Chapter 199
Victoria’s expression was unreadable.
“We’re going to see Mr. Clark.”
She ignored Slater’s question, refusing to respond even as he pressed her for an
answer.
Meanwhile, after a long surgery, Violet had been transferred to a private suite in the hospital-no doubt arranged by McNeil. The Millers had crowded the room to capacity. Simms had even fetched a chair for Mrs. Miller so she could sit.
“What on earth happened?” Janice asked, her voice tight with worry. “Weren’t you just supposed to be at a little competition? How did you end up so badly hurt you needed to be hospitalized?”
Violet, now awake, managed a sheepish smile in Yulia’s direction. “Auntie, it’s just a minor injury. I didn’t mean to scare Grandma into coming down here.”
Yulia gave her a stern look, brushing aside any pretense of calm. “Don’t talk like that, dear. We’re family. When the news broke that something had happened to you, your grandmother nearly fainted from worry.”
Marian, standing nearby, couldn’t help but tease. “Well, that’s what happens when you land yourself such a good boyfriend, cousin. If something happened to you, it wouldn’t just be Grandma flipping out-Grandpa would probably climb out of his grave just to check on you.”
Edith nudged Marian sharply. “Don’t talk nonsense.”
She quickly added with an apologetic smile, “Don’t mind Marian, Violet-she’s just being silly. But honestly, the accident was all over the news. We saw everything. The car split in two and caught fire-it scared us all half to death.”
Simms shot Edith a warning look and cleared his throat, making her fall silent.
Janice squeezed Violet’s hand. “Sweetheart, you’re family to us. Thank goodness you’re all right. If anything had really happened, your aunt, your uncle—and I, your great-aunt-would never have recovered.”
Violet felt a wave of emotion as McNeil entered, taking in the scene of the Millers clustered protectively around her.
Simms turned to thank him. “Thank you for staying by Violet’s side through all this.”
McNeil answered quietly, “It’s the least I could do.”
Just then, a doctor entered to check on Violet. Seeing the room packed with people, he frowned.
“The patient needs to rest. We have specific visiting hours. Please, don’t crowd in outside of those times.”
The Millers looked a bit embarrassed, but McNeil quickly reassured the doctor, “They’re just family. They’ll be leaving soon.”
Everyone in the hospital knew McNeil, so the doctor simply nodded and let it go.
After spending a little more time fussing over Violet, the Millers took the hint and began saying their goodbyes, leaving the room one by one.
“McNeil,” Violet called softly, “could you walk my great-aunt, uncle, and aunt out for me?”
He nodded. “Of course.”
He escorted the Millers to the hallway. Simms urged him, “Go back and stay with Violet.”
They lingered at the end of the corridor until the others had disappeared, leaving Simms and McNeil alone.
Simms finally spoke. “I saw Victoria here earlier. Do you know why she came?”
McNeil’s face was impassive, as if the mention of Victoria had nothing to do with him.
“Oh? I didn’t know she was here,” he replied coolly.
Simms seemed satisfied with this answer-it looked like McNeil truly had no feelings for Victoria. He’d always worried that after six years of marriage, McNeil might have grown attached to her, but now it seemed he’d been overthinking it.
“Look, McNeil,” Simms said, his tone turning earnest, “I don’t want to pressure you, but Violet’s a wonderful girl. As your father-in-law, maybe I shouldn’t say this, but you must know-she’s a better match for you than Victoria ever was. Honestly, I’d welcome either of them into the family as your wife, but I hope you can have not just a successful career, but also a happy home.”
He paused, his voice tinged with old regrets. “You know, the first half of my life, married to Victoria’s mother, I wasn’t all that happy. Not until I met Yulia did I really understand what a man truly wants in a partner. I hope you’ll treat Violet well.”
He glanced at McNeil, his expression a mix of hope and concern. “And one more thing-sort out your situation with Victoria soon. That way, you can marry Violet without delay, and Victoria can move on with her life, too. Gwyn is my granddaughter, and Violet adores her. If Violet does become your wife, she’ll love Gwyn as her own. Think about it, McNeil. Don’t make Violet wait too long.”