Chapter 97 Is It Really a Misunderstanding?
Alex didn't say anything more. He gave a few instructions and left.
He had too much work to deal with, and besides... the surveillance video from the day Grandma fainted had already been pulled up.
Creak—
The door shut.
Right then, all the gentleness on Grace's face disappeared in a flash.
"Filial? Ha." She walked slowly to the bedside and looked down at Margaret, who was lying there unconscious.
Grace gave a cold smile: "Old hag, you're sleeping so soundly. You didn't like me before, but now you're in my hands, right?"
She leaned over, her voice barely a whisper: "You think Emily can come back to the Baker family? I'm telling you, no chance! You'd better die soon and stop taking up space and wasting money. But don't worry—once I become Mrs. Baker, I'll take good care of Alex... No one will take him from me again!"
...
Baker Corporation.
Top-floor office.
Michael stood at the desk and handed over a stack of files: "Mr. Baker, I've got all the hospital surveillance footage."
Alex looked up, his gaze icy: "Tell me the results."
"There were no cameras in the VIP lounge—it's a blind spot. We couldn't see anything before or after the old lady fainted. But one thing's clear: Miss Miller's check-in and medication records are all real and valid. Her appointment was even earlier than the old lady's."
Alex paused with his pen: "She went through the normal process?"
Michael nodded: "Yes. The nurses and staff there can confirm it. She just happened to pass by the lounge, saw something wrong, and called the doctor right away."
Alex tapped his fingers on the desk, casually.
His eyes were dark, showing no emotion.
Looks like... Grace didn't lie.
It was all just a coincidence.
He'd had some doubts before, but now he realized he'd been overthinking it.
If Grace had bad intentions, she wouldn't have stuck around these past few days.
Alex closed his eyes slowly and rubbed his temples: "Got it. Order some of her favorite dishes or desserts and send them to the hospital room. Report any updates on Grandma right away."
"Yes, Mr. Baker." Michael went off to handle it.
The office was quiet, almost too still.
Alex loosened his tie and leaned back in his chair. Emily's face popped into his mind without warning.
Three years of marriage, two years apart.
What was left between them?
Just misunderstandings and hurt—nothing else.
Alex held a cigarette but didn't light it for a long time.
The next morning.
The Johnson family villa was already buzzing early.
Andrew hugged Eleanor and wouldn't let go, repeating instructions: "Be safe at school, Eleanor. Wait for Grandpa and Mom to pick you up after. Don't talk to strangers. Eat lunch properly. Call Grandpa if anything happens. Tell the teacher and Grandpa right away if someone bullies you..."
Eleanor nodded her little head like crazy, half understanding: "Okay! Eleanor knows!"
Emily stood nearby, amused: "Dad, it's fine. It's Eleanor's first day—won't be too long."
She stepped up and took her daughter from Andrew's arms: "The school's security is good, and the teachers are responsible. Nothing will happen. I'll drop her off and pick her up on time in the afternoon."
Andrew finally let go reluctantly: "Be careful on the road. Make sure to walk her to the classroom and watch her go in."
Emily's mouth twitched: "Dad, really?"
To stop his nagging, she grabbed the kid and left.
Half an hour later, at the school gate.
Luxury cars lined up—probably all dropping off kids.
Class teachers were at the entrance to take them in.
Eleanor wasn't shy at all. She waved her little backpack and walked right in: "Bye, Mommy!"
Emily's eyes stung a bit. She smiled: "Mommy will pick you up soon, baby. Have fun at school."
"Okay!" Eleanor grinned like a little moon.
The teacher took her hand and led her to class.
Emily watched until her daughter was out of sight, then turned to go.
But before she got in the car, she spotted... that kid again.
This time, it wasn't Alex dropping him off.
It was Michael.
Michael looked her way just then. Their eyes met, and he felt a headache coming on.
"Mrs. Baker, I..."
He was forced into this!
Emily glanced at him coolly, no pause: "Don't call me that anymore."
She got in the car and drove off without waiting.
Michael stood there stunned: "That's... it?"
He thought Miss Johnson would ask something...
Guess Miss Johnson doesn't care about the boss anymore.
Sigh...
Meanwhile.
Emily had already arrived at Morrison Corp with the new proposal.
Yesterday's meeting was cut short because of Grandma, so she needed to catch up fast.
In the executive conference room.
Ryan lounged back in his chair in a casual suit, spinning a pen, sneaking glances at Emily.
But she focused on her report, not giving him a single look.
Finally, halfway through the meeting during a break, Ryan couldn't hold back. He leaned over: "Emily, yesterday at the hospital, that Alex guy didn't do anything to you, right? Let me tell you, he's all tough talk but soft inside. Don't take it personally. And..."
Emily flipped through her proposal files, face calm, ignoring him.
After he rambled on, she finally looked up: "Mr. Morrison, we're working now. Please stick to work topics."
That shut him down completely.
He opened his mouth, then touched his nose and went quiet.
Fine, mind his own business.
Work first, no chit-chat.
He could see it now.
Emily was dead set on not going back.
...
A few hours later.
It was afternoon when Emily left Morrison Corp.
She checked her watch: "Still time before Eleanor's out of school. Might as well... go see Grandma."
The project went smoothly, and the execs loved it—unanimous approval.
But Emily wasn't really feeling the joy.
Margaret's pale face flashed in her mind. She pressed her lips together.
Grandma loved crowds and cleanliness her whole life.
She hated the smell of hospital disinfectant and couldn't stand lying still in that quiet.
Emily drove straight to the best flower shop.
"Bring all these over for me. Package them soft and elegant."
She picked bright, expensive flowers—the kind Grandma liked.
High color, light scent—perfect for a hospital room.
Grandma would be happy to see them if she woke up.