“Yes. Zyon and the others got themself involved in that stuff and could drag Fairchild Corporation into this mess,” Winnie agreed. She then shot Xavier an amused glance and said, “Back when Yulissa wrongly accused me of breaking her emerald bracelet at Lagune Mansion, you sided with her. I thought you were a lovestruck idiot. I wondered how you managed to run Fairchild Corporation when you’re not even that smart.”
“What about now?” Xavier took her hand and asked, “Do you still think I’m a lovestruck idiot?”
Winnie shook her head. “No. Back on the boat, you tore open my bulletproof vest and told the kidnapper you put two bombs on me. That was when I knew you’re a scoundrel who treats women badly.”
Xavier was staring at her with an expression halfway between exasperated and amusement. “The bombs were fake. I didn’t know you were ‘Paulina.’ If I knew, I wouldn’t have allowed you to risk your life with me.”
“Too late. It has already happened. No one saw that coming,” Winnie huffed. “That is one thing I admire about you, though. You’re fearless in the face of danger and adapt to the situation well.”
“That’s it?” Xavier lifted Winnie’s hand and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.
“When you disappeared, I drove my car and plane and climbed mountains. I ate nothing for a few days and searched everywhere for you. I didn’t even go to work at Fairchild Corporation. Don’t you know what I did for you?” Xavier sounded frustrated as he gazed at her intently.
That was the first time Winnie had ever seen him acting this way. It felt like seeing a wolf turning into a loyal dog that was wagging its tail gently.
“Well, I’ve heard a little about it, but I was also told that you were with Yulissa all the while. No one knows what’s going on in your mind.”
“Do you know now, then?” Xavier brought her hand and placed it on his chest. “I wasn’t lying to you. Dumbo, I don’t need to lie to you.”
Winnie parted her lips to say something, but before she could utter a word, Xavier interjected, “I know what you want to say. It depends on my performance, right? Time will reveal a person’s heart. As long as you stay with me, time will prove that I’m sincere.”
Winnie had nothing else to say. Right then, Xavier’s phone rang.
It was a new phone, and he did not manage to sync his contacts yet, so the screen showed the caller’s number instead of the caller ID.
Winnie recognized the number at once. “It’s Louis. You should answer it. Do you want me to leave?”
“No need.” Xavier shot her a surprised look. “You memorized Louis’ number. Are you good with numbers?”
Winnie did not know why, but she suddenly had the urge to show off to him.
“Yeah,” she replied nonchalantly. “I have a photographic memory, I guess. It’s quite annoying sometimes, for I couldn’t forget many useless stuff.”
Xavier chuckled. She’s obviously showing off her skills. How cute!
“Dumbo.” He reached out and ruffled her hair, just like how he used to tease her.
After retracting his hand, he took his phone and answered Louis’ call.
“What is it?”
“Mr. Xavier, bad news. Old Mr. Fairchild is seriously ill and has been admitted to the hospital. Zyon’s family has been talking to Old Mr. Fairchild’s lawyer these few days, and I think it’s related to his will. Do you want to come back and see Old Mr. Fairchild?”
Xavier frowned. “Before I get back, assign someone to keep an eye on him twenty-four seven. Aside from Josiah’s medical staff, no one else is allowed to come near him. Also, inform my father about this. I’ll call you if I have other arrangements.”
“Is Old Mr. Fairchild all right?” Winnie asked in concern after Xavier ended the call. Rufus was a kind old man, and she did not want anything to happen to him.
Xavier furrowed his brows. “Grandpa’s heart is ailing, so I wanted to play along with Zyon. I failed to consider Grandpa’s feelings, though.”
“Old Mr. Fairchild looks healthy and robust, so I believe he’ll be fine. Why don’t you give him a call or pay him a visit in secret so he’ll feel better?” Winnie suggested.
Thinking about it for a while, Xavier refuted, “No. If I return now, things will take a turn for the worse. Why don’t you visit him on my behalf?”
“Me? Dumbo Winnie?”
“Yes. I’ll ask Louis to come pick you up. Tell Grandpa this… Then we shall start from…”
That very night, Louis showed up to pick Winnie up.
It was around three in the morning when they arrived at the hospital.
The hospital was fairly empty, so she could visit Rufus without alerting anyone.
Josiah came over to greet her once she stepped into the hospital.
He was surprised to see Winnie safe and sound.
No one but Xavier, his driver, and his bodyguard knew that Winnie was putting up an act, so Josiah had no idea that she was faking it.
Giving her the once-over in the elevator, Josiah commented, “I can’t believe he found you. Dumbo, why did you go missing? You had no idea Xavier nearly went crazy trying to look for you.”
Ignoring him, Winnie pretended to play Candy Crush clumsily.
“Are you now a mute?” As Winnie did not respond, Josiah waved his hand in front of her eyes. “Look at me. Do you still remember me?”
Winnie had no choice but to say, “Bad Specky, you’re interrupting my game.”
“Oh, you’re finally talking. By the way, why did Handsome send you here alone? What can you do?”
Winnie fought back the urge to sew Josiah’s lips with a needle. He’s so talkative!
She waved at Josiah and gestured for him to come closer. “Handsome told me he’s supposed to be missing right now. Everyone thinks he’s dead, so you’re not allowed to mention him. Bad Specky you’re so stupid!” she whispered.
“Me? Stupid?” Josiah chuckled. “You’re quite smart, huh? I know. I asked that question, seeing as we’re alone in the elevator.”
Winnie broke into a wide grin. “The elevator doors are open. Let’s go visit Grandpa Rufus.”
Rufus left a wall lamp switched on in his ward. When Winnie arrived, he was still sleeping.
Not wanting to wake him up, Winnie was about to leave when Rufus suddenly spoke. “Winnie, is it you? You found your way back home?”
Surprise flooded Winnie. She had no idea that Rufus would recognize her back instantly, even though the ward was dimly lit. There was even a hint of concern in his voice.
Immediately, she approached him and took his hand. “Grandpa Rufus, it’s me, Winnie. I need to talk to you.”
With that, she lowered her head and whispered something in his ear.
Rufus was all smiles in the beginning, but his smile slipped by the time she was done.
“Oh, this is horrible.”
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