Emmeline scanned the room and noticed a chair next to the window.
âIâll sit over there,â she said to Adrien.
Adrien picked up his chair and placed it next to hers. They sat next to the window side by side.
After the nurse parked Alanaâs wheelchair in the room, Oscar said, âThe medical personnel can leave.
Iâll call you if I need anything.â
Quentin replied, âYes, Mr. Ryker!â
After Quentin and the nurses left, Abel closed the room door and placed his chair next to it.
Alana said softly, âAbel, Iâm feeling a little dizzy. Can you sit next to me? Iâm afraid I might fall.â.
Abel was speechless. This woman is so much trouble!
âAbel? Alana saved your life. Did you promise youâd do whatever she wants?â
âAhem!â Abel put his fist into his mouth and coughed twice before moving his chair next to Alana.
Alana smiled and gently placed her slender fingers on his thigh.
Emmeline rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. If I have to see this, I shouldâve kept my shades on! Argh, the wind from outside is very strong.
Emmeline turned her chair toward the window.
âEmma, Grandfather tended to his garden well. Iâll accompany you for a walk after the meeting,â Adrien said eagerly.
âOkay!â Emmeline pointed at a patch of tulips at the other end of the garden. âLook at those flowers.
Theyâre beautiful!â
âIâll pick one for you.â Adrien was surprised that Emmeline was friendly toward him. âNo, Iâll pick for you however many you want!â
âAnd those purple roses too!â Emmeline smiled. âTheyâre gorgeous!â
âIâll pick them all for you!â Adrien was all smiles. âIâll pick the moon and stars from the sky if you tell me to!â
Emmeline waved her hand. âNah, Iâm fine. I have those at home.â
The two people chatted happily as though they had forgotten the purpose they were gathering.
âAhem!â Oscar coughed deliberately.
Adrien came to his senses and realized Oscar had been waiting for them.
âNow that everyone is gathered, weâll start the meeting,â Oscar declared.
Emmeline and Adrien sat upright in their chairs.
Throughout the entire exchange, Abelâs gaze never left the window.
To be exact, his gaze never left the two people sitting in front of the window.
Look at how those two flirt with each other!
The audacity!
Abel was as furious as he could get without losing it.
âAs everyone knows, there was an accident during the party,â Oscar said. âUntil now, Adam hasnât found out how those assassins infiltrated the venue. Adam will bear all responsibility and will continue to search for an answer.â
âYes, Grandfather,â Adam replied.
Thereâs nothing to search for. Iâm the one who let them in! He thought.
Alana smiled at Adam as an expression of gratitude.
Oscar continued, âAn accident happened within the accident. Alana risked her life and took two bullets for Abel, and she nearly died. She managed to survive the ordeal, but the baby in her womb is gone.
Sigh, to think I wouldâve had five great- grandchildren in just another few months!â
Alana fell on Abelâs shoulder and began to sob. âItâs all my fault. I shouldâve protected the baby. I deserve to dieâ¦â
Abel did not move. His face was extremely sullen.
He could not declare to everyone that Cristopher had violated Alana. He would have to bear the burden of the secret for now.
Moreover, he thought that Alana did not know about it. If Alana became agitated and her lung collapsed, she might not recover from it.
Abel rummaged through his pocket to look for a cigarette, but he could not smoke in front of his grandfather.
He raised his head toward the ceiling and closed his eyes.
To Emmeline, she thought that Abel was feeling sorry for Alana.
Didnât he say the child isnât his?
Didnât he say he never touched Alana?
Didnât he tell her to wait patiently for nine months, when the truth would reveal itself? Why is he acting like this now?