Novel 543
Chapter 265
Chapter 265
Howard ruffled her tousled hair with gentle patience. “Dreams are a mishmash of thoughts,” he said soothingly. Gwendolyn lay, her cheek against his chest listening to his strong and steady heartbeat, afraid to let go.
“Mr. Chadwick, I saw you in Selinas hospital room last night. You were feeding her grapes…” Her voice was soft and hoarse, seeking an explanation. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
“I didn’t feed her anything.” Howard replied, his lips curving into a wry smile. “Sanford called me over and said it was urgent…” Gwendolyn interupted him. “I understand. She helped you out once.”
Her sorrow wasn’t about his midnight visit to Selina but the words Jameson had spoken to her. She dared not confront Howard, fearing it might strain their father–son relationship.
“Jealous, are you? What do you think you understand?” Howard chuckled, the sound soft and warm
“Forget it. It’s best not to tell Gwendolyn about that incident now. It would only make her worry sick.” He thought inwardly.
“Mrs. Chadwick, have some breakfast Marina entered, carrying a tray with comfort food, a bowl of steaming, creamy oatmeal, and vegetable salad
The oatmeal glistened with a sheen of butter, tempting the appetite.
“I cooked it slow and low, just how you like it. It’s sweet and hearty,” Marina said as she placed the tray on the bedside table. “Your favorite salad, some broth, pancakes, and fresh milk, all perfect for whetting the appetite.”
Her cooking was top–notch.
“Focus on getting better. The doctor said exhaustion had knocked down your immune system, and you caught the flu. Mr. Hamilton personally granted you three days off.”
Gwendolyn murmured her thanks, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Thank you, Marina.”
“Poor dear, you’ve been through a lot,” Marina said, wiping Gwendolyn’s face with a damp cloth. “The tears have smudged your make–up.” Marina treated her as her daughter, feeling for the girl whose father had passed early and whose mother was unreliable. Even the strongest would have their moments of frailty.
Gwendolyn chuckled through her tears. “Oh, that’s awkward.”
“Marina, I can take care of her. You’ve been working hard. Get some rest,” Howard offered.
“Fine then,” Marina agreed.
She knew the young couple needed their time to strengthen their bond. If Howard also fell ill, they could consider it a little vacation.
Marina quietly closed the door behind her.
Howard picked up the oatmeal, his lips curving into a smile. “Here, let me feed you”
Gwendolyn blushed, pushing aside her fears, and took a bite. Her bright, soft eyes met his. “Have you ever fed anyone else like this?”
“Nope, I haven’t,” Howard said with a thin smile.
Gwendolyn felt a pang of disappointment.
Howard leaned in and covered her lips with his, the heat of his kiss breaking through her defenses.
“In this way, it’s only been you,” he whispered amidst the passion.
“Mr. Chadwick, I might be infectious…
“Sooner or later, he replied, unbothered. He wouldn’t let Gwendolyn recover alone in this room.
Gwendolyn’s breaths were short. She pushed him gently away. “Your phone is ringing.”
“I take this call outside, Howard said as he pulled his phone and saw Quentin’s incoming call. He stepped away from Gwendolyn.
It must be about the hacker, Grace.
While watching his retreating figure, the smile faded from Gwendolyn’s face.
She clutched at her chest, where unease was clawing its way out.
The scenes from her dream were vivid, and the thought of losing her grandmother tightened her throat with sorrow.
Unable to hold back, she scrolled through her phone contacts and dialed her grandmother’s number.
The phone rang for what seemed like forever before it was finally picked up
“Gwennie,” that familiar, beloved voice made Owendolyns eyes brim with tears.