Chapter 122 She Became Suspicious
Grace couldn't think of anything else. She grabbed her coat in a rush. "No matter what, keep them steady! I'm on my way! Before I get there, don't let the old lady talk to Alex or Emily."
She had to hold things together before the old lady woke up.
And she absolutely couldn't let Emily use the old lady to get tangled up with Alex again!
Soon.
Alex and the others just reached outside the ICU.
Right away, they saw several experts with serious faces leading nurses inside. The heavy isolation door slowly closed.
The red light lit up, shutting everyone out.
Seeing the expert ready to report, Alex stepped forward. "Doctor, how's my grandma?"
"Mr. Baker, the old lady woke up briefly all of a sudden. Her vitals are fluctuating. We need to do a full check right now. We'll know more after the results. Don't worry. We'll have news soon."
Beside them, Emily's heart sank. The joy from before turned into worry.
She held Eleanor. "Eleanor, don't be scared. Great-grandma's just sleeping. She'll be okay soon."
Eleanor lay on her shoulder, her big round eyes fixed on the closed ICU door. "Great-grandma..."
The child's soft voice echoed in the corridor, tugging at everyone's heart.
Emily's tears nearly fell again.
Just then, a warm, strong arm wrapped gently around her shoulder, pulling her and Eleanor into his embrace.
Alex rested his chin lightly on top of her head. "Don't worry. Grandma will be fine."
Emily's heart pounded hard out of control. The sudden gentleness threw her mind into chaos.
She held her breath on instinct and quietly pushed him away. "Mr. Baker, you should ask more about her condition. If there's any chance of recovery, then Grandma's got heaven on her side."
Emily lowered her eyes, her tone flat.
Alex's hand froze in mid-air, but he didn't push it. He just quietly pulled it back and stood beside them.
Both of them stared hard at the ICU door. The air in the corridor stayed heavy.
Eleanor didn't get the tension between the adults. She just hugged Emily's neck tight. "Mommy, will great-grandma be in pain... Eleanor is so scared."
"Don't be scared. Mommy's here." Emily quickly got herself together and patted her daughter's back gently. "Great-grandma's just sick. She'll wake up for sure."
Alex watched the mother and daughter. His chest felt unexpectedly soft.
High heels clicked quickly from the end of the corridor, getting closer.
Grace hiked up her skirt hem and hurried over, her face full of worry. "Alex, how's Grandma?!"
Her eyes were red. "I heard she woke up. I got so worried, I rushed right over. What did the doctors say?"
As she finished, her gaze swept over Emily. A flash of malice crossed her eyes, then she forced a pale smile. "Miss Johnson and little Eleanor are here too. That's really thoughtful."
Emily looked up at her. "Miss Miller, you get news fast. You knew about Grandma waking up already. Did the caregiver call you too?"
This...
Grace's smile froze. Her heart skipped a beat.
Damn, she rushed over too fast and forgot her excuse!
Alex narrowed his eyes. "How did you know Grandma woke up?"
Grace forced her smile. "I... I'm close with a nurse here. We were college classmates. I've been looking after Grandma a lot, running between the hospital and home. I ran into her by chance. How's Grandma now? It'd be great if she can recover! A couple days ago, I was talking with my mom about praying for her again. Looks like the last ones worked. I..."
Alex frowned, his tone even cooler. "Watch how you talk. You haven't married into the Baker family yet. Calling her that could stir up talk. They're still checking. You don't need to wait. Go home first."
One sentence shut Grace out completely.
She felt angry and panicked inside but didn't dare snap. She bit her lip, looking hurt. "I'm worried about Grandma too. We're all family juniors... Alex, don't make me leave, okay? I'll just wait here. That way I know the news right away if it comes."
Alex's eyes went back to the ICU. "Do what you want."
Seeing him ignore her, Grace bit her lip until it nearly bled.
He hates her that much?
Grace turned to the side with a fake smile. "Miss Johnson sure times it right. Alex and my engagement was just today, and now you're here at the hospital too. You two... came together, huh?"
Emily narrowed her eyes and gave a half-smile. "Yeah."
Grace froze.
She just admitted it?
Emily held Eleanor and walked slowly to the side to sit down. "Mr. Baker insisted on coming to our house for dinner. What could I do? Next time Miss Miller can join too. The Johnson family has enough food for you."
Grace ground her back teeth so hard they nearly cracked.
That bitch, clearly showing off!
She was about to say more when the corridor's red light went off. The heavy door pushed open.
Several attending doctors took off their masks.
The lead old professor let out a breath. "Mr. Baker, the old lady's out of danger. Vitals are stabilizing. But... the stroke caused hemiplegia. Her right-side limbs are limited. She can't move around freely yet."
Alex's heart tightened. "Can we go in to see her?"
"Yes, but keep the numbers down. Stay quiet in the room. Don't upset the patient." The doctor warned twice, glancing especially at the child in Emily's arms.
Emily stood up. "I won't let the kid disturb Grandma. And Grandma wants to see her."
The doctors nodded.
Some special protective suits were handed out. Emily put hers on, then helped Eleanor with hers.
Alex reached out. "Let me hold her."
Emily paused but didn't refuse.
Inside.
The old lady on the bed looked thin and frail, nothing like her old spirited self.
Emily's eyes welled up. "Grandma..."
Grace saw it and quickly shoved to the front. She grabbed Margaret's hand right away. "Grandma, get better soon. Alex is worried sick. Miss Johnson, don't come closer with the kid."
She made sure to block Emily.
Alex frowned a bit and was about to speak, but Emily shook her head. "Didn't the doctor say Grandma might wake up? Let's wait."
The room was dead silent, with a slight sharp smell.
The old lady on the bed had a pale face.
Suddenly.
Her eyelids fluttered. The next second, she opened her eyes.
"Grandma!"
Alex rushed forward and gripped Margaret's hand.
But Emily froze, staring.
Maybe he moved too fast, but Alex's hand landed right on top of Grace's.