Chapter 24 How Should I Hug Him?
Irene brought this up, which made several doctors exchange glances with her, signaling her to stop asking.
Matilda also fell silent, not knowing how to explain.
She remembered Wentworth had mentioned that Charles helped out. Charles was a senior executive at a large company, so it was normal for him to know some PR firms.
But she couldn't explain Charles's identity to them—saying it out loud would sound like bragging.
Irene pressed on aggressively: "Dr. Spencer, why don't you introduce us to that capable person? Maybe next time we run into this kind of situation, we can ask you for help too. You know, our hospital also deals with those medical troublemakers from time to time."
Other doctors couldn't stand it anymore and spoke up.
"Dr. Barnes, please say less. No matter how capable a PR firm is, you still need to be innocent yourself."
"Dr. Spencer's issue was finally resolved, so stop bringing it up. Rubbing salt in someone's wounds isn't nice."
"If Dr. Spencer knows capable people, that's her own ability. If you want to know people like that, you need to have your own abilities first."
Only then did Irene awkwardly shut up.
The Gonzaga Group.
Brothers Wentworth and Charles were also getting ready for lunch.
The CEO's office had a private kitchen with a personal chef who could make various styles of food—everything from burgers to steaks to Caesar salads.
Just as they were about to eat, Wentworth's phone rang.
He glanced at the caller ID and said to Charles: "It's Mom calling. I don't know which old guy told her, but I just got to the office and she's already calling."
Since they shared the same mom, Wentworth put it on speaker.
On the other end, Amelia Sanders's tone was very serious: "Wentworth, you're back in Phoenix City?"
"Yes, Mom."
"Why did you suddenly come back? Are you injured? Where did you hurt yourself this time? You never give me peace of mind." Amelia's tone carried reproach.
Wentworth said: "I'm not hurt anywhere, just came back for a vacation."
"Who are you trying to fool? I told you to retire early but you wouldn't listen. Every day it's either you're hurt here or hurt there."
"Really, I'm not."
Amelia changed the subject: "By the way, Wentworth, I met a girl in Europe. She's a 26-year-old student, good character. I think you two would be a good match. I'm planning to introduce her to you. Add her on Facebook in a bit."
Wentworth quickly said, "Mom, you don't need to introduce anyone to me. Introduce her to my brother—he's not married yet, so why would it be my turn?"
"Your brother?" Amelia gave a cold laugh. "For him to get married, pigs would have to fly!"
Charles said from the side, "Mom, I'm right here."
Amelia showed no mercy: "Even if you're here, that's what I'm saying. Expecting you to get married, I might as well expect your brother."
Charles tentatively asked, "Mom, what if Wentworth already has a girlfriend?"
"He better not. We agreed that no matter what kind of girlfriend he gets, she must pass my approval first."
Charles shrugged at Wentworth.
Wentworth said, "Mom, I'm not talking anymore. Charles and I are about to eat. Have fun in Europe."
"What fun? I'm just out here managing the overseas branch for your brother."
After hanging up, Charles looked at Wentworth and said sympathetically: "See, that's how Mom is. You and Matty's situation can't be made public for now. I've already pulled some strings to keep it hidden—others can't find out you two are married for the time being."
"Thanks, Charles." Wentworth sighed helplessly.
Because their father died early, their mother wouldn't allow Wentworth to join the military, worried he would leave her too.
However, Wentworth went ahead anyway, enlisting behind her back, which made her furious.
After that, Amelia set a rule: he could join the military, but his future marriage must be arranged by her. Wentworth had agreed at the time.
Seeing Wentworth's gloomy expression, Charles advised, "For the sake of Mom being widowed in middle age, don't push back against her. Tell her when there's a suitable opportunity."
"I know."
Soon after, the chef brought out the dishes.
Charles pushed several dishes Wentworth liked in front of him, served him a bowl of seafood chowder, then asked, "Matty's issue from yesterday was resolved, she shouldn't be too upset, right?"
"No, she cried last night, felt much better afterward, and went to work today." When Wentworth mentioned Matilda, his appetite immediately weakened.
"Charles, I feel... women's thoughts are really hard to figure out. I often can't understand what Matty's thinking. I always feel like she's hot and cold."
Charles smiled faintly. "Don't try to guess what women are thinking—you'll never figure it out. Besides security, what women need most is companionship. Spend more time with her when you can."
"Companionship?"
"You can't just keep her company—you also need to occasionally do things that make her heart race." Charles raised an eyebrow, thinking Wentworth should understand.
Wentworth nodded, indicating he got it.
...
Matilda was in a good mood today.
After dinner, she saw Wentworth working on his laptop in the living room.
She didn't know much about the military, and seeing Wentworth's large, strong build, she figured he should be good at physical work and might not be great with computers.
But unexpectedly, he operated the computer very skillfully. The screen showed professional software she didn't understand, looking very advanced.
Seeing Matilda approach, Wentworth stopped his work and looked at her.
"Am I... disturbing you?" Matilda asked.
"Of course not. I'm not doing anything particularly serious, just helping my brother with some company work." In Wentworth's eyes, military tasks were real work—the Gonzaga Group's affairs were just helping out.
Matilda asked curiously, "You can do your brother's work too?"
"He's a company executive. One of his departments is developing life detection equipment, and there are some technical issues that need my help." Wentworth said.
Matilda grew more curious and moved closer: "Can I take a look?"
"Of course."
She leaned in close to him, her head moving toward the screen.
Her medium-length hair was soft and thick, falling on his arm, tickling him and carrying the scent of shampoo.
Wentworth couldn't help but swallow.
After looking for a while, she shook her head awkwardly. "I don't understand this."
"This software is pretty specialized, and it requires advanced mathematics." Wentworth explained.
Matilda looked at him with admiration: "Then you're pretty amazing. Do you manage technical stuff at your unit?"
"Occasionally," Wentworth said.
Seeing he didn't want to say much, Matilda guessed his work was special and not everything could be shared with outsiders, so she didn't ask further.
She suddenly realized that she hadn't hugged Wentworth today, and if she didn't, he might not sleep well tonight.
But she couldn't just throw herself at him, right? That would be too sudden.
Practice combat? Forget it, they practiced too long last night and her muscles were sore all over.
Seeing Matilda standing beside him without leaving, Wentworth wanted to tell her about his plan.
"Matty..."
Before he could finish, Matilda suddenly collapsed onto him.