"You can't stop me from eating just because you're in a bad mood. I still needs to grow," Riley said seriously.
"Then go eat outside!" Adrian snapped. "Don't stand here and get in my way."
He had once thought she was quiet.
Now it was obvious—she wasn't quiet. She just didn't understand anything.
She couldn't help him. And worse, she looked completely unaffected.
Exhausting.
Riley shook her head stubbornly. "I'm eating here."
Then, like she was offering something precious, she held out the half-eaten apple. "Hubby, this apple is really sweet and crispy. Want a bite? Sweet things make you feel better."
Adrian's lips pressed into a thin line. Without hesitation, he shoved her hand away.
"Go away."
Riley didn't look embarrassed at all. She simply pulled the apple back and took another bite.
Juice burst from the fruit—
And splattered across his face.
Adrian's chest rose and fell sharply.
"Riley Cole."
The anger in his voice made her jump back immediately.
Riley pointed pitifully at the desserts on the table. "If you don't like apples… I brought you sweets too…"
"Get out."
It was the first time he'd spoken to her this harshly.
It startled her.
Fine then.
If you wanted me gone, I'll go.
You are not the only one with temper.
Her lips trembled. She squeezed out two fake tears, then suddenly hurled the half-eaten apple at his head.
"Waaah—!"
Wiping her mouth messily, she burst into exaggerated sobs and ran out of the room.
Adrian tilted his head just in time. The apple smashed against the wall behind him, juice splattering before it dropped to the floor.
His expression turned icy.
"Someone!"
His voice thundered.
"Send Madam Riley back to Clearbrook Estate. Without my permission, she is not to leave again!"
***
Outside, Riley slowed down the moment she left the room.
She let out a long, satisfied burp.
Then wandered casually into the backyard.
From here, she could observe Mrs Hales's room clearly.
After the servants had dispersed, the place had quieted down, though a few still lingered—along with Mr Hales and three doctors.
Riley glanced up at the window.
Climbing in would work…
But if someone walks in midway, that'll be trouble.
Just then—
Ding.
Her phone buzzed.
She opened it and saw messages from both Zachary and Lucas.
One through the medical forum.
One directly to her.
[Lucas:Rye! Where are you?! Emergency! SOS!!]
Riley sat by the pond and replied.
[Rye: ???]
She already knew what he was going to say.
But right now… she wasn't exactly free either.
[Lucas:Are you in the capital? There's a woman in her forties with a nail lodged in her thigh. Critical condition. Needs surgery immediately. Can you go?]
Riley lowered her gaze, thinking.
[Rye: Not sure.]
She wanted to go.
But whether she could… was another story.
After a moment, she added:
[Rye: Unless you clear everyone out. Only I can go in.]
[Lucas: Deal!]
Lucas replied almost instantly, sending her an address.
A second later, another message popped up.
[Lucas:Rye, when can you get there?]
When?
I can go right now.
Except…
I still need time to prepare.
Riley smiled faintly, about to type "Not now, give me a bit"—
But before she could finish typing "now,"
She looked up.
Two burly bodyguards were striding toward her, faces stern and imposing.