Chapter 35 Undercurrents
Alex turned his head and looked at Emily's trembling, frightened appearance. He felt an inexplicable pang of sympathy.
He then softened his tone, "What am I doing? I should be asking you - what exactly is your relationship with Matthew?"
Emily was afraid he might lose it again, so she had no choice but to answer, "My dad was released today, and he happened to be passing by the hospital to pick me up."
Suddenly, Alex keenly caught the key point, "What were you doing at the hospital?"
Emily froze, not expecting him to ask that.
She instinctively wanted to hide the pregnancy, and in her panic blurted out. "No... nothing, just... irregular periods, came to get it checked."
As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt embarrassed herself, her cheeks instantly flushing red.
Whatever, as long as she could keep it hidden!
Emily steadily raised her eyes, staring at Alex.
He coughed uncomfortably, "Since you're not feeling well, just stay put and don't run around everywhere. If you feel unwell again in the future, I can take you to the hospital. If not that, there are so many servants at home..."
When he finished, no one responded. He turned his head only to discover Emily hadn't been listening at all.
She was looking out the window with her face turned away, lost in thought.
Alex caught sight of her distracted look, and the irritation he'd just suppressed flared up again.
Afraid of scaring Emily again and mindful that she wasn't feeling well, Alex ultimately said nothing more.
He started the car and drove toward the Johnson family home.
The car fell silent once more.
Emily sat with her eyes slightly lowered, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing her purse.
Inside was her prenatal checkup report.
Half an hour later.
The car stopped in front of the Johnson family home.
As soon as they saw their daughter and son-in-law return, both parents' faces lit up with joy.
"Sweetheart!" Lillian hurried forward, grabbed Emily's hand and looked her up and down, "You've lost so much weight, why is your face so pale? You definitely haven't been eating properly lately."
Listening to her mother's nagging, Emily felt warmth flow through her heart. "Mom, I'm fine."
Then she turned to look at her father, her eyes couldn't help but redden, "Dad!"
Andrew patted his daughter's shoulder, his broad palm warm, while his gaze fell on Alex beside them. He said with satisfaction. "Alex, you've worked hard."
Alex reached out to put his arm around Emily's waist. "Dad, family doesn't need to be so formal."
Seeing the couple's good relationship, Andrew was even more pleased. "Good, good, we're family! Come, let's sit down, all your favorite dishes are here."
Alex smiled, but the arm around Emily's waist tightened slightly.
Emily impatiently tried to push him away, but he held her down secretly.
His thin lips slowly moved closer, and he said in a low voice. "If you keep struggling, your parents will see. If you want to worry them, go ahead and make a scene."
Emily sneered, "Yeah, who's as shameless as you."
After the sarcastic remark, she could only let him hold her.
She was too lazy to expose Alex's deliberate act of affection.
After all, her parents were getting old, and she didn't want them to worry.
As soon as they sat down, Alex brought her a glass of champagne.
Emily's eyes curved cunningly, "I want juice. Go pour it for me."
Alex glanced over in surprise.
This woman actually dared to order him around?
Seeing the elders' gazes turn this way, Alex suddenly smiled. "Okay, I'll pour it for you."
With that, he got up to get it, showing no reluctance on his face, instead maintaining a doting smile throughout.
Andrew and Lillian exchanged glances, even more satisfied with their son-in-law.
As long as he treated their daughter well, that was better than anything.
But Emily knew in her heart how heartless he was beneath that face.
Just as the family was about to toast, the doorbell suddenly rang.
After the servant opened the door, Matthew walked in carrying exquisite gifts.
Lillian got up and went forward. "Matthew? Why did you come too, it's not that big a deal."
Matthew wore a warm smile on his face. "Andrew's name being cleared is a good thing, I came to see you both."
His tone was natural and familiar, as if he were family.
During this, Alex smiled knowingly.
The moment Matthew came over, his gaze swept over Alex's hand on Emily's waist, a flash of darkness passing through his eyes.
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Moore is quite well-informed."
"Our two families have always been close." Matthew entered and gave the gifts to the servant, "A small token, I hope Andrew stays healthy and everything goes well from now on."
Andrew laughed heartily. "Matthew is so thoughtful, come in and sit."
"Okay, thank you Andrew."
Alex and Matthew sat facing each other, seemingly peaceful on the surface, but actually full of undercurrents.
Andrew was in high spirits, raising his champagne. "Today is a good day, our whole family gathered together, come!"
"Dad, you've worked hard." Alex immediately raised his glass, his low voice clear and sharp.
Andrew smiled from ear to ear, clinked glasses with him, and drank it all. "Good, good son-in-law!"
Emily was speechless.
Alex specifically called him "Dad" - putting on an act again.
In three years of marriage, she could count on one hand the number of times he'd called her father that.
But she couldn't say anything, she could only raise her glass and stand up, "Dad, this toast is for you."
Emily completely failed to notice Matthew's hand tightening around his glass, though his face still wore a gentle smile. "Andrew, congratulations, I'd like to toast you too."
Alex glanced at him, the corner of his mouth curving into a mocking arc, saying nothing more.
Looking at her daughter who had lost so much weight, Lillian felt heartbroken. "Emmie, eat more, look how thin you've gotten, you must get more nutrition normally."
"Mom, I know." Emily smiled gently.
Matthew interjected at the right moment, his tone concerned. "Auntie Lillian , I know a nutritionist who used to specialize in conditioning celebrities' bodies, very experienced. I'll have him come over to help Emmie with her health."
Emily paused, "That's not necessary, Matthew."
Alex cut into his steak with his knife and fork, saying unhurriedly. "Mr. Moore doesn't need to worry about my wife. The Baker family doesn't lack nutritionists."
Matthew's expression remained calm, a fleeting sharpness in his eyes. "I see, but having more options is always good."
Alex's thin lips curved slightly, looking up at him. "Mr. Moore should save that for his future wife. I'll arrange everything for my wife."
Between the two men, an invisible, turbulent wave surged.
Andrew and Lillian were completely oblivious.
Emily just found Alex's childish behavior sick, and hypocritical too.
Soon, the conversation turned to business.
Andrew brought up the company's future plans and the current business climate.
Matthew offered his insights at appropriate moments, his words gentle yet incisive, not to be underestimated.
Alex, however, could always hit the nail on the head, his sharp edge restrained.
Emily found it boring and felt this meal was pointless - she was even getting sleepy.
Just then, Alex's phone rang.
The moment he answered, his expression visibly darkened, and he suddenly stood up. "Don't worry, I'll come right over."
After hanging up, Alex looked at Andrew and Lillian, "Mom, Dad, something's come up, I might need to leave first."
"Ah, okay, you go take care of it." Andrew quickly replied.
As he grabbed his coat to leave, Alex glanced at Emily, who was eating without looking up.
Her expression was exceptionally calm, so calm it gave Alex an indescribable sense of panic.
But he still didn't stop.
"Emmie, nothing's wrong with Alex's company, is there?" Andrew asked worriedly.