Chapter 204
I have no clue when Hogan snuck up behind me. When I looked up, all I saw was a man looking worn out with a hint of dark circles under his eyes.
A rare sight of dishevelment.
Looks like this afternoon’s tea party made both him and his mom feel a bit queasy.
As he got closer, those brooding eyes of his swept over my face and landed on Hilary’s.
“Aren’t you supposed to be having heart troubles? How do you still have the energy to chit–chat?” he said.
Though his words weren’t exactly kind, there was a clear hint of yielding in Hogan’s tone.
Having picked up on it, Hilary plopped down on the reception chair nearby, with his chin up, and said, “Don’t worry about me. After all, with Ms. Irwin in the picture, my own son couldn’t care less if I dropped dead.”
She then turned her head away, acting every bit the spoiled brat.
Seeing this, Hogan slightly furrowed his brows, and had his gaze suddenly shift to me as he said. “She doesn’t know her own limits, and you’re joining in on the nonsense?”
I stared at Hogan, feeling surprised and a bit confused.
Wait, what have I done to join in on the nonsense?
*Alright, Dr. Alex is waiting,” Hogan said with a touch of resignation, and then he addressed Hilary, “Let’s go get that check–up done.”
“I’m not going.” Hilary declared firmly. “It’s always the same old routine every time. I’m tired of it. Whoever wants to get checked up can go, but count me out!”
Hilary put on that ‘I’m not scared of boiling water‘ attitude, which stood in stark contrast to her designer–clad figure.
Hogan might have a tough exterior, but he couldn’t bring himself to be too harsh on Hilary. Figuring it was their family business and none of mine, I was about to take my leave when I heard his stern voice, “Why are you standing there like a log? Help her inside.”
Only then did I realize that he was talking to me.
All high and mighty.
It was true that Hilary was scared of check–ups, and true that I was the one who had been accompanying her to the hospital. So in Hogan’s eyes, I was still the Xaviera March at his beck and call, huh?
“Sorry, Mr. Zade,” I gathered my thoughts and said, “My family member’s still in consultation. I’m afraid I can’t stick around.*
Chapter 204
At that, Hogan’s expression faltered, and he was momentarily at a loss for words.
I guess he thought I was deliberately reaching out to Hilary, maybe even with an ulterior motive. Hilary noticed this and clarified, “Xaviera’s family is ill, and he’s staying at the inpatient department.”
I jumped in promptly, “She’s telling the truth, Mr. Zade. I’ll take my leave now.”
With that, I turned and walked away, but just two steps out, I heard Hogan’s cry of alarm.
Turning back, I saw that Hilary had fainted, pale as a ghost.
Hogan and I rushed to support Hilary into the consultation room.
Luckily, she came to awareness after a short while, but she was vehemently opposed to getting checked. She clung to my hand, refusing to let go.
In the past, I might have softened and stayed, but things were different now. Thinking of Jason back in the ward, I firmly let go of Hilary’s hand.
Leaving the room, I saw the hopeful yet aggrieved look in Hilary’s eyes.
But I couldn’t afford to care about that anymore.
What I didn’t expect was, just as I reached the corner, I ran into Hogan coming back from the pharmacy.
Our eyes met, and before I could say anything, Hogan remarked, “Now that you’ve climbed up with the Yearwood family, your attitude sure is different from before.”
It was the same mocking tone, and the same cold demeanor, but this time, it didn’t stir anything in my chest.
