Chapter 99 A Rare Tranquility
Alex felt a chilling cold all over. "What did you say?"
He questioned her almost word by word.
Grace felt her back tense up under his stare, her heart skipping a beat. "Alex, I... I didn't mean it that way. I just saw how much you're sticking up for her."
A flash of icy cold crossed Alex's eyes. He suddenly looked toward the table nearby.
Yoga mat, half-eaten fruit plate... He scanned it all bit by bit.
Finally, his gaze landed on the bright bouquet by the bed.
It stung the eyes.
The mood in the room grew heavy.
Alex didn't look at her, not even sparing a glance.
He walked straight to the bed and gently adjusted the old lady's position, making sure her arms and legs were relaxed and not pressing on any veins.
But when his fingertips touched her slightly cool skin, he called out, "Nurse."
The nurse on duty pushed the door open right away. "Mr. Baker, what do you need?"
"Check her temperature again, get some warm water, and bring the care log."
"Okay, okay." The nurse hurried off to do it.
Grace's heart sank. She could tell Alex was mad.
She rushed up and reached out to grab his hand. "Alex, I... I only used the tablet for two minutes to practice yoga, really just two. Grandma's been stable, so I only stepped away a bit because she seemed okay. I won't do it again. I'll stay right by her side every second, I..."
"No need."
Her fingers hadn't even touched his suit cuff when he stepped aside.
Grace's hand froze in the air, her eyes turning red fast. "Alex, I know I messed up. Don't be mad, okay?"
Alex kept his focus on the old lady, his face hard and cold from the side. "Go back first. You're tired."
Boom!
Grace stood there, totally lost.
Go... back?
Her nails dug hard into her palms. It was all because of Emily. Without that woman, she could still hang out here enjoying the money.
But full of hate inside, she didn't dare show a bit.
Grace forced a smile. "Alex, Grandma can't be left alone, I..."
"I'll get professional caregivers on 24/7 watch."
One sentence wiped out all her "caring" efforts.
Her nails dug so hard it hurt, but she still forced a sweet, obedient smile on her face.
After a quiet moment, she stepped forward. "No way. I promised I'd take good care of Grandma. I'm not tired. I can do it."
Alex's voice got sharper. "Thanks for today, but I said no need!"
His tone was flat, no room to argue.
Grace didn't dare push it.
"Okay, since you say so, I'll head back first. If Grandma needs help, just call me." Grace looked at the old lady with eyes full of warmth and reluctance.
Alex's brows furrowed a little, but he didn't say more.
Then Grace slowly packed her bag from the sofa.
The room was dead quiet, just the occasional zipper sound.
Suddenly.
Grace glanced over like it was nothing, then said softly, "Alex, actually... I've been a little worried."
Alex sat by the bed, watching the nurse check Grandma's temperature.
He flipped through the log, his thumb rubbing the pages. "Worried about what?"
Grace looked up, her eyes showing just the right mix of confusion and worry. "Grandma's always been so healthy. How did she suddenly get so worked up that it hit her heart like this? She was fine before... I just feel like it's not just from getting upset."
Alex's eyes flickered for a second. He finally looked at her. "What are you getting at?"
"I'm just... overthinking it." Grace quickly looked down, acting like she shouldn't say more. "Maybe something was off with her recent food? Or she ate or touched something wrong? The meals at the old house are all handled by Susan, never a mistake, but lately..."
She stopped halfway on purpose.
Alex narrowed his eyes, his stern face darkening for a moment.
She had a point.
Grandma wouldn't just snap like that!
He'd had his doubts already. Now that Grace brought it up, it was worth checking out.
"I'll have someone look into it. Get home safe."
His tone was milder than usual.
Grace grabbed her bag, wiped the corner of her eye, and said obediently. "Okay, I'll go now. Alex, don't work too hard. Call me if anything comes up."
Alex just hummed, his gaze deep, lost in thought.
A flash of smugness crossed Grace's eyes. She turned and left.
The door shut, and all her softness vanished. Her lips curled into a cold sneer.
Heh, think that's the end?
As long as the old lady's alive, she's the roadblock to Grace becoming Mrs. Baker.
And... Emily thinks kicking her out means the old woman gets good care?
Even if she's leaving, she'll stick a thorn in Alex's heart that he can't pull out!
...
Right now.
In the hospital room.
Alex stared at Grandma's pale, worn-out face, his thin lips pressed tight.
The next second, he dialed the old house.
"Hello, Mr. Baker?" Susan picked up quick.
Alex's brows pressed down, his voice low, "Who handled Grandma's meals lately?"
"I supervised every one personally, stuck to the usual menu, no mistakes at all." Susan answered fast.
Then, like she remembered something, she added quick: "Oh, and... Miss Johnson brought some supplements for the old lady a few days ago. Said they were for her health. They're still unopened in the cabinet. The old lady was supposed to start them soon, but..."
The hospital trip was too sudden, they didn't get to open them.
Alex lowered his eyes, hiding the cold flash, "Got it. Thanks for keeping things running at the old house. Grandma's doing fine here. Don't worry."
He hung up.
Susan had served Grandma for years; he had to give her that respect.
Alex stood by the bed, silent for a long time.
Grace's words stuck in his mind like a thin thorn.
But he knew Emily wouldn't do something like that.
Still...
Alex rubbed his brow in exhaustion, his thoughts all jumbled.
Soon.
10 p.m. at night.
The hospital hallway was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Emily couldn't stop worrying, so she drove back anyway.
The night wind brushed her cheek, and she hissed in pain. "Hiss..."