Chapter 54: What If He's Already Fallen For Her?

Madison avoided his piercing gaze. "My phone was on silent. I didn't notice."

Grayson snorted coldly, strode up to her, and towered over her with an intense look. "Really? You didn't notice?"

She met his eyes squarely. "What else? What do you think is the reason I didn't answer?"

His gaze darkened instantly. "Madison, haven't I told you not to throw useless tantrums?"

"What's considered useful, then?" Madison couldn't help but retort, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Is it that only Nora's tears are useful to you? Only Nora has the right to be upset, and I don't even have the privilege to lose my temper?"

Grayson's eyes narrowed slightly. His cold fingers reached forward and took hold of her chin. "Why make yourself out to be so pitiful, Madison? I've hired Sue for you, I've given you compensation. Why are you still acting like this? Is it because I didn't take you to the hospital?"

Madison let out a laugh, her eyes unexpectedly filling with tears. She fought back the tears that threatened to fall and locked eyes with him.

"Yes, it's because you didn't take me to the hospital. Does it mean only Nora deserves care and I don't? I didn't want to be pregnant in the first place, and when others offered to take care of me, you refused.

"Grayson, do you really think hiring a nanny and giving some compensation means I wouldn't feel hurt? People have feelings. You can't just throw money at them or hire some stranger to heal an emotional wound truly!"

Madison finished speaking, and her tears fell regardless.

She turned her head away, dabbing at her tears. She didn't want to cry, but they wouldn't stop. She used never to cry.

Even when Ethan had left her bruised and battered, she didn't shed a tear. But in front of this man, she found herself crying time and again.

Grayson stared at her stubborn, pale face, feeling a wave of irritation suddenly wash over him. After a moment of silence, he uncharacteristically explained, "I got held up with something at the office this afternoon, so I went straight there."

"Uh-huh," Madison gave a brief acknowledgment and fell silent.

The hospital room sank into stillness. It was a stillness so profound it felt suffocating.

Time passed—so much that Madison thought he wouldn't speak again—until Grayson broke the silence. "How are you feeling? Still feverish?"

Madison didn't look at him. "The fever's gone, thanks for asking, Grayson."

Her thanks made him feel awkward and even more agitated. "Don't thank me, I don't deserve your gratitude."

A twitch passed Madison's lips, but she said no more.

She was tired of arguing. It was pointless. It wouldn't earn her an ounce of affection from this man.

Grayson observed her for a moment before asking, "What caused the sudden fever?"

After a brief pause, Madison replied, "A minor infection. Fluids took care of it."

Grayson nodded and tugged at his shirt. "If you need anything, call me. If I don't answer, keep calling."

Madison let out a hollow laugh, "So if I call repeatedly, you'll drop everything, even Nora, to tend to me?"

Looking directly at her, he replied, "You never know until you try, do you?"

She gave a bitter smile. She had tried before. But when this man was with Nora, he never picked up her calls.

"Let's just forget it. I know where I stand."

His expression darkened gradually as he fixed his gaze on her. "If you don't try, Madison, then don't blame me for leaving you high and dry."

Madison's mouth tightened into a firm line. After a moment, she managed a smile, meeting Grayson's gaze.

"That won't happen, Grayson. Rest assured, I won't make a fuss over things like this anymore."

His eyes were heavy on her. He had intended to tell her he'd try harder to answer her calls, but now… He gave a derisive snort at the thought.

Grayson pulled irritably at his dampened shirt.

"Give Owen a call. He's nearby. Have him bring over a couple of sets of clothes."

Madison's lips twitched slightly. She wanted to tell him he didn't need to stay. She was fine now, so he didn't need to hang around.

However, Grayson had already stepped into the bathroom before she could speak.

Grayson was particular about his clothing. He wouldn't be caught dead wearing the same wet clothes twice. He would probably leave soon, but only after Owen brought him a fresh change of attire.

With that thought, Madison went ahead and made the call.

Owen must have been close by because he quickly arrived with a set of clothes. He even brought along a set of Mister brand pajamas.

Madison said, "You didn't need to bring pajamas. Grayson won't be staying overnight."

No sooner had she spoken than Grayson's voice called out from the bathroom, "Madison, bring me the pajamas."

Madison was speechless.

Owen gave her a knowing wink. "See, Madison, I know my brother better."

Madison pursed her lips and glanced at Owen.

He hurriedly signaled to her. "Go on, Madison, take them to him."

Madison handed Grayson the pajamas.

When she returned, Owen gave her a meaningful smile. Madison ignored the amusement on his face and thanked him, "Sorry for the trouble, making you come out so late."

Owen waved it off. "No need for that. By the way, what happened? Why are you in the hospital again?"

Madison gave an evasive answer.

Owen leaned in closer with a flash of curiosity in his eyes. "Madison, Grayson braved the rain to reach you. How does that make you feel?"

Madison frowned slightly. "Nothing."

She even found it somewhat laughable.

When she needed him, he was with Nora, and now that she was okay, he had shown up. She also didn't understand why Grayson had come through the rain.

Logically, driving over, he shouldn't have gotten wet. Yet, he had arrived completely drenched.

Owen clicked his tongue. "Madison, to be honest, compared to Nora, I'd rather have you as my sister-in-law. So, you better take advantage of Grayson's guilt now while you can."

Madison was taken aback. She hadn't expected Owen to say something like that.

She laughed bitterly. "Owen, you're reading too much into it. Grayson and I merely have a business arrangement, and you know that better than anyone."

Owen curled his lip. "Whitney, don't be so sure about that. You never know."

Madison chuckled. Sure, there was always a chance, but not between her and Grayson. When Grayson truly cared for someone, he couldn't bear the thought of them facing even the slightest hardship.

Just like with Nora.

Madison's eyes dropped, and her long lashes shielded the hint of bitterness in her gaze. Once upon a time, she had hoped for that one in ten thousand chance. But after seeing Grayson's behavior with Nora, she didn't dare to hold on to even that sliver of hope.

"Owen…" She looked up, meeting his eyes. "Don't make those kinds of jokes anymore."

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