Chapter 137
Grace's POV
"Real partnerships require genuine care to truly show their worth," Ethan said, his voice carrying decades of wisdom.
Daisy, who had been quietly observing, wiped away tears. Seeing the authentic love between Alex and me seemed to move her deeply.
After the call ended, Eleanor and Daisy exchanged meaningful glances.
"We should let you two have some time alone," Eleanor said gently. "Grace, if you need anything, call Lucas directly or reach out to us immediately."
Alex caught his mother's eye, a silent look of gratitude passing between them. I could see how much their understanding and support meant to him.
"Taking care of Alex makes me feel truly happy—I don't find it burdensome at all," I said, meaning every word.
Once we were alone, Alex tried to sit up, and I immediately moved to help him. His hand caught mine as I started to rise.
"Where are you going?" There was something almost vulnerable in his voice.
"I need to prepare your nutritional meal, and then you have to take your medications on schedule."
A flicker of unease crossed his features. But then I saw him mentally shake it off. He's not the same man who used to isolate himself, I thought. He's left that cold, lonely past behind.
"Can't the meal wait a few more minutes?" he asked, clearly wanting to extend our time together.
I smiled, settling back beside him. "The medications can't wait, though. Doctor's orders."
When I brought the pills, Alex made a face at the bitter ones. "These taste awful."
"They'll help you heal faster." I picked up the two most bitter tablets. "Here, let me help."
I placed them on my tongue, then leaned down to kiss him, transferring the medication. What started as practical quickly became intimate as Alex deepened the kiss, his hand tangling in my hair.
"Alex," I whispered against his lips when we finally broke apart.
He rested his forehead against mine, eyes closed. "I had a dream while I was unconscious," he said softly. "I dreamed someone was praying for me."
My cheeks flushed. I had prayed—desperately, offering anything for his recovery.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, turning away, but my burning face betrayed me.
"Thank you, darling. If you hadn't been by my side, without your prayers, I might not have woken up so quickly." His voice trailed off.
When I looked back at Alex, he had already closed his eyes, his breathing evening out as exhaustion claimed him once again.
I adjusted his blankets and settled into the chair beside his bed, watching him sleep.
---
Elizabeth's POV
I stared at my encrypted phone, confusion and rage building inside me like a storm. This wasn't how things were supposed to go.
"I don't understand how he managed to wake up so smoothly," I said into the device, my voice tight with frustration.
The voice on the other end was cold, professional. "The timeline was too rushed. We didn't have time to implement our plan."
My blood ran cold. "You mean... Alex's accident was just that? An actual accident?"
"Precisely. We had no involvement in the mountain collapse."
I felt the ground shift beneath me. All this time, I'd been celebrating what I thought was our success, only to discover it was pure chance. The irony was bitter.
"Is this how you handle things?"
"I don't appreciate you questioning my methods," the voice said impatiently, then hung up.
I stared at the phone, fury exploding inside me like a dam bursting. In a fit of rage, I swept several expensive crystal figurines off my side table, watching them shatter against the marble floor. The sound was satisfying, but it did nothing to ease my anger.
My phone buzzed with a new message: Alex's accidental incident caught us off-guard. Morgan family deployed professional security immediately—impenetrable. We'll look for better opportunities.
I read the words twice, my mood darkening further. I had expected this organization to handle Alex effortlessly. I never imagined an accident would actually save him.
The door burst open without warning. Andrew strode in, and I shot him a sharp look of disapproval.
"I knocked for several minutes with no response," he said, his eyes taking in the broken crystal and the encrypted device still in my hand.
I should have been more careful. Andrew was observant—too observant sometimes.
"Sophia has returned to the country," Andrew announced, and I felt my world tilt again.
"When?" The word came out sharper than I intended.
"Sophia secretly returned to Starport last night." He paused. "Due to Sophia's return, Charles didn't tamper with the projects as you requested."
I slammed my fist on the table, the impact sending shockwaves up my arm. "Sophia, Charles. The Wilson family is proving more unreliable than I anticipated. I underestimated their loyalty to Grace."
"What's our next move?" Andrew asked, and I could hear the uncertainty in his voice.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to think strategically. Panic was a luxury I couldn't afford.
"I'm leaving Starport for a few days to meet with someone. You return to the company and continue working—monitor Grace's every movement from the shadows."
As I began mentally planning my departure, I couldn't shake the feeling that events were spiraling beyond my control. Alex's recovery, Sophia's return, Grace's growing influence—everything was shifting against me like pieces on a chess board I no longer commanded.