Chapter 68: I expect something in return
“That’s right. When Mr. Gustin heard that something happened to you, he flew the helicopter so fast it almost crashed. Those bodyguards were useless, couldn’t find you at all. In the end, it was Mr. Gustin who found you,” Olivia said.
“I was at the west gate. How hard could it be to find me?” Paige asked, puzzled.
“You weren’t on the path to the west gate at that time,” Susan explained.
So that’s what happened. No wonder she heard the bodyguards’ voices but didn’t see any of them coming for her. If Enrico hadn’t found her, she really would’ve been left there.
Olivia leaned over and held Paige’s hand, the one without the IV, and spoke earnestly, “Miss, Mr. Gustin personally brought you to the hospital and stayed by your side all night without resting. He just left now. I’ve never seen him care so much for anyone. You should cherish this. Once you’re out of the hospital, be good with him and no one in this country will dare bully you.”
Not being bullied isn’t something that should rely on others; it should rely on oneself, Paige thought. But the fact that Enrico took care of her all night did surprise her. A man like him, actually taking care of someone. He wouldn’t have pinched or slapped her while she was unconscious, right?
She looked at Olivia, then at the two bodyguards. “He has people watching you, and you still speak up for him?”
“As long as you’re well, that’s all that matters,” Susan replied without hesitation.
Paige felt touched but didn’t know what to say.
Susan tucked her in a bit more, “Mr. Gustin really cares about you. He even captured the Clarke women and poisoned them.”
It was only yesterday that they learned from Jaden about Paige’s history with the Clarkes, knowing that someone as kind as Paige had been tortured by such a cruel family.
“Poisoned them?” Paige was stunned. “Are they dead?”
“No,” Susan shook her head. “Mr. Gustin said that would be too easy for them. He wants them to suffer. Since yesterday, they’ve been poisoned and had their stomachs pumped twice. They’re in terrible shape.”
Poisoned twice, stomachs pumped twice. That’s harsh. Definitely his style.
Not only did he take care of her, but he also avenged her.
Paige lay back, feeling complicated.
With Olivia and Susan keeping her company, Paige fell asleep again. When she woke up, it was already dark outside.NôvelDrama.Org content rights.
Her stomach not only hurt but also growled with hunger. Olivia helped her sit up, brushing her hair.
“I’m hungry,” Paige said. She hadn’t eaten anything in two days.
“Miss, you just had your stomach pumped, so you can’t eat much,” Susan said, standing nearby.
Paige pressed her stomach and nodded, “Alright then.”
She was staying in the highest grade room of a private hospital. The room was more like a five-star hotel suite than a hospital room, equipped with everything one could need, even a fully stocked kitchen. It was said to come with a private nurse and housekeeper, but since she had her own maids, she didn’t need them.
She picked up her phone and checked the news.
The scandal involving the Clarkes had exploded online. Headlines about “the Clarkes Scandal” dominated every site. Malik was accused of taking bribes and murder, tampering with election fairness. Molly’s reputation took a hit when it was revealed that she bought artworks to boost her image, and the news of her being a socialite in the circle of rich second-generation heirs exploded on the interne. Every website had this as the top story. It seemed that for a while, the Clarke family had tried to suppress the news, but this only infuriated the 30, 000 students of Capital University.
The students used their skills to keep the scandal trending, even hacking into major media homepages, pushing the issue to an irreversible height.
Everything was going as she expected.
“Mr. Gustin is here,” Olivia said excitedly. “See, I told you Mr. Gustin is worried about you. He left during the day and came back as soon as he had free time at night. Miss, you should really be nice to Mr. Gustin.”
“Yes, yes,” Susan agreed. “Look how good Mr. Gustin is to you.”
Paige sat silently.
The first thing that entered wasn’t Enrico but an enticing aroma. The smell of food-seafood and rich meat.
Paige looked up to see Jaden pushing a large dining cart, filled with covered dishes from top to bottom.
Olivia and Susan quickly went to help, taking the dishes and setting them on the table, uncovering each one.
Seared foie gras with white truffle.
Braised abalone in a fragrant sauce.
Tomahawk steak.
Lobster omelette with caviar.
It was like opening a series of surprise boxes, each revealing a gourmet dish. From appetizers to desserts, an array of luxurious foods tempted the appetite.
There was so much food that the large dining table was completely covered.
Paige suddenly felt even hungrier.
Enrico sauntered in from outside, taking off his suit jacket and tossing it aside. He rolled up his sleeves, washed his hands, and sat down at the dining table, wiping his hands with a towel. He glanced at her, his handsome face expressionless.
“What are you doing?” Paige asked.
Enrico set the towel aside and casually loosened his tie. “Having dinner with you.”
“I can’t eat.”
“I know,” Enrico replied calmly, “I’ll eat. You can just watch.”
Paige was speechless. He brought all this gourmet food just to tease her?
“Susan told me you love eating. Every time there’s a new dish, you can eat a lot. But they only know how to make home-cooked meals. You’ve probably never had these.”
Enrico picked up the knife and fork and began cutting into the foie gras drizzled with white truffle sauce. In his deep, magnetic voice, he said, “This is flown in from France, paired with white truffles from Alba. The taste is excellent.”
He took a bite of the foie gras.
Paige watched him, almost able to imagine the burst of flavor in his mouth. She had never tasted truffles from Alba and felt her stomach growl in response.
Seeing her stare, Enrico looked up at her. “Like it? Then I’ll cut another piece and eat it for you.”
Paige took a deep breath.
“What else do you like?” Enrico asked, almost tauntingly. It was clear that whatever she liked, he would eat it in front of her.
Paige lowered her head, forcing herself not to look.
Enrico put down the knife and fork, and coldly said, “Can’t handle this? I want to see if you dare to do that again. Drinking poison, reckless idiot.”
Paige looked at him, speechless.
The two remained silent for a while until Jaden spoke up. “Boss, several conglomerates have been probing me, trying to find out if you intend to protect Malik.”
Rumors outside suggested that Molly was Mr. Gustin’s woman, and these conglomerates didn’t know that Molly was currently suffering under Mr. Gustin’s hand.
“Tell them yes,” Enrico said.
Paige froze. On one hand, he was punishing the Clarkes, but on the other, he was protecting Malik? What was he trying to do? She had initially thought that he was too occupied abroad to intervene, but now that he was back and involved, things were getting complicated. She wondered if the combined strength of three thousand students could withstand his interference.
As she was thinking, Enrico let out a cold laugh, “What, are you scared?”
“No worries, I’ll deal with the Clarkes next time.”
‘Damn it. Couldn’t she just plead or beg a little? Whether or not Malik gets protected was just a word.’ Enrico shot her a fierce look, clearly irritated.
“If those conglomerates want to support the Clarkes, then deal with them too.”
“Yes, sir,” Jaden responded.
Paige realized he wasn’t planning to protect Malik; he wanted to catch and punish those trying to support Malik. He was helping her.
Feeling a bit awkward, she said, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Anyway, everything I do for you, I expect something in return.”
…