Chapter 200 Envy Them
William was on the verge of uttering another word when Ava swiftly interjected, "It's perfectly fine to chat. I rather enjoy it this way."
Victoria, clearly ruffled, retorted, "Did you hear that? The guest has no issue, yet you persist in berating me."
A glimmer of helplessness danced in William's eyes. His sister was a force of nature, impossible to tame.
Ava frequently found herself envying siblings like them. The idea of having a brother was a delightful one, yet she was bereft of such a bond.
She had once joked about considering Alexander as a brother, but the thought was absurd. He was her lover, her spouse. The mere notion of equating her beloved man to a brother was unthinkable. It was a line she simply could not cross.
After they had concluded their meal, Ava, noticing the weariness etched on William's face, suggested, "William, perhaps you should retire to your room for some rest. You must be fatigued from the sleepless night."
"I'm fine," he responded, his tone dismissive.
He was the one who had brought Ava here, and if he were to leave, she would be left alone.
Victoria, ever eager, chimed in, "Look at you, your eyes are bloodshot, and yet you claim to be fine. Go rest, Will. Ava has me for company, and two ladies together are far more enjoyable than having a man like you around."
William's brow furrowed slightly, "Just make sure you don't frighten her away, understood?"
"Why would I?" Victoria retorted, enthusiastically linking arms with Ava. "Ava, I'll stay with you. Let my brother get his rest."
"Sure." Ava was equally concerned for William's well-being, regardless of whether she had company or not.
"Go on, William," she encouraged.
Detecting a hint of discomfort in her eyes, William didn't want to impose, so he acquiesced, "Alright, I'll retire for a bit."
However, he couldn't resist warning Victoria in a stern voice, "Take good care of her. If you dare to bully her, you'll have to answer to me when I awaken."
"Will, honestly," Victoria scoffed, "why would I bully her? Don't you trust me?"
While Victoria feigned indignation, William reiterated his warning until Ava gently nudged him toward his room.
With William finally out of sight, Victoria muttered, "Honestly, he talks as if I'm some kind of witch."
Ava merely smiled, unsure of how to respond.
"Ava, are you feeling better now?" Victoria inquired, placing her hand on Ava's forehead. "Your fever's gone, that's a good sign. It seems my brother took excellent care of you."
Ava chuckled awkwardly, "How did you know he looked after me last night?"
"I observed it, how attentively he cared for you—stayed by your bedside, never left your side, constantly changing your towels and checking your temperature."
"Really?" Ava couldn't recall the specifics, but she did have a vague memory of a man tenderly looking after her. For a fleeting moment, she deluded herself into thinking it was Alexander. However, Alexander was preoccupied with caring for Isabella without rest.
Ava found herself wondering about Isabella's current state. If Isabella was safe, Alex had already pledged to marry her. If not, Alexander would be teetering on the brink of insanity.
The more Ava pondered, the more agitated she became, her brows involuntarily furrowing.
"What's the matter?" Victoria noticed her troubled expression. "You don't want my brother to look after you?"
She assumed Ava's frown was directed towards her brother.
"Not at all, I'm truly grateful for your brother's assistance. I just have other things on my mind."
"Oh? Like what?"
"Nothing serious, just some personal matters."
She wasn't inclined to share her concerns about Alexander with just anyone.
