Chapter 29 This Little Girl is Mr. Russell's Daughter
Aiden was half-asleep when he heard the question and instinctively asked, "Mr. Russell, who are you taking to the hospital?"
Frederick glanced at the sleeping child, recalling how she had called him "Daddy" before falling asleep. He replied in a serious tone, "My daughter."
Aiden was momentarily stunned but quickly agreed.
Frederick hung up the phone and swiftly changed his clothes.
At that moment, Xandra brought Margaret's clothes and helped her get dressed.
Seeing Frederick all set, she asked, "Are you coming with me to the hospital?"
"Yeah."
Xandra felt both apologetic and grateful. "Sorry for waking you up."
Frederick gave her a look. "Couldn't sleep anyway."
His words carried a deeper meaning, and Xandra felt a bit awkward as she realized it.
But she didn't have time to dwell on it. She picked up her feverish daughter, whose cheeks were flushed red, and prepared to leave.
"Let me carry her."
Without waiting for a response, Frederick took Margaret from Xandra's arms and strode towards the door.
His broad back exuded a sense of security.
Xandra felt a wave of warmth in her heart and quickly followed.
Richard heard the commotion and came out of his room.
"Where are you headed?"
"Grandpa, Maggie's got a fever. We're taking her to the hospital," Xandra explained.
Frederick glanced at him, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Did we wake you up, or were you just worrying all night? Old age makes people anxious."
Richard knew his eldest grandson was subtly accusing him of meddling.
He pretended not to understand.
"Then hurry and take Maggie to the hospital. I'll look after Chuck and Beth for you."
"Thanks, Grandpa."
Xandra gave him a grateful smile.
Frederick glanced at him but said nothing, carrying Margaret out the door.
As the door closed, Richard squinted, feeling a bit regretful.
Tonight's soup was packed with ingredients that would definitely spice up a couple's night!
Such a waste!
Should he take the kids away to create a romantic evening for the young couple?
Outside, Frederick and Xandra left the apartment building.
Xandra was about to call for a ride.
"No need. I brought my boss's car back."
Frederick, holding Maggie, walked towards a Bentley parked nearby.
Xandra felt it was somewhat inappropriate for her newlywed husband to use his boss's car, but she had no time to think about it. She followed Frederick to the Bentley.
Frederick had already opened the back door for her. She got in and took Margaret from him.
Frederick closed the door and got into the driver's seat, driving quickly to the Russell Group's private hospital.
Xandra, worried about Margaret's fever, didn't notice where Frederick was heading.
It wasn't until they arrived that she realized.
"Why did we come to a private hospital?"
Frederick took Maggie from her and asked, "What's wrong with a private hospital?"
"Private hospitals are more expensive," Xandra explained honestly.
Frederick glanced at her, his brows furrowed.
"Expensive, but the care is better. Is this really the time to worry about money? What's more important, your child's health or the cost?"
His tone was cold and authoritative, like a boss reprimanding an employee.
Xandra felt embarrassed.
She wasn't saying her child's health wasn't important; she just had experience with this.
Margaret's fever would go down with an IV drip, which any hospital could administer.
But seeing Frederick so concerned about her daughter, she didn't blame him for his attitude. Instead, she felt touched.
Not every man would treat someone else's child as their own.
Her newlywed husband was a compassionate and generous man.
At that moment, the pediatric chief, who had been notified, hurriedly arrived at the emergency room, having just left his wife's embrace.
Sweating from the rush, he wiped his forehead and took a sip of water, only to see Frederick arrive with the child.
He quickly put down his cup, remembering Aiden's reminder to treat Frederick like any other person.
"What's going on with the little one?"
"She suddenly developed a fever in the middle of the night."
Frederick, holding the still-sleeping Margaret, showed a hint of concern in his eyes.
"Yeah, doctor. My daughter is one of triplets and has always been frail," Xandra explained.
"Alright, let me take a look at her."
The pediatrician put on his stethoscope and began the check-up.
Margaret woke up groggily.
Her large eyes were watery from the fever.
"Maggie, you're awake?" Frederick called her softly.
Seeing the unfamiliar environment and the doctor in a white coat, Margaret instinctively clung to Frederick.
Her lips quivered, ready to cry.
"Daddy, no shots!"
Her soft voice tugged at Frederick's heart.
"It's okay, Daddy's here," he soothed.
The pediatrician was shocked, his hand trembling.
This little girl was Frederick's daughter?
When did Frederick get married? And he already had a child? He hadn't heard a thing about it!
He recalled Aiden's reminder. He sneaked a glance at Xandra, puzzled.
It seemed the lady didn't know Frederick's true identity.
Was Frederick playing a role?
The pediatrician didn't dare delve into the Russell Group CEO's private affairs.
He had once seen Frederick inspecting the hospital's operations.
Back then, Frederick's stern demeanor, surrounded by people, was like a king descending.
But now...
The pediatrician glanced at Frederick, who was gently comforting Margaret.
There was no trace of his kingly aura, just the tenderness of a father.
He seemed to really love his daughter!
"The child's condition isn't serious!" After the examination, the pediatrician said, "Her weak constitution probably led to a fever from catching a cold. Let's start with two IV drips."
Frederick's gaze turned cold.
"Are you sure there's nothing else wrong?"
His serious demeanor made the pediatrician tense.
"From what I see, it should be..."
"No 'should be.' I need a definite answer!"
Frederick interrupted, his tone authoritative.
The pediatrician, intimidated by his presence, broke into a cold sweat.
His initial certainty wavered under Frederick's intense gaze.
Seeing this, Xandra gently tugged Frederick's sleeve. "Don't make it hard for the doctor. Maggie's always been like this. A slight discomfort leads to a fever. The doctor won't get it wrong."
The pediatrician silently agreed with the sensible lady.
"Doctor, please write the prescription," Xandra said softly.
The pediatrician glanced at Frederick, who remained silent, indicating his consent. He breathed a sigh of relief and quickly wrote the prescription.
Frederick took the prescription, carried Margaret, and headed to the infusion room.
It was late at night, and the infusion room was nearly empty.
Frederick gestured for Xandra to sit, then handed Margaret to her.
"Wait here, I'll go pay."
"Okay, about the money..."
Xandra offered her card.
Frederick glanced at her. "Xandra, we're married. You don't need to be so formal with me."