Chapter 469

Chapter 469

The sky over Pinecrest finally cleared up.

A month of continuous gloom vanished as if wiped away by an invisible hand.

Sunlight pierced the lingering clouds, casting a warm glow over the city streets still scarred by the recent flu outbreak.

Amelia slept in late, not waking up until the sun was high in the sky.

lifted a hand to shield her eyes from the sun, squinting at the slowly awakening city beyond, while her stomach let out a loud growl. Meanwhile, her phone buzzed persistently Without looking, she knew it was more interview requests from the media.

Ever since Pinecrest's mainstream media had competed to report how she'd returned from abroad during the pandemic, stayed at her post, donated money and supplies, and helped everyone get through the crisis together.

Other entertainment media followed suit, practically camping outside her door 24/7.

After all, Amelia had already been well-known before everything happened. She pushed herself up with effort, her body aching as if a truck had rolled over her.

She sighed. Looked like her flu wasn't better yet.

Ever since that day she came back from the office, she'd started running a fever. For three whole days of being in a daze, the fever coming and going. It was really miserable.

"Take your medicine." Chris walked in carrying warm water, holding pills in his other hand. "Or should you eat some porridge first?"

Amelia turned, her eyes landing on his face.

Chris had slimmed down, dark circles shadowing his eyes, his jaw tense and dusted with faint stubble. He looked utterly drained.
This was completely different from his usual cool, handsome appearance.

"You should go back and rest." Amelia drank a few sips of porridge before struggling to swallow the pills, her voice hoarse from the fever. "The company..."

“The company doesn’t matter as much as you,” Chris interrupted sharply, his tone brooking no disagreement. He reached out to press his hand to Amelia’s forehead, his brow furrowed in concern. "The fever still hasn't broken. Stay in bed another day."

Amelia tried to say something but was interrupted by a violent coughing fit.

Her throat felt dry and painful, as if she'd swallowed dozens of needles.

Chris immediately supported her, patting her back with one hand, his movements quite practiced.

A soft knock came at the hospital room door, and Cara peeked in. “Mr. Spencer, Mrs. Spencer’s test results are in. The doctor would like you to come see them.”
Her gaze lingered for a second on Chris's hand supporting Amelia, a flash of envy in her eyes.

Chris nodded. "I'll be right there."

After the nurse left, he tucked the blanket around Amelia. "Get some sleep. I'll be back soon."

Amelia grabbed his wrist. "How's Sirius doing? Have Mom and Dad sent any news?"

Chris thought for a moment, then said quietly, "It's still early morning in Astoria. I'll contact the hospital in a bit. You focus on getting better first, don't worry the kids."

After Chris left, Amelia picked up her phone and, after hesitating, opened her social media.

News about her was everywhere.

The latest story featured a photo someone had taken that day at the office when Chris came to see her.

The photo captured only their backs, yet it was easy for everyone to picture the two of them wrapped in warmth. The comments quickly filled with envy,

"What perfect love!"

"Amelia is so lucky, like she won the cosmic lottery!"

"I heard her son is getting treatment in Astoria, and her CEO husband is so supportive of her work. Too perfect!"

Amelia let out a bitter smile and locked her screen, a sense of helplessness settling over her.
Outsiders only saw their glamorous surface, not knowing that she had nightmares every night about Sirius leaving her, or that Chris had lost so much weight in just a few days juggling her care and the company's heavy workload, nearly getting sick himself.

Her phone suddenly vibrated, Diana's name flashing on the screen.

Amelia’s heart leapt, her fingers trembling as she tapped “answer.” “Amelia, good news, good news!” A familiar, excited voice rang through the line. "Our Sirius is responding to the new treatment better than expected. All his indicators are improving. The doctor says he's made it through this crisis..."

Tears immediately streamed down Amelia's face. "Really? Can he talk now? Can he eat? Mom, can I see him?"

"Yes, this morning he asked when he could see Mom and Dad." Diana said with a laugh. “Although there’s still a risk of setbacks, the most critical phase is behind us.” After hanging up, Amelia clutched her phone to her chest, a wave of relief lifting her spirits.

Just then, the hospital room door opened again, and Chris strode in, his face showing barely suppressed joy.

"I just got a call from Mom!" they both said in unison, then froze and couldn't help laughing.

Amelia laughed through her tears before breaking down completely, collapsing into Chris’s arms and sobbing. Months of stress, guilt, and fear finally poured out in an overwhelming release.
Chris patted her shoulder comfortingly. "Alright, alright. There's one more thing—Seraphina and Shawn are here. They've been waiting downstairs for a while."

Amelia froze, quickly wiping away her tears and complaining that he should have told her sooner.

Amelia changed clothes and went downstairs to see the tall, elegant Seraphina standing there, with Shawn in casual wear beside her.

As the company's most popular supermodel, Seraphina commanded attention even in just a simple white shirt and jeans.

It was like wherever she went became her runway, a place for her to shine.

As always, Shawn wore his relaxed, carefree smile, lounging on the sofa with a fruit basket placed neatly on the coffee table in front of him.
"Ms. Tudor, I heard you were sick. Everyone at the company was worried." Seraphina hurried forward, looking Amelia up and down. "I'm here on everyone's behalf to check on you."

Amelia couldn't help but smile, pulling Seraphina to sit on the sofa. "I'm fine, tough as nails. You don't need to worry."

Only then did Seraphina relax.

While they discussed recent events, Shawn stayed quiet and reserved, yet his familiar air of ease and nonchalance lingered.
As they chatted, Amelia keenly noticed that when Shawn wiggled over next to Seraphina and naturally tried to put his arm around her shoulder, she dodged almost imperceptibly.

And the disappointment in Shawn's eyes flashed by quickly before he scratched his head as if to cover it up, returning to his carefree demeanor.

"How's the company doing?" Amelia asked.

"Everything's normal." Seraphina answered crisply. "The whole industry is mocking Sandra's side now. They've gone quiet, not saying a word. It's strange."

Amelia sneered. "Of course she can't say anything. After all that’s happened lately, she’s lost everyone’s support. I wouldn’t be surprised if even people within their own company can't stand her anymore."

But even now, Louis still hadn't fired Sandra.

Amelia couldn’t shake the thought that something might be going on between them. After all, from the little she knew of Louis, he was even more ruthless than Lucius.