Chapter 114: Beware of Men!
Marcus and Felix had been eagerly waiting to be discharged from the hospital, but they got stood up just like that!
Being stood up was one thing, but when they heard from Alexander that he went back to Catherine's hometown with her, both Marcus and Felix expressed understanding. They just told them to stay safe and come back tomorrow.
Basically, they didn't want to be discharged first—they insisted on waiting for Catherine to pick them up.
Hearing Alexander helplessly relay Marcus and Felix's instructions, Catherine couldn't help but laugh!
Whether it was Marcus and Felix or the Windsor family, they all genuinely cared about her!
Both Alexander and Catherine's phones rang at the same time.
Charles's angry voice came through Alexander's phone: "Alexander! Where did you take Catherine? Aren't you two coming home tonight?"
"Calm down, Charles. Catherine and I are at Cloudscape Villa. You know about this place, don't you?"
Charles's face reddened, clearly not expecting Alexander to see through his little scheme so quickly.
"Are you planning to stay at Cloudscape Villa tonight and not come back?"
"Yes, we're planning to stay one night."
Charles quickly hung up and immediately called Catherine, but got a message saying she was on another call.
Juniper looked at the experimental data in front of her while giving instructions.
"Catherine, don't let Alexander trick you, okay? If he dares to make any moves on you late at night, kick him where it counts!"
Catherine was silent.
"But if you want to make moves on him, that's fine too—just be safe."
Catherine remained silent.
What was going through Juniper's mind?
"Juniper, how did you know Alexander and I are at Cloudscape Villa?"
"Alexander sent the location, along with a photo of you two together. He even put your photo in front of your grandma—at least he has some conscience."
Only then did Catherine realize that Alexander had told the Windsor family their location, probably so they wouldn't worry about her!
That he could be so thoughtful, considering even such small details, made Catherine's heart feel warm.
"Catherine, when are you coming to Tranquil County to see me? I miss you so much I can't eat or drink—I'm practically wasting away! Come see me, and I'll make you roasted chicken, braised chicken, fried chicken—a whole chicken feast!"
Catherine was silent.
At the Tranquil County research facility, these chickens for the feast were probably officially numbered research chickens. Was it really okay for her to eat them?
"Tomorrow I'm picking up Grandpa from the hospital. I'll come see you in a few days. Grandpa and Grandma prepared lots of gifts for you."
"Great, great, great! I'll be waiting!"
Juniper blew a series of kisses into the phone before reluctantly hanging up.
Charles's call persisted and finally got through after Juniper hung up.
"Catherine, aren't you coming home tonight?"
Catherine glanced at the darkening sky, where stars were already dotting the heavens.
Charles clutched his phone anxiously, wishing he could fly a plane to pick Catherine up himself.
Seeing this, Bethany snatched the phone from Charles's hand.
"Catherine, it's too late tonight. Don't come back—just stay at your hometown. Your grandma was so good to you, and we're very grateful. When we get a chance, I'll bring the whole family to stay there!"
While speaking gently and warmly to Catherine, Bethany kicked Charles without mercy.
Catherine was with Alexander now—wasn't this the perfect time for them to develop their relationship?
Why come back! It's just one night! With Charles's emotional intelligence, no wonder he's still single!
"Catherine, don't rush. Just enjoy yourself at your hometown, take Alexander around the area, and come back when you've had enough fun!"
Bethany hung up, ignoring Charles's resentful and pitiful look.
"Dad, I can arrange a helicopter to bring Catherine back."
"Don't arrange anything! Go to bed! What's wrong with Catherine and Alexander spending a couple days out? It's rare for Alexander to make this effort—clearly he values Catherine very much. This puts my mind at ease! They'll definitely have a good relationship when they get married!"
Married?!
The word struck Charles like a bolt from the blue.
Catherine just came home and now she's getting married?
No way!
Bethany gave him a slap. "Go on, don't disturb Catherine's romance!"
Catherine put away her phone and looked at Alexander beside her.
"There are only two rooms in the house. Neil said they've both been cleaned. Are you really planning to stay here?"
Neil walked into the courtyard carrying food and quickly spoke up: "I forgot to tell you—the bed in your grandma's room was moved out. Rats chewed it up a few days ago, so I took it to be repaired."
"Grandma's bed got chewed up? When did this happen?"
"Just a few days ago. After all, no one's been living here, so things deteriorate quickly. The bed in your room was just repaired last month, so it's fine!"
Catherine frowned slightly. "Since the bed's broken, let's just go back after dinner."
Neil continued: "While I was cooking just now, I took a nap and dreamed that your grandma said she hopes you'll stay tonight to keep her company. When you get old, you just dream a lot!"
Catherine was speechless.
He took a nap while cooking and just happened to dream about Elodie?
Did he even believe what he was saying?
Alexander stood up to help Neil set out the food and said softly: "It's okay, I can sleep on the floor. Since your grandma wants us to stay, let's stay."
Neil winked at Alexander and quickly left.
Looking at how nimble he was, he could sign up for a senior marathon right now—he didn't look at all like someone whose health was so poor that he'd fall asleep while cooking!
A few years ago, Neil even went back to participate in a local winter swimming competition and won first prize every year.
The food on the table was simple. You could tell Neil had specially killed a chicken to host them—the rich aroma of chicken soup was inviting and made one's mouth water.
Alexander showed no sign of disdain. He carefully tasted all the dishes before looking at Catherine.
"Did you eat these things when you were little?"
"Yes, my grandma worried I wouldn't eat well and grow properly, so she cooked really well for every meal."
Perhaps to compensate for nearly being raised to death by Declan and Anouk when she was young, Elodie had been especially careful when raising her.
This small courtyard held her most beautiful memories, but thinking about it still filled her eyes with sadness.
Alexander felt a dull ache in his heart. He reached out and touched Catherine's hair.
"I'll be by your side from now on, and your grandma will always be with you too!"