Chapter 101 Things That Cannot Be Changed
She glanced at the comatose grandma and lowered her voice. "If Mr. Baker suspects me, just say it straight. No need to beat around the bush. Tell me, what did Grace say this time? Did she tell you the supplements I sent harmed grandma?"
Anyway, because of Grace, he had misunderstood her plenty of times.
Alex said in a deep voice, "It's not like that."
"Not what? You believe whatever Grace says."
"Grandma's meals are all handled by Susan, and everything she eats gets checked by a nutritionist. Plus, grandma has chronic conditions, so food rules are strict. One word from Grace, and you think I can pull off something that big, fooling everyone?"
Her eyes turned even colder. "Even if I'm the worst person, I wouldn't hurt the grandma who loves me!"
Her words cut sharp, and the cold look in her eyes made Alex's chest tighten.
He stared at the chill in her eyes and didn't know what to say.
The misunderstanding from three years ago was like a huge gap. He had hurt her badly.
Now she wouldn't even let him explain.
Alex swallowed hard and said urgently, "I didn't suspect you. I was just asking. I could check it myself if I wanted!"
He wanted to say more, but a sharp stomach pain hit him hard, and he groaned.
"Urgh..."
Emily noticed first.
She asked, "What's wrong? Your old stomach problem again?"
Alex had damaged his stomach from business drinks years ago.
Over the years, it flared up now and then. Before, she had taken good care of it.
For three years straight, she had helped him nurse it back, and it was improving. But now it was bad again.
The pain hit suddenly. Veins bulged on his forehead.
In seconds, he was covered in cold sweat.
Alex gritted his teeth. "I'm fine."
Emily saw how he looked, and her heart softened, but she got mad at his toughness.
She turned and grabbed the cup of warm water she'd just poured. "Drink some to settle it."
Alex endured the pain and teased, "Sharing a cup with me?"
Emily felt shy and annoyed. "Drink it or not! Grandma's out cold anyway. No one's watching you."
She pulled her hand back to take the cup.
But Alex grabbed her wrist.
His palm felt cool.
"I'll drink. Why not."
It was rare for her to care. The warm water went down his throat and eased the pain a bit.
Emily turned her face away, avoiding the smile in his eyes. "If it hurts worse, go see a doctor. Don't bother me and grandma here."
He's got issues!
She shouldn't have helped.
Alex said, "No need. It'll pass."
Emily didn't reply. She lowered her eyes, lost in thought.
Suddenly, he gripped her slim wrist. His low, husky voice sounded tempting. "Help me out, huh?"
Emily's heart skipped a beat. She tried to pull her hand free.
But he held on tight!
She laughed in anger. "Alex, are you nuts? Why should I massage you?"
A smile curved his eyes. "Because you know my body best."
The words came out super flirty.
In the closed ward under the warm lights, Emily's cheeks burned.
"You!"
"Be good. Just rub it." His sharp features had softened, and his deep eyes reflected her face.
Emily went quiet. "Fine, for grandma. Get better soon so she won't worry."
Margaret was in a vegetative state now, but she could probably still hear.
Emily didn't want grandma worrying about Alex. She moved her wrist. "Let go?"
He raised a brow and loosened his fingers.
He leaned back in the chair, arms spread lazily.
Emily walked over with a cold face. She put her hand on his stomach and massaged gently but firmly. Under her fingers, she felt his lean muscles.
Alex always looked slim in clothes but had muscle underneath—a tight, toned build.
She... had always liked his body.
Emily awkwardly turned her face away.
Suddenly, Alex chuckled low. The vibration from his chest reached her fingers. "Feels good, huh?"
Her cheeks went red, but she said stubbornly, "Average."
"Oh? Average? Go on, feel more."
His strong, handsome face was half in shadow, full of a dangerous, sexy pull.
Their eyes met, and heat built up.
Buzz!
Her phone vibrated, breaking the quiet in the room.
Her heart jumped. She let go quick. "Sorry, I need to take this outside."
Emily hit answer and stepped out. "What, Dad?"
Andrew's anxious voice came through. "Emmie! Eleanor's got a fever—39.5 degrees! Her little face is all red. Your mom and I are taking her to the hospital. You... come quick!"
Emily's face went white. "Eleanor's feverish?!"
Her voice shot up. She panicked completely.
The world spun around her.
Right then, big hands steadied her waist.
Emily ignored it. "I'm coming now! Head straight to the hospital. I'm at the VIP ward. I'll get her registered!"
She hung up, grabbed her bag, and rushed out.
"Wait!" Alex caught her arm.
But Emily couldn't wait.
She shook him off. "Don't hold me back! Eleanor's burning up. I have to go now!"
Alex kept his grip on her wrist. "Panicking like this will just delay her care! Calm down. I'll help."
Emily froze. "Wh-what?"
Alex didn't explain. He dialed fast. "Set up a pediatric ER fast-track now. Get a full pediatric team to the entrance in ten minutes."
"Yes, Mr. Baker!"
He hung up and looked at the stunned Emily.
"The hospital's crowded. Lines take forever. I got a fast track for... your daughter. The team's on standby. No need to rush."
Emily's panic eased a little.
She looked at Alex. "Thanks."
It was sincere.
Alex saw her red-rimmed eyes and felt his heart soften.
He wanted to say more, but she was already gone.
Alex watched her vanish down the hall and didn't move for a long time.
Meanwhile.
Emily ran over.
She reached the hospital entrance and saw Andrew holding the child.
Eleanor was wrapped in a blanket, her little face bright red.
"Emmie!" Andrew spotted her and hurried over. "Eleanor, she..."