsor Group is headquartered there."

Wendy's tone was accusatory.

Drew set down his water glass. He neither confirmed nor denied it.

Seeing his expression, Wendy understood everything.

Her voice turned shrill, her hair practically standing on end. "Are you out of your mind? Why do you keep getting involved in that woman's problems? You protected her at the gala, and now she's gotten you hurt!"

She truly despised Emily. And the idea that Drew had injured himself saving her was unbearable.

Drew's brow furrowed sharply. "Wendy, enough. Don't talk nonsense."

"I'm not talking nonsense!" Wendy was genuinely upset now, hands on her hips, indignation written all over her face. "You got hurt saving her, didn't you? Drew, whose side are you on? She's married, and you're getting yourself injured for her! Is it worth it? You're so biased!"

The more she spoke, the angrier she became. But the moment the words left her mouth, she froze. She slowly raised her head to look at Drew, eyes wide with disbelief. "Drew... you... you're not... in love with Emily, are you?"

The thought shocked even Wendy herself.

She'd always known Drew to be distant with everyone, never showing particular interest in any woman.

And now he'd put himself in harm's way for this one. Could it really be just good-heartedness?

Drew's fingers stilled. The faint smile on his face faded. He lifted his gaze toward the window, his tone calm yet carrying undeniable finality.

"Don't jump to conclusions. She's Charles's wife. This matter ends here. Don't mention it again. If the wrong person hears this, do you want to destroy the Patel family's reputation?"

He hadn't confirmed it. But he hadn't denied it either. His attitude said everything.

"Drew, you..."

Wendy opened her mouth, wanting to say more. But seeing the faint melancholy in his profile, all her words dissolved into a helpless sigh.

Her anger evaporated.

Drew looked like someone nursing a hopeless crush.