Chapter 2473

“I really don’t need to go to the hospital,” Tia protested when she heard the mention of the hospital.

She believed her injury was just a minor one.

“If you don’t want to go to the hospital, rest up,” Stanley said, his voice firmer than usual.

Tia hesitated, swallowed, and after a moment, she said,” Alright, I get it.”

She thought she could agree now and do whatever she wanted tomorrow when nobody was around to look.

Stanley gave her a knowing look, but opted not to confront her about it. “Alright. Rest up for now.”

“I…” Tia began to rise, but stopped short when Stanley interrupted her.

“I’ll check on Mrs. Wallace. If she needs help, I’ll provide it for her,” he stated.

“Thanks,” Tia said gratefully.

Stanley shot a brief glance at Tia, hesitated for a moment, then silently walked away.

Now alone in the room, Tia was finally at ease. With Stanley around, she had been feeling an unusual tension. She found it surprising that Stanley had made it a point to check on her over such a minor injury. Not only had he inquired about the injury; he had personally applied the ointment on her leg, told her to rest, and even arranged for someone to cover her duties. A peculiar, inexplicable emotion welled up within her at once, its source unknown and elusive. Absentmindedly, she stared at the spot where Stanley had applied the ointment, lost in thought.

Concurrently, Stanley was making his way back to the main hall. Reaching the top of the stairs, he noticed Nicole standing in the hallway with a glint of amusement in her eyes.

A hint of unease came over him, prompting him to ask,” Aren’t you in bed yet?”

“You’re still awake too? It’s pretty late.” Nicole playfully glanced outside.

Then, she teased, “Were you out for a stroll?”

Upon catching the hint of mischief in her tone, Stanley realized Nicole might have witnessed his interaction with Tia.

This prompted him to shoot her a look of annoyance. “If you’ve seen it all, why the questions?”

“I’m just curious about your feelings for Tia,” Nicole said, her gaze becoming more serious. ‘Sometimes they seem so close, and at other times, so distant.’

After pausing for a brief moment, Stanley replied, “I don’t have… particular feelings for her.”

Hearing the response, Nicole raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

She thought, ‘If he doesn’t care, why all the attention?’

“It’s late. You should get some rest,” Stanley said, feeling a bit uneasy.

Then, he headed back into his room.

Raising her brow, Nicole mused aloud, “Do smart folks have a distinct way of thinking?”

“Why aren’t you in bed?” Jared’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

And when she turned, she saw him emerging from his room, approaching her.