Chapter 100 What Is There to Doubt?
Emily rubbed the side of her waist.
That shove from Grace that afternoon still ached a little.
If it weren't for being in the hospital room, she'd have slapped Grace twice.
Emily grabbed her bag and walked inside.
She'd even brought a box of scented candles from home.
These were from Paris, and she'd used them for two years. The scent was elegant and fresh—Grandma would probably like it.
Andrew initially didn't want her to come.
But thinking of the old lady lying here all alone with no one to care for her properly made Emily restless.
At the VIP ward door.
Emily paused, "Why isn't the door fully closed?"
There was a gap, and warm yellow light spilled out from inside.
Emily froze for half a second, then pushed the door open and went in.
The room was very quiet, so quiet you could hear the beeping of the monitors.
And Grandma was the only one there.
She gently pushed the door wider and walked in on tiptoe.
Seeing the old woman's tired face, she went straight to the bathroom to get some warm water: "Grandma... when are you going to wake up? Eleanor is waiting to play with you. How about the three of us make some hot short videos together? Many people will definitely follow you."
She walked to the bedside, pulled up a chair, and sat down. She squeezed the towel until it was half-dry, and it gave off a faint scent.
As she spoke, she gently wiped Margaret's palms and cheeks. The usual cool distance she had was gone, replaced by pure softness.
Alex had just finished smoking and came back. His steps suddenly stopped.
He'd seen the half-open door and thought someone was inside, but when he pushed it open, he spotted the figure by the bed at once.
The warm yellow light fell on her hair, softening her delicate features.
He'd always known Emily was beautiful.
Right now, her eyes were downcast, lashes fluttering lightly, her expression calm and focused. Her movements were so careful... like she was afraid of waking Grandma.
He stood in the doorway without going in, somehow not wanting to break the peace.
Suddenly, Emily's fingers paused. It felt like... someone was watching her?
The moment she looked up, their eyes met.
The air was so still you could hear each other breathing.
After a momen, Alex broke the silence first, "You're here."
Emily was a bit surprised—he hadn't left yet.
She nodded, hiding her surprise: "Why haven't you gone home?"
"Couldn't relax, so I stepped out for a smoke." Alex closed the door and walked to the other side of the room. "You? Project done?"
"Yeah, all wrapped up." Emily didn't say more.
She knew Ryan had already told Alex everything about her.
That guy was just a messenger!
Couldn't keep anything to himself.
She kept wiping Grandma's legs, her face calm: "I was worried about Grandma, so I came to check. It's late—you've had a long day, go rest. I'll stay tonight."
Alex looked at her, his eyes darkening a bit. After a pause, he leaned against the window: "No need. You go home. After all... your daughter is still young. Grandma has people here—don't neglect your family."
Family.
His voice had a hint of bitterness when he said that word.
If they hadn't divorced, maybe... he and Emily would have a family too.
And a cute daughter like that.
Thinking of the kid made Alex's brow twitch.
Emily pressed her lips together and didn't follow his lead: "I'm fine. I'm used to taking care of Grandma."
Before the divorce, Grandma often called her to the old house to keep her company.
She knew some of Grandma's likes and habits.
Alex's voice was low, with a bitterness he didn't even notice: "Matthew isn't looking for you? You don't need to stay here all night."
Emily glanced at him, not explaining who Matthew was, just saying flatly: "One thing at a time. Grandma's always been good to me—I can't ignore her."
Alex fell silent at that, his tongue pressing against his cheek. For a moment, he didn't question her role... or her right to be there.
They stood off for a bit.
Finally, Alex gave in.
"Okay, I'll stay with you."
Emily looked over in surprise: "No..."
"When you're tired in the second half of the night, I'll take over." His voice was low and firm, no room for argument.
Emily didn't argue.
She knew once Alex decided something, no one could change his mind.
The air grew quiet.
This was the first time since their three-year marriage and two years apart that they shared a room so peacefully—no fights, no sarcasm. All the walls between them seemed to fade in front of the sick Grandma.
The room was still, just the soft beeps from the machines.
They didn't talk, but it wasn't awkward.
It felt strangely steady.
Suddenly, Alex stood up, poured a cup of warm water, and handed it to her: "Drink some. Don't get overheated."
Emily blinked, then took it: "Rare for Mr. Baker to pour me water."
She held the cup, the warmth spreading from her fingers to her chest, chasing away some of the late-night chill.
But his gaze on her grew even deeper.
She took a small sip, pretending not to notice.
Then Emily sat back by the bed and gently massaged Grandma's ankles and calves.
It helped blood flow and prevented muscle loss. Her movements were careful—she'd clearly looked it up beforehand.
Alex stood nearby, watching quietly. The light hit her profile, showing a softness from deep inside, mixed with real toughness.
Grace looked a lot like her... but lacked that quiet, steady vibe Emily had.
The usual coldness in his eyes faded bit by bit, replaced by complicated feelings and a sourness he wouldn't admit.
Suddenly, he spoke again: "Grandma likes those flowers?"
Emily didn't stop, just hummed softly: "She doesn't like things too quiet. The old house garden has lots of flowers too. These calm the mind."
Alex was quiet for a moment: "Those supplements at the old house—you bought them?"
Emily didn't hide it and admitted openly: "Yeah, a few days ago, I was buying milk powder for Eleanor and passed a supplement store. Saw Grandma's favorite brand, so I picked some. Ran into Susan and gave them to her to take back."
Her tone was casual, like it was no big deal.
Alex didn't push. His eyes went back to Grandma, holding her cool hand. Emotions churned in his gaze, but he didn't bring up Grace again.
But Emily sensed something off.
She was sharp like that, especially after three years with Alex—she knew his moods inside out.
That brief silence earlier, that faint look of scrutiny—she caught it all.
Emily sneered coldly.