Scarlett didn't open the envelope immediately
She just stood as her fingers tightened around the envelope
She stepped back into her room and locked the door instantly
She tore it open as her eyes looked through it quickly. It contained numbers, accounts, codes transfers.
Her expression changed as she stopped
"Hidden accounts, transfers?", she whispered
Scarlett's pulse increased as she felt it wasn't just sensitive information but a weapon
And whoever sent it knew exactly where to drop it and why
"This might actually be a setup", she said
Scarlett didn't notice when a slight heaviness was felt behind her eyes
But she ignored it instantly
She went towards the closet and took out the leather case. She put the envelope inside, locked it, and slid it underneath the closet
As she was about to walk away from the closet her knees weakened
"What's happening?", she murmured
Then a knock came
"Scarlett", Jude called out
She inhaled slowly as she forced herself towards the door and opened it
Jude stepped in "There was a ..."
He was about to continue as he took a close look at Scarlett
"Are you alright because you don't look fine", he said
"I'm fine", she said quickly
Scarlett moved past him as she was aiming to go towards the mirror table, but her hand missed the edge of the table slightly
Jude noticed as he called her "Scarlett, are you okay?"
"I said I'm fine", she shouted as she took another step
Her vision started getting blurry, then everything became dark
Jude caught her before she could hit the floor
"Scarlett, Scarlett"
Her body was very warm
"Scarlett, please open your eyes", Jude cried out
He didn't waste a second as he used the intercom to reach out to Madam Tracy
Madam Tracy was already in her room as she took down the curtains and turned on the air cooler
Scarlett was already lying on the bed looking pale but burning up
Jude stood at the edge of the bed with his phone in his hand trying to dial a number
"I need you here now. I don't care how long it takes. Just get here now" he said as he ended the call
He looked down at Scarlett as he placed his hand lightly against her forehead
"Damn it. She's burning up", he shouted
Scarlett moved slightly on the bed like she was fighting for her life
Jude just stood by her bedside and didn't move
When the doctor arrived. He checked her quickly.
"She has a high fever and severe exhaustion", the doctor said
Jude just stared at the doctor
"Then fix it", he said
The doctor nodded as he prescribed medications
Scarlett moved again and her breathing was uneven
Jude just watched her as she made a faint sound
"don't"
He slightly leaned closer
"What's that?"
Her lips moved again but this time it wasn't audible at all
Jude frowned as he called her "Scarlett"
Scarlett didn't open her eyes as she moved her hand weakly as she was reaching for something
Jude reacted quickly as he caught her hand and held it
Her fingers tightened faintly around his
"Take it easy. You will be fine", he said quietly
Her breathing slowed down slightly but she didn't lose her grip
Jude just sat there, he didn't let go as he held her and watched her fight for her health
She spoke again and this time it was clearer
"Don't take it ..."
Jude stood still
"Don't take what?" He asked
Scarlett didn't respond as her eyes were still closed
Jude held her tightly
"Scarlett, wake up"
Her eyes then slowly opened but it was blurry
She looked straight at him slightly
"Jude?"
"I'm right here", he said
Then she realized she was already back to reality
"Why are you here? You shouldn't be here", she whispered
"Where is Madam Tracy?", she continued
Jude frowned slightly
"This is my house, remember"
She tightened her hand around his hand and then loosened it
Her eyes started closing again
"Stay awake. Stay with me", he said
Her eyes closed completely
"Scarlett", he shouted
There was no response and he stood still
He adjusted the blanket around her carefully
Hours later, the fever dropped slightly enough to bring her back
Scarlett opened her eyes again and this time it was clearer
She turned her head slightly and saw Jude right there still holding her hand
Her expression changed instantly
"What are you doing", she said as she looked at her hand in his grip
Jude didn't let go immediately
"You passed out", he said
"I can see that and feel that", she said firmly
"And you had a high fever"
"Oh! I have had worse"
Scarlett tried to pull her hand back but he didn't release it immediately
"Let go of my hand", she said quietly
Jude looked at her for a bit and then released her
Scarlett tried to push herself up slightly by ignoring the weakness that comes with it
Jude assisted her slightly
"You didn't have to stay, you know"
"I know", Jude said
She looked at him
"Then why did you stay?"
Jude didn't respond immediately
"You were burning up really badly", he said
"That's an excuse and not the answer I wanted", she said
"It isn't an excuse but an answer", he said sharply
Scarlett looked at him longer than she should have. Then she looked away.
"Next time, don't stay", she said
"Well, next time, don't collapse", he said with a faint smile
Scarlett wanted to smile as well but she didn't let them exist
"Stay out of things that aren't your business", she said
"You think this isn't my business?", Jude asked as he looked at her slightly
"I know it isn't"
"Then why were you holding on to me?", he asked
Scarlett caught her breath slightly
"I wasn't aware I was holding onto you"
"You were", he replied
"I wasn't aware", she repeated
"But you said my name"
She looked away quickly
"That doesn't even mean anything"
Jude leaned closer
"Are you sure it doesn't?"
"I'm sure" she said quietly
Jude just looked at her long enough to make her feel uncomfortable
Then a knock hit the door fast and urgent
They didn't move immediately
"Come in", Jude said
Betty stepped in, slightly out of breath
"Mr Maguire ... there's an issue", she stuttered
Jude stood up instantly
"What is it?"
Betty didn't answer immediately as she briefly looked at Scarlett then looked back at Jude
"I tried calling you but it wasn't connecting"
"I said," What is the matter?", he said as his voice was slightly loud
"There has been ….. a discovery", Betty said
Jude looked blank
"Discovery? What kind of discovery?"
Betty is still breathing heavily
"A confidential file of the Maguire industries is missing"
She paused a bit
"I went to your office this morning and I discovered the safe where you keep those confidential files was opened", she said as she looked at Scarlett
Scarlett didn't move but her fingers curled slowly into the sheets