Chapter 9

Victoria didn't dare to linger and immediately headed for the exit.

Edward didn't move aside. Being as tall as he was, blocking the doorway made it impossible for her to get out.

The next second, Edward's gaze fell heavily upon her.

Victoria kept her head down, just like before, looking completely submissive, which inexplicably stirred up a wave of irritation in his heart.

He stepped sideways into the elevator, his voice still cold, "No need, just be more careful next time."

The elevator doors slowly closed. In the already small space, the cedarwood scent from Edward's body was practically everywhere.

It carried an innate sense of oppression that made Victoria almost afraid to breathe.

She tried to minimize her presence, then shrank back into the corner, saying softly, "Thank you, Mr. Windsor."

She had originally thought that this Mr. Windsor was a cold, impersonal boss toward his subordinates.

But now it seemed he might just be cold on the surface.

The elevator descended quickly, yet every second felt infinitely stretched out.

Finally, they reached the first floor.

Victoria practically fled out of the elevator.

She was in a hurry to get home and cook dinner for Yara, walking briskly.

The interview ended at exactly five o'clock, just in time for Yara's dinner.

Edward's eyes flickered slightly as he withdrew his gaze from that departing figure, raised his hand, and pressed the button for the basement level.

For some reason, the face of that little girl he'd glimpsed at the hospital kept appearing in his mind.

It disturbed his peace of mind.

Edward frowned slightly, shook off the thought, and stepped out through the newly opened elevator doors.

As night fell, in the Kai's office at the hospital on the other side of town.

"Mrs. Windsor, the child in that ward should be resting at this hour. Why don't you come back another time? Her mother should also be..."

"I'm just going to look from outside, nothing will happen."

Rhea waved her hand. "Just tell me, don't worry about the rest."

Kai's slight hesitation couldn't overcome Rhea's curiosity about the child who might be her granddaughter. He could only reluctantly give out the room number.

He didn't know if the little girl's mother would come today either.

He hoped the two wouldn't run into each other at the ward door.

Kai shook his head and put the matter out of his mind.

Rhea avoided the nurses and sneaked to the ward number that Kai had mentioned.

But she hesitated when about to open the door.

Was the child awake now?

Warm yellow light shone through the glass window on the door. She hesitated, not daring to push the door open, but quietly peeked inside.

On the hospital bed, a delicate little girl was holding a tablet, quietly watching cartoons, not crying or making a fuss, so well-behaved it melted one's heart.

Just one look, and Rhea's heart was completely captured.

Those eyes, that nose, that little mouth!

Even if she wasn't a Windsor family child, she really did like this little girl!

Years ago, she had hoped to have a daughter, but unfortunately never had the chance. Now thinking about it, having a granddaughter would be nice too.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" A cool voice came from behind. Edward had appeared at the end of the corridor at some point.

He frowned. "Are you here to see Father? His ward is on the other side."

Rhea was startled and guiltily withdrew her gaze, saying calmly, "Nothing, just walking around."

Edward frowned slightly but didn't think much of it, "Father's ward is over there."

Without overthinking, he said, "I was just heading there. Let's go together."

Even facing his own mother, his voice remained as cold as ever.

Rhea nodded calmly, but her mind was replaying the little girl she'd just seen.

How wonderful it would be if she really were her granddaughter.

That sweet demeanor - clearly different from her disobedient son.

It seemed she still needed to have someone investigate.

With different thoughts but synchronized steps, the two walked toward Owen's ward.

After Victoria left the Windsor Group, she first returned to Veda's house, made several light dishes that Yara loved most, packed them in containers, and then prepared to leave for the hospital.

"You've been busy all day. Why don't I take the food to Yara instead?"

Veda was a bit worried about her health and frowned. "No matter what, you should eat first before going, or you might have problems."

"No need," Victoria had already changed her shoes, her face showing a gentle smile. "Yara will be sad if she doesn't see me. I want to spend more time with her."

That was just her personality - once she decided on something, no one could talk her out of it.

Like now, like when she married Aiden before...

Veda sighed and could only let her go.

Victoria carried the food containers and hurried to the hospital.

Just thinking about seeing Yara soon, her anxious heart settled down a bit, and even her steps became lighter.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, she rushed out.

Too eager, so much so that at a corner, she crashed without warning into a warm, solid human wall.

But Victoria couldn't react in time now.

Victoria let out a muffled groan, her mind went blank, white light exploded before her eyes, and as the world spun, her whole body fell straight down.

But even in the last second before losing consciousness, she still clutched the insulated food container tightly.

Edward didn't even have time to frown before his body reacted faster than his brain.

He reached out with his long arm and precisely caught that swaying, slender figure in his arms.

The person in his arms was as light as a feather. Those usually bright eyes were now tightly closed, looking as fragile as if they'd shatter at a touch.

He frowned deeply and without hesitation lifted her up horizontally, striding toward the doctor's office.

Was she working herself to death?

The doctor nearly jumped out of his chair when he saw Edward carrying an unconscious woman in.

"Mr. Windsor?"

"She fainted, take a look." Edward's voice was cold enough to freeze.

The doctor didn't dare delay and quickly came forward.

Edward gently placed her on the examination bed. Just as he was about to pull away, he found his sleeve being tightly gripped by a hand that wouldn't let go.

He looked down at that pale wrist, and strangely enough, instead of forcibly pulling away, he sat down beside her bed.

A moment later, the doctor breathed a sigh of relief, "Mr. Windsor, this young lady is fine. It's just low blood sugar combined with overwork. A glucose drip will do."

Edward acknowledged with a sound, his gaze falling on Victoria's pale sleeping face, not moving away for a long time.

After the doctor left, the woman seemed to be murmuring something.

Edward leaned closer.

The next second, Victoria's arm reached out, wrapped around Edward's neck, and pulled down.

Edward was instantly buried in the crook of her neck.

She carried the scent of laundry detergent - very pleasant.

Edward wanted to remove her arm, but just as he was about to move, the woman tilted her head and her soft lips landed on his cheek.

His heartbeat went wild.