Chapter 287 I Have Something to Tell You
Julian Jennings took off his hospital gown.
The doctor unwrapped the bandages.
Rachel Royce stood to the side, watching. Her heart seemed to stop when a large, shockingly grotesque patch of bruises on his back came into view.
The doctor began to treat the bruising.
Although Julian Jennings didn’t make a sound, his clenched jaw and the cold sweat beading on his forehead were enough to show the agony he was enduring.
Once the doctor had applied the medicine and rewrapped the bandages, Rachel Royce helped him put his gown back on.
After giving a few instructions, the doctor left the hospital room.
He opened the door and went out.
Only to see the tall man standing in the doorway.
The doctor froze for a moment.
Tristan Sterling stepped aside to let him pass.
With her back to the door, Rachel Royce hadn’t noticed the man who had appeared. She carefully helped Julian Jennings lie back down, reminding him, “Slowly.”
Once Julian lay down, he closed his eyes, his body limp as he let out a deep sigh.
Rachel Royce took a tissue and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
A knock sounded at the door.
Rachel Royce turned her head and saw the man standing at the door. Startled, she asked, “Why are you here?”
Julian Jennings slowly opened his eyes, his expression weary and pained.
Tristan Sterling strode forward. “Here to see President Jennings.” He stopped before the hospital bed. “It seems your injuries are quite serious this time, President Jennings. You should focus on getting plenty of rest.”
Julian Jennings looked at the man and said coolly, “Thank you for your concern, President Sterling.”
“I should be the one thanking you, President Jennings. If not for you, I truly don’t know what I would have done.” As he spoke, his gaze landed on Rachel Royce.
Rachel Royce’s eyes narrowed as she stared at him.
Tristan Sterling added, “If there’s anything you require, President Jennings, you need only ask. I will see to it that it’s provided.”
“You seem quite devoted to Rachel now, President Sterling. However, Rachel is an employee at my company. Saving her was my responsibility. I don’t need any thanks from you.”
“President Jennings is indeed a responsible boss. However, I’d still like to have a talk with you.”
Julian Jennings refused him outright. “There’s nothing to talk about. Thank you for visiting today, President Sterling. I’m not feeling well and don’t have the energy to entertain guests. Please leave.”
Tristan Sterling didn’t insist. “In that case, I won’t disturb you further, President Jennings.”
As he spoke, he looked up at Rachel Royce. “Come outside for a moment. I need to talk to you.”
Tristan Sterling turned and left the hospital room.
Rachel Royce looked at Julian Jennings and said, “I’ll just step outside for a moment.”
Julian Jennings hummed in acknowledgment.
In the hallway outside the room, Rachel Royce looked at Tristan Sterling and asked, “What did you want to talk about?”
Tristan Sterling turned to face her. “Are you planning to stay here at the hospital and take care of him?”
Rachel Royce said, “The professor was injured saving me. Taking care of him is the least I can do.”
Tristan Sterling said, “He may have saved you, and visiting is the proper thing to do. But there should be boundaries between men and women. Furthermore, you are a married woman. Rachel Royce, shouldn’t you consider your position?”
His voice was calm and level, yet it carried an unmistakable note of warning.
Rachel Royce met his deep, dark eyes. “The professor saved my life. I owe him a debt of gratitude. This has nothing to do with you. Not everything can be measured in money or favors. Taking care of him is my responsibility.”
Tristan Sterling’s gaze darkened. He suddenly strode toward her, forcing her to back away. Startled, Rachel Royce instinctively retreated, looking up at him warily. “You…”
Tristan Sterling closed the distance between them and stopped. His eyes narrowed, and the pressure in the air around him seemed to drop. “Julian Jennings did you a favor, Rachel Royce. But that doesn’t mean I will permit my wife to give another man bedside care.”