Chapter 52 Recovering at Serene River Estate
Twenty minutes later, the helicopter landed smoothly at Serene River Estate.
The estate was only twenty miles from downtown Emerald City, nestled among rolling hills with pristine lakes and expansive vistas. It was perfectly convenient for Nicholas to commute back to the office for business matters.
He had purchased this mountain property years ago, originally planning to develop it into a luxury resort. When Robert's health began declining, Nicholas had this estate built instead, taking advantage of the natural landscape and waterfront location.
The grounds featured meticulously maintained botanical gardens, organic vegetable plots, and even stables, exuding an air of peaceful luxury perfect for recuperation.
Unfortunately, Robert was set in his ways and couldn't adapt to the new surroundings, preferring to remain at the Harrison Manor.
So this sprawling estate had remained empty.
The cabin door slid open with a mechanical hiss.
Nicholas leaned down, his long fingers deftly unfastening Emma's safety belt. He moved to sweep her up in his arms.
Emma shoved him away forcefully, her voice sharp. "I can walk by myself!"
Nicholas raised an eyebrow but said nothing, simply watching her with that infuriating calm.
Emma bit her lip and struggled to stand. The moment her right foot touched the ground, searing pain shot through her ankle. Her body went limp, and she pitched forward uncontrollably!
Nicholas reacted with lightning speed, his strong arm shooting out to catch her securely against his chest.
He looked down, the corner of his mouth curving into a mocking smile. "So you wanted to throw yourself into my arms after all?"
His warm breath brushed against her ear.
Emma's face flushed crimson with both embarrassment and fury.
"Let go! Have Charlie help me instead!"
Charlie, standing nearby, craned his neck forward and was about to step up when Nicholas's icy glare stopped him cold. He immediately retreated, plastering on his most professional smile.
"Ms. Rodriguez, what terrible timing—I tweaked my wrist moving boxes yesterday and can barely lift a coffee cup. This kind of physical assistance really requires Mr. Harrison's personal attention. I'll just clear the path ahead!"
Nicholas ignored her protests, scooping her up horizontally and striding down from the helicopter toward the main villa with purposeful steps.
At the villa entrance, the staff had already received word and stood in two neat lines, heads bowed respectfully.
"Good morning, Mr. Harrison, Ms. Rodriguez!" Their voices rang out in perfect unison across the expansive courtyard.
Emma felt uncomfortable with such formality, her lips parting as if to speak before she swallowed her words.
Whatever. There was no point arguing with Nicholas.
Nicholas carried her through the grand entrance and straight upstairs to a bedroom that was stunningly spacious.
He carefully placed her on the plush king-sized bed.
Emma glared at him with displeasure. "Nicholas, are you planning to imprison me here? I want to go back to my apartment!"
"This environment is ideal for recovery. Once you can walk independently, I'll take you home."
"Absolutely not! That'll take forever!" Emma thought for a moment. "I'll stay here for a few days at most. When I leave is my decision!"
She did need to lay low, especially with the Laurent family in the country. At least until the summit concluded safely.
It looked like she wouldn't be able to attend the conference after all.
Seeing her growing agitation, Nicholas nodded. "Fine."
He disappeared into the walk-in closet and returned with a set of brand-new cotton loungewear.
Placing the clothes beside her, his voice was low. "Can you manage changing by yourself?"
After a pause, he added, "Or I could call for a maid to assist you."
Emma immediately clutched the clothing protectively, eyeing him with suspicion. "I can manage!"
Nicholas studied her intently for a moment before turning and walking out without another word.
But he didn't go far, leaning against the wall just outside the door, waiting quietly.
Inside, all was silent.
Suddenly, a sharp crash shattered the peaceful quiet!
Nicholas's expression darkened as he burst through the door!
The scene that greeted him made him pause.
Emma had already changed into the cream-colored loungewear and was hopping on one foot rather ungracefully from the bathroom doorway.
On the floor lay the shattered remains of a glass.
Seeing him rush in, embarrassment flashed across her face as she explained quietly, "I just accidentally knocked something over."
Nicholas's tense expression relaxed. He stepped forward and, without discussion, lifted her into his arms once more.
"Be more careful," he murmured, carrying her downstairs.
Downstairs, a lavish breakfast spread awaited them.
A maid brought over a steaming bowl. "Ms. Rodriguez, this is the chicken broth Mr. Harrison specifically ordered prepared for you."
Emma's face immediately darkened, and she said nothing.
Nicholas waved the maid away dismissively.
"What happened before will never happen again. Everyone here was personally chosen by Charlie, and if there's a problem, I'll make sure to bury it myself!"
Charlie suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
Nicholas already knew about the incident at Dreamy Garden. Julie's actions had caused Emma all this suffering.
He would never allow such a thing to happen twice.
Additionally, the security here was top-tier.
Emma lowered her head and sipped the broth, having nothing to say.
Her heart felt heavy and blocked.
Nicholas placed a glass of milk in front of her. "You're eating too little. Some milk would help supplement your nutrition."
Emma shot him a cold look and set down her spoon.
Just then, Charlie entered with two doctors, followed by two nurses.
"Mr. Harrison, this is Dr. Luke, who will treat Ms. Rodriguez's wounds, and Dr. Pearl Powell, our nutritionist who will help restore Ms. Rodriguez's health."
"Everyone will take excellent care of Ms. Rodriguez from now on!"
"Yes, sir!" the staff responded in unison.
Emma beckoned to Dr. Powell. "Could you help me back to my room?"
Pearl immediately extended her hand supportively. "Of course, I'll help you. Take it slow."
Pearl draped Emma's right arm over her shoulder, wrapped her left hand around Emma's waist, and began helping her hop slowly up the stairs.
Nicholas watched this scene unfold, his expression darkening completely.
Charlie inwardly groaned, realizing he should never have hired a female doctor. She'd just stolen Nicholas's job!
As they climbed, Pearl asked, "Ms. Rodriguez, are there any foods you particularly enjoy, or anything you dislike? I'll customize your meal plan according to your preferences."
Emma answered calmly, "I'm not picky, but I'm allergic to milk!"
Upon hearing this, Nicholas's expression turned thunderous.
That damn Tyler—what kind of background check was that, missing such crucial information?
Charlie quickly instructed the head butler, "Ms. Rodriguez is allergic to milk. This is extremely important—never serve anything containing dairy products."
He immediately pulled out his tablet and made a detailed note.
Nicholas suddenly remembered the surveillance footage and headed toward his study, with Charlie hurrying to follow.
In the study, Nicholas's long fingers tapped a few keys, and the recorded video instantly filled the entire screen.