The man's tone carried an undeniable command.
Lila's eyes were calm; after several recent encounters, she could face such situations with composure.
"No matter how urgent it is, you'll have to wait until I finish the work at hand."
Without waiting for Willy's response, she lowered her gaze and continued working.
The atmosphere in the room instantly became terribly tense.
Shasha was astonished by Lila's attitude toward Willy.
She was the star performer of Henry's company,(could say she was largely built up by him).
Willy and Henry were close brothers; Shasha had attended many of their gatherings before and had some understanding of Willy's personality.
Compared to others, he was much more aloof and also the most admired.
Usually, everyone treated him with utmost respect; no one dared to treat him as coldly as Lila did.
Shasha began to speculate about the relationship between the two.
The expression on Willy's face was very unpleasant.
He stood still, watching Lila's every move.
The woman worked with great focus, completely treating him as if he were transparent, which stirred a nameless anger within him.
However, because others were present, he held it in.
He remained silent throughout.
After about ten more minutes, Lila finished the final touches for Shasha and instructed her, "You can remove the cling wrap in about three hours, rinse with clean water, and apply the repair ointment. Pay attention to cleanliness these next few days, avoid alcohol and spicy foods. If there's any discomfort, seek medical attention promptly."
When she said this, her expression was very gentle. As she spoke, she helped Shasha pull down her sleeve.
Willy, seeing her so different from her previous coldness, looked even more displeased.
"Okay, thank you," Shasha nodded in response. "My boyfriend won't have time until tomorrow. Please remember to give him the exact same tattoo."
Lila smiled, "No problem."
Both were entertainers, exceptionally busy during this period, their schedules almost fully packed. It was very difficult to arrange a time to come together, so they could only come separately.
Shasha was very satisfied. As she left, she didn't forget to praise Lila again, then said to Willy, "Boss Willy, we're leaving now."
This time, Willy responded, though it was only a nod in her direction.
Once they left, the shop instantly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Lila called for the front desk assistant to come in and disinfect and tidy up.
Only then did she look at Willy. "Let's go to the lobby."
After saying this, she took the lead and walked out.
Willy followed closely behind.
"Whatever business you have here, say it directly," Lila said as she sat down on the sofa.
Willy stood, looking down at her from a height.
"Come to the hospital with me."
Lila asked, "What for?"
Willy felt she was feigning ignorance and scoffed coldly. "There's no need for you to play dumb. It's insincere."
Lila unhurriedly poured a glass of water, took a few sips, and her throat felt slightly better.
Just as she was about to speak, her wrist was gripped by a sudden force.
Before she could react, she was pulled up and dragged outward.
The man's actions were somewhat rough.
Lila offered no resistance and was finally shoved into the back seat of the car.
With a "bang—", the door closed.
Soon, Willy also got into the car.
He didn't start the car immediately. Instead, he took a tissue and wiped his hand.
It was the very hand that had just touched Lila.
Watching this jarring scene, Lila didn't exactly feel pain, but it certainly affected her.
After a moment's thought, she said, "If you really think it's dirty, disinfecting is more useful. I have some at the shop; should I go down and get a bottle for you?"
Hearing her words, Willy's hand paused. Then he threw the tissue aside, started the car silently, and didn't say a word for the entire journey.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Willy repeated the action: he grabbed Lila's hand and walked forward, not letting go until they reached the door of his grandmother's room.
"Go in and speak properly. Cheer her up."
Although it was a request for help, his tone was still commanding, as if it were a matter of course.
Lila was confused.
Willy didn't look at her either. He directly pushed the door open and said to Grandma Willy on the sickbed, "Grandma, I've brought her to you."
As the voice above her faded, a hand landed on Lila's shoulder. The man gave her a gentle push. "Go in. Grandma says she can only eat if she sees you."
This time, there was much more commonplace warmth in his tone of voice.
Lila laughed coldly inwardly. This man always accused her of pretending, but he was far better at it than she was.
One moment he was as cold as ice; less than a minute later, he turned into a normal person.
The moment Grandma saw Lila appear, she was overjoyed, but she didn't show it. She still looked sickly and spoke with weak effort.
"Lila, you should go back. Don't bother with me. I'm a dying person anyway."
Hearing this, Willy frowned.
He grabbed Lila's wrist, pulled her to the bedside, let go, then leaned close to Grandma's ear and said soothingly, "When you're feeling better, we'll discuss it. So, eat something quickly. That way, we can talk sooner."
Grandma snorted and turned her face away.
Willy simply couldn't handle her and felt utterly helpless.
Suppressing the dissatisfaction in his heart, he said to Lila, "She hasn't been willing to eat anything since morning. The porridge is on the table. Please coax her to eat some. I'll step outside now. I'll be right out there; call me if you need anything."
After saying this, he left.
As soon as the door closed, Lila was about to speak, but just as the words reached her throat, she saw Grandma Willy supporting herself with her hands and trying to sit up.
Seeing this, Lila hurriedly went to support her.
"Madam, please take your time."
Hearing this, Grandma Willy smiled and said, "It's fine. I'm quite alright. A little problem like this won't keep me down."
At this point, she gave a light cough, then lowered her voice. "I was pretending for their benefit. By the way, have you thought about my condition? Were you tempted?"
Hearing these words and seeing her like this, Lila suddenly felt both amused and exasperated.
She didn't answer immediately but instead said, "You should eat the porridge first."
Hearing this, the old lady pouted. "You and I are on the same side. Don't play mind games with me. Let's speak directly if we have something to say."
Lila nodded. "I know."
Only then did the old lady eat with satisfaction.
Perhaps she was too hungry; she finished all the porridge in the thermal pot.
After eating, she blinked at Lila and said, "Now we can get down to business, right?"
Lila gave an "Mmm" and got straight to the point. "I've made up my mind. I'll do as you said."
This was a decision she had reached after careful consideration last night.
Back in the day, Marcus was just an illegitimate child with no power or influence, while Helen was a famous young lady from a wealthy family in Hong Kong. For him, she gave her all, even不惜与家人断绝关系 (cutting ties with her family), staking her entire life.
But in the end, the first thing Marcus did after achieving success was to turn against her.
It so happened that Helen's family encountered trouble at that very time: her elder brother was imprisoned, her father disappeared, and her mother, unable to bear the blow, passed away shortly after.
With its pillar gone, the Helen family collapsed overnight.
Helen left Hong Kong after handling her mother's funeral.
In her wretched state, she wanted to appeal for her brother, but when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. She faced obstacles everywhere. Before she could find a way, news came that her brother had committed suicide in prison.
From then on, her world collapsed.
She developed mental health issues and almost followed them (her brother and mother) in death.
It was Uncle William who saved her and gave her a completely new life.
Thinking of these things, Lila clenched her jaw tightly, as if a raging fire were burning in her chest.
"Good. I like decisive people,"
the old lady's voice pulled her back to the present.
Lila looked down and met her gaze, her eyes holding a determination never seen before.
"Let me be blunt first. I can only make you two get married. Whether you can secure your position depends on yourself. I am, after all, looking for the future lady of the Willy family to take my place." The old lady continued, her expression becoming extremely serious.
Lila nodded emphatically, promising, "I will work hard."
The old lady said, "Effort isn't just about words; it requires action. I will constantly assess you. Once I find you lack drive and don't meet my requirements, I will also have my grandson divorce you."
Seeing the old lady, who seemed like a changed person before her, Lila was somewhat surprised. But upon careful thought, it seemed justified.
To have stood firm for so many years in a prominent family, she must have uncommon methods.
When Willy pushed the door open and entered again, the room was already filled with laughter and cheerful conversation.
Seeing that his grandmother seemed much more spirited than before, he couldn't help but look at Lila.
This woman was indeednot simple.
"Willy, I need to rest. You take Lila back, andLyra on the way, pick up Lyra from kindergarten."