Josephine was also unsure how to reply.
It seemed like Elbert was the one who needed comforting now.
But as a junior, she couldn't really comfort him.
So she just told Stuart, [Take good care of them. If you need anything from me, just let me know.]
Stuart replied, [Okay.]
After that, he didn't send any more messages, probably because he was busy.
So, later that evening, when there was a knock on the door, Josephine opened it and was surprised to see Stuart.
"What are you doing here? How's your parents?" she asked.
Stuart walked in and asked, "Is Jeffery asleep? How's he doing? Feeling better?"
"Yeah, he's fine and already asleep."
Stuart then said, "My parents are okay too. My dad cried like a baby. My mom couldn't take it, held his hand, and he cried even harder."
"Elbert's been through a lot," Josephine said, feeling both sad and amused. "After all these years of being ignored by Carol, it's no wonder he'd shed some tears now that he knows he was wronged."
"Yeah, I get it," Stuart said. "So I settled them down, gave them some space, and came over."
"Why don't you go back and rest? You've been busy all day."
"I wanted to see you," Stuart looked at her. "Can I have a hug?"
"No."
Stuart was taken aback, not expecting to be turned down. He thought a hug wasn't too much to ask.
But while he was still in shock, Josephine took the initiative to hug him.
Stuart felt his heart warm instantly. He hugged her back, buried his face in her neck, and the anxiety of the day finally melted away.
"Go back early," Josephine said. "Someone needs to be with Carol. Elbert's there tonight, and you need to go tomorrow."
"I know," Stuart said. "I'm not tired. A hug from you and I'm good to go."
He didn't push for more and let go after a short while. He stood in the hallway for a moment and then left.
Josephine closed the door, locked it, and went back to organizing her materials.
On his way back, Stuart got a call from Angela.
"What's up?" Stuart asked, his voice cold.
Angela said, "Stuart, how have you been lately?"
Stuart said, "Pretty good."
Angela could hear the indifference and distance in his tone. She knew Stuart didn't really like her. The way he looked at her was never the same as when he looked at Josephine, which was full of affection and possessiveness.
But everyone thought she had saved his life. After telling the lie so many times, Angela almost believed it herself. She admitted that her selfishness played a part back then. But what could she do? The deal Robin offered was too tempting.
Now, Robin was in trouble himself. Angela knew she had to seize this last chance.
She said, "Are you free tomorrow? Can we catch up?"
Stuart said directly, "No time. Do you have something to say? Just say it."
"Can we meet in person..."
"Then forget it," Stuart said. "I don't have time to meet you."
Angela was silent for a few seconds but couldn't hold back. She said, "Stuart, no matter what, we're still friends, right?"
Stuart said, "Friends who don't contact each other, sure. To be honest, I don't want to have any more interactions with you."
"Is it because of Josephine?" Angela asked, even though she knew Stuart had no feelings for her, hearing him say that still made her feel incredulous. He had changed a lot; previously, out of gratitude for saving his life, he had always been polite to her, but now his tone was cold and heartless.
At that moment, Angela felt that her decision was the right one. She quickly said, "Okay, no matter the reason, if you don't want to contact me anymore, can I make one request?"
Stuart said, "I told you, if you need me to do something within my power, I will."
Angela said, "Stuart, if you help me, I'll consider the past over."
Stuart asked, "What is it? Tell me first, and I'll see if I can do it."
"It's about business," Angela said. "Help my family get the Eastside project."
Stuart chuckled.
Angela could tell it was a disdainful laugh.
Stuart said, "Your family can't handle that project."
Not to mention The Lopez Family, even he had to consider whether to find partners.
Angela said, "Or let The Lopez Family participate."
That project was a big one, and many people had their eyes on it. Once involved in this project, the whole family could rise to a higher level.
The Lopez Family was near the bottom in terms of wealth. Winning this project could elevate them to a higher tier, a challenging feat given the fierce competition.
Stuart said, "So, if I help you, you won't ask for my help again, right?"
Angela didn't really want to cut ties with him. But in reality, she had to learn to make choices. Otherwise, she might end up with nothing.
She said, "Yes. I can go abroad and never come back. As long as you help The Lopez Family, I will keep my word."
Stuart felt he did owe her a big favor. If he could do this and never have to contact Angela again, it would be a good outcome for him.
Stuart said, "Okay. I'll get it done ASAP. Keep an eye out for my update."
"I'm hoping for a quick turnaround."
"Okay."
After that, they hung up.
Stuart was confident about this project. But to involve The Lopez Family, he needed to plan and operate carefully.
Stuart went straight to the office and called a meeting with the relevant personnel.
Angela wanted it done quickly, and so did Stuart. He wanted to cut ties with Angela as soon as possible.
Stuart got so busy that he lost track of time. He only slept for three hours that night, had another meeting in the morning, and then rushed to the hospital.
In the hospital room, Carol slept while Elbert lay by her side, holding her hand.
Seeing this scene, Stuart had mixed feelings. There was relief, heartache, and sadness.
Carol's fingers moved unconsciously, and Elbert immediately woke up. He straightened up, checked the blanket covering Carol, and seeing her sleeping soundly, he was relieved. He held her hand against his cheek. His eyes were full of love and dependence. Then he looked up and saw Stuart.
He awkwardly let go of Carol's hand, then looked at him and said softly, "You're here?"
Stuart walked in, put down the breakfast, and asked, "You didn't sleep all night?"
"I slept," Elbert said. "Just got up early."
"Have breakfast first?"
Elbert said, "I'll wait for your mom to eat together."
"You go ahead and eat, then take a break," Stuart suggested.
"I'm not leaving," Elbert insisted. "I need to be here with her."