Chapter 548
“I’m really all right.” He exhaled, slowly accepting that the sympathy-garnering trick couldn’t be used repeatedly. “It’s already late. No need to disturb anyone.”
“Doesn’t the wound still hurt?” Christina asked, genuine concern in her tone.
Dylan shook his head. “It’s not painful now.”
“Then why haven’t you let go?” Christina noted, glancing down at his hand around her wrist.
Dylan released her immediately—though clearly reluctant to do so.
“You should get some sleep. If anything happens, I’ll reach out to the doctor,” Christina said softly.
“All right.” Dylan lay back without resistance. Yet having Christina nearby made it impossible for him to drift off.
Christina waited quietly, assuming Dylan had fallen asleep, then subtly adjusted herself beneath the blanket.
Dylan feigned slumber until the soft rhythm of her breaths told him she was truly at rest. This time, he didn’t dare sit close to her bed. He simply turned in silence, staring at her back.
A gentle curve formed on Dylan’s lips, his usually icy gaze now softened with affection. Watching her from a short distance was enough for now. One day, that gap would vanish.
Seven days later, at Bayview Estates, Chloe raced into the living room, brandishing her tablet. “Christina, Eloise—something’s happening! You’ve got to check this out!”
A few days earlier, Eloise had been sent to live with Christina. She hadn’t expected Christina to reside in a mansion owned by the Scott family, let alone share the space with Chloe.
Initially, Eloise had felt unsure about bonding with Chloe, fearing she might be rejected. But to her astonishment, Chloe was bubbly, warm, and incredibly approachable. Within just 48 hours, the three of them had grown so close that they seemed utterly inseparable.
“Chloe, what’s got you worked up this time?” Eloise asked with a giggle. Since the blemish on her cheek had faded—and with the backing and encouragement of her family—her self-confidence had blossomed. Christina and Chloe regularly praised her beauty, especially Chloe, whose sweet words always felt like honey.
“Just read this headline,” Chloe said, tapping the display.
Christina casually glanced at the news, her expression serene, with a hint of a smile teasing the corners of her lips.
“Can you believe it? Three protégés of Tiana, the renowned piano maestro, are actually going to that jerk Brendon’s engagement party? Rumor has it Tiana might show up too!” Eloise exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Chloe said indignantly, “How on earth did that scoundrel manage to charm Tiana’s three protégés? If they’re attending that engagement party, they must all be cut from the same cloth. Anyone who thinks to congratulate that scoundrel can’t be too good themselves. I once admired them. And this is what they turn out to be?”
Christina chuckled. “Don’t let it get to you.”
“Christina, how can you still smile? If they really do go to that jerk’s party, just imagine how many people will be queuing up to cozy up to him! He’ll have a line of sycophants trying to gain access to his network…” The more Chloe pondered it, the more her indignation bubbled. “It’s just so unfair! How can a jerk like him have everything fall perfectly into place?”