Chapter 109 Temporary Engagement
It was just one simple word—distant and polite.
Grace felt annoyed deep down, but kept a gentle look on her face.
She lowered her eyes slightly and spoke as if it were difficult for her, "Actually... I came today because there's one more thing I want to tell you."
Alex responded with a quiet hum. "Go ahead."
"The thing about saving Grandma... a lot of people at the hospital saw it. The media has gotten wind of it too, and now reports are everywhere. Alex, should we send someone to handle it?"
Suddenly, Alex narrowed his eyes.
The media knew?
Baker Corporation had invested in this hospital partly because it had potential and good privacy.
How could the news have leaked out?
He calmly opened his computer screen, and sure enough, it was trending online.
Baker Corporation's matriarch in critical condition saved, Mr. Baker's first love deserves all the credit?
The coverage was full of praise for Grace's unwavering loyalty.
A cold glint flashed in Alex's eyes as he noted the names of those media outlets.
Grace quietly glanced up, watching his expression.
But Alex's face was blank, giving nothing away.
After all these years, she understood this man less and less.
After a pause, Grace softened her voice even more, saying gently, "I know you're under a lot of pressure right now, juggling both family and the company. The company and Grandma are both important, but... Alex, I can really help share the burden. I just don't want to use this public opinion to pressure you. Pretend you didn't see it, okay? I'm fine with that, as long as I can stay by your side."
Her eyes were full of affection and love.
Alex narrowed his eyes and said, "So what?"
Grace sighed and responded, "It's nothing like that. I just... worry that all this talk outside makes the Baker family look bad."
What she wanted was not just simple thank-you.
It was Alex's personal promise of marriage.
Once engaged, she'd be the official Mrs. Baker and Emily and that kid could step aside.
Alex didn't speak, his aura growing colder.
The atmosphere in the room grew heavier.
Seeing him stay silent, Grace's eyes reddened as she stood up. "Alex, don't make this hard. Forget I said anything. I just don't want people talking about you."
Alex finally looked up. "We'll talk about the engagement later."
Those vague words completely shattered Grace's patience.
She knew dragging it out with Alex was pointless.
This man was impossible to move; without pressure on his key points, he'd never give in.
A flicker of malice crossed Grace's eyes, but were quickly hidden. "Okay, I'll listen to you. Rest well. I'll go check on Grandma first."
She turned and left, but the moment she stepped out of the room, the gentleness vanished, replaced by a fierce scowl.
If Alex wouldn't budge, she'd go to someone who could make him.
With public opinion already building, the Baker family couldn't ignore the favor, right?
She had to become Mrs. Baker.
Two hours later.
Alex's phone rang.
When he saw the caller ID, his eyes turned cold. "Hello."
The next second, Linda's voice came through. "Everyone at home knows about Grace saving your grandma. The media storm outside is massive and it's damaging our image. She saved the Baker family matriarch, and people have dug up your past with her. Now you're not even giving her a proper status?"
Alex's expression turned icy. "This is between her and me. She saved Grandma, and I remember that."
Linda cut him off. "The Baker family can't afford the embarrassment, and the company can't handle the bad press. We've discussed it—you should get engaged to Grace first to calm things down. It repays her for saving a life. Otherwise, the stock price will drop, and the losses will be massive!"
Alex's face grew even colder.
His knuckles tightened on the phone. "Public opinion as blackmail? Since when do you all use that tactic?"
"No choice!" Linda's tone sharpened, with a hint of helplessness. "It's decided. Keep the engagement low-key to stabilize things for now."
She hung up.
Alex's felt a chill settling over him.
Just then, Michael pushed the door open.
"Mr. Baker... oh my god!" Before he could speak, a phone was hurled at him, hitting the wall loudly.
"Get out—all of you!"
Michael's scalp tingled. "Yes, yes!"
Alex was left alone in the room.
He could agree to the engagement for now.
But no one else got to decide who he really wanted.
...
Meanwhile.
Emily had just coaxed Eleanor to sleep.
Andrew walked in right then. "Emmie, how's Eleanor? Is her fever completely gone?"
Andrew hurried to the bed and touched the child's forehead.
Emily smiled and whispered, "It's pretty much stable now, Dad. Don't worry."
Hearing that, Andrew relaxed a bit.
He looked up at Matthew standing nearby, a pleased smile in his eyes. He patted Matthew's shoulder. "Matthew, you've been working hard these past couple days. You've always been steady and good at taking care of people since you were little. I've seen it all these years."
Matthew smiled warmly. "There is no need to be polite with me, Andrew."
Suddenly, Andrew clasped his hands behind his back. "Oh, right—a few days ago when I was doing business, I ran into your dad and we talked about you. He's been trying to set you up on blind dates, saying you're not getting any younger and it's time to settle down."
The warmth faded slightly from Matthew's face.
His gaze passed Andrew and locked straight on Emily. "Emmie, do you think... I should go?"
The air went still for a moment.
Emily gave a genuine smile. "Matthew, of course you should! You're such a catch—plenty of well-brought-up girls must like you. Uncle Shen's picks are sure to be great. I'm really happy for you!"
Her eyes were clear and honest, full of pure well-wishes.
Matthew felt a pang in his heart. So that's how it is...
He forced a smile but said nothing more.
Andrew was quiet for a bit, then stepped forward to brush the hair from Eleanor's face. "Emmie, have you thought about what you'll do about this child? I heard... the Baker family is already planning an engagement ceremony."
Emily paused mid-cutting the fruit. "Who's getting engaged?"
"Alex." Andrew sighed. "To Grace."
With that, he slid his phone over to her.
It showed the announcement the Baker family had just released half an hour ago.
Emily stared at the setup in the photo, feeling a bit dazed.