Chapter 443 It's None of Your Business
Anne's face flushed with anger as she yelled, "You're a sneaky, deceitful jerk!"
Willard bent down, picked up the handle, and handed it to her. "A perfectly good door, and you managed to break it. Maybe instead of yelling, you should take a moment to think?"
Anne's anger suddenly dissipated, and she even laughed, caught off guard by his response. "Willard, liking you was the dumbest thing I've ever done."
"I was such a fool, feeling heartbroken for so long over someone as deceitful and manipulative as you. You don't deserve it at all!"
Willard hadn't expected this outcome. He had really wanted to sit down and have a proper conversation with her. But what happened last night was beyond his control, and today's situation was also unexpected.
"That's not what I meant... let me explain..."
Anne cut him off, "Willard, I won't believe anything you say anymore."
"You're used to being in control, having everything you want since you were a kid, with everyone revolving around you. Even your apologies come from a place of superiority."
"I don't feel any sincerity from you."
"And it's fine, I don't need your apology. If you don't want to divorce amicably, then let's go to court."
"Now, have someone open the door. I know you ordered it to be locked."
Willard stepped forward and grabbed her hand. Anne forcefully shook it off, tears streaming down her face. Crying was so annoying! She was clearly angry and arguing, but the tears made her look so pathetic.
She wiped away the tears vigorously, her eyes red as she spoke, "Willard, do you know what it feels like?"
Her voice cracked with emotion, "To offer your warm heart to someone you love, only to have it stomped into the mud, and then buried deep under a frozen lake along with the shattered pieces. Willard, I only have one heart, and you destroyed it."
Willard's tall frame trembled, and he even staggered a step. His already pale face turned even whiter. He opened his mouth to explain but found himself speechless, not knowing what to say.
In the end, he had someone open the door. His eyes followed her retreating figure, never looking back, so cold and indifferent. He could almost see how her once passionate and loving eyes had been worn down by him, bit by bit.
"Mr. Larson!"
Overwhelmed by emotions, he suddenly felt a splitting headache. His vision went black, and the last thing he heard was Quinton's panicked shout.
Louis was called in to treat Willard. Quinton chased after Anne. It was still raining heavily in Seaside City, and she was trying to hail a cab, not far away.
"Mrs. Larson."
Anne stared at her ride-hailing app, not responding. Quinton assumed she didn't want to deal with anyone associated with Willard, not realizing it was because of the title.
He continued, "Mr. Larson didn't mean it that way. Although he's made many mistakes, he's trying his best to make amends. He's just not good at expressing himself. You need to give him some time."
Hadn't she given him time? She had given Willard plenty of time. He just didn't cherish it. Now that she didn't want to give any more, why did they keep pushing her?
Anne was really tired. Not just from being sick, but the whole divorce process had drained her patience. She didn't have the energy to argue with Quinton.
Anne remained silent, waiting for her ride. Quinton, who had no experience with relationships, especially since Willard was at fault, didn't know how to persuade her further.
"Mr. Larson is really sick this time, but it's not because he caught a cold bringing you to the hospital. He's been unwell for a while, and this just happened to coincide."
"Out of consideration for your past relationship, please stay and accompany Mr. Larson. You're still running a fever, so you might as well rest in the hospital for a few days."
Anne still didn't respond, but her phone rang. She thought it was the driver calling, but it was Ernest.
"Mr. Torres."
"Is everything settled?" Ernest's gentle voice came through. "There's work here, and I'll fly over once I'm done. If you can't make it, it's fine. It's not like we're filming animals. If you're too busy, I'll find someone else."
Anne quickly agreed, "I'm on my way now."
"Mrs. Larson, you're still having a fever," Quinton said, earning an angry glare from Anne.
Ernest asked with concern, "Ann, are you running a fever?"
Anne explained, "No, I was just talking to someone while waiting for a cab."
Quinton was speechless.
"I'm booking a flight now. Wait for me."
"Okay, take your time. Send me your flight details, and I'll pick you up."
"Alright."
Anne hung up the phone just as her ride arrived. She got in and booked her flight, heading straight to the airport.
"Sir, I'll pay extra."
The driver hit the gas and sped towards the airport. Quinton stood at the hospital entrance, feeling lost. How was he going to explain this?
If he told the truth, Willard might refuse treatment and chase after her immediately. After all, Ernest was his biggest rival, with a completely different personality. But if he didn't tell the truth, the consequences could be even worse when Willard found out.
As he pondered, he walked to the hospital room. He ran into Louis coming out and asked, "How's Mr. Larson?"
Louis's voice was cold, "He won't die."
Quinton knew Louis's personality and thanked him. As Louis left, he heard Willard calling him. He sighed, knowing it was inevitable. He walked in.
Willard's lips were pale, and his face showed signs of illness. His sharp eyes stared at Quinton, seeing through any lies. Quinton had no choice but to tell the truth.
He hesitated, "Mrs. Larson got a work call and is heading to the airport now."
Willard immediately pulled out his IV. Without changing out of his hospital gown, he rushed out. Quinton grabbed a coat and hurried after him, noticing the blood dripping from the needle mark on Willard's hand, leaving a trail of red dots.
As the elevator doors opened, a cold voice rang out, "Do you have a death wish?"
Louis pulled Willard back. "If you want to chase after her, you need to stay alive."
Willard pulled his hand back and pressed the elevator button. Louis, wearing a mask, only had his eyes visible.
"Once you leave my hospital, your life or death is none of my concern."
"But, out of a sliver of goodwill, I'll remind you that if you don't get the tumor in your kidney treated, it could damage your kidney and cause sexual dysfunction. Don't say I didn't warn you."
Willard had one foot in the elevator but stepped back.
"Also," Louis's cold voice was as clear as ice, "it could affect your fertility."
"Not that it matters to you. You're about to lose your wife, so you won't have a chance to be a father anyway."
After returning to the hospital room, Quinton thanked Louis. "You always know what to do."
Louis's eyes were indifferent. "Just telling the truth."
Quinton, usually stoic, was shocked. "Isn't it benign?"
"Even benign tumors can be fatal if left untreated."
That made sense. Quinton was about to say more when he heard Willard calling him, so he quickly went inside. Willard didn't need to hear it to know it was about Anne.
"Follow her immediately, keep an eye on her, and report back to me in real-time."
Quinton had been by Willard's side for years. He thought Willard would have him arrange for someone trustworthy to go. He didn't expect to be sent himself.
"Mr. Larson, I'll have Gage go."
"You go." Willard rubbed his tired eyes. "Gage has his own tasks."
"Then Hayes..."
"You go." Willard's expression turned cold. "Do I need to repeat myself?"
"But you need someone by your side..."
"Do you think I'll die in the Armstrong family's hospital?"
No, he wouldn't. The Hamilton family's security measures were almost as good as the Larson family's. But Quinton had never left Willard's side and was still worried.
Quinton tried one last time, but Willard's sharp gaze shut him down.
Fine. He immediately agreed and left.
Maple Valley
Francis hung up the phone and brought Elissa to the dining table. As he peeled an egg for her, he said, "Willard is really sick."
Elissa took a sip of her porridge and sighed contentedly. She didn't react much to the news.
Francis handed her the egg and asked, "Why aren't you asking about it?"
Elissa took a bite of the egg. "It's boring. Their gossip is boring."
Francis smiled. "Weren't you always concerned about Anne?"
Elissa said, "Anne messaged me. With someone as gentle and caring as Ernest looking after her, I'm not worried."
Francis chuckled and decided not to mention Willard again, not wanting to affect her mood.
After landing, Anne messaged Elissa to let her know she was safe. She said she would visit Maple Valley after finishing her work.
Elissa told her to take care of herself and to focus on getting better before worrying about anything else.
After replying, Anne put away her phone and saw Ernest waiting for her. She walked over but suddenly felt dizzy. Just as she was about to hit the ground, a pair of warm hands caught her.
"Careful!"
A large hand touched her forehead, feeling cool and comforting.
Ernest's face darkened. "You lied about not having a fever. This is at least 102 degrees Fahrenheit."
Anne smiled. "Mr. Torres, you have quite the skill."
"Stop joking around." Ernest took her bag and turned his back to her. "I'll carry you."
"I'm fine, Mr. Torres."
Anne tried to spin around to show she was okay but ended up fainting. Ernest pursed his lips and finally carried her in his arms.
At the airport, someone took out their phone to film. The person said enviously, "I wish I had such a gentle and caring boyfriend."
Quinton's private jet arrived just in time to see this. Fortunately, no one here recognized Anne. The news in Seaside City had been taken down, not achieving Willard's desired effect. If it weren't for trying to win Anne back, Willard wouldn't have exposed his private life online.
Unfortunately, he still hadn't managed to win a chance with Anne. Now, the opportunity seemed even slimmer.
The hardest part was for Quinton. He had taken photos but didn't dare send them. He could only follow and see what happened.
Following them was nerve-wracking. If Ernest took Anne to the hospital, it would be easy to explain. Even going to a hotel would be understandable. But instead, Ernest took Anne to his place. Quinton almost forgot that Ernest was from Meadowbrook City.
This was a disaster.
Ernest initially wanted to take Anne to the hospital. She had fainted, indicating it was serious. But once in the car, Anne woke up and refused to go. She also didn't want to go to a hotel. It wasn't as convenient as home. Hotels had people coming and going, and no matter how clean, they weren't as comfortable as home. So, he decided to take her to his place.
Anne didn't know where she was. She just felt the soft bed and found a comfortable position to sleep. Ernest took off her shoes, covered her with a blanket, and called a family doctor.
Quinton could only get to the entrance of the community. Ernest's place had good security. He used some connections to get in and waited outside Ernest's door, thinking about how to report this to Willard without making it worse.
Just then, Willard called. Quinton felt like it was a death sentence. He took a deep breath and answered, "Mr. Larson."
"You're not there yet?" Willard's voice was hoarse from illness but still carried the authority of his position. Even over the phone, Quinton felt a chill down his spine.
"I'm there."
Willard sensed something was wrong, his tone more pressing. "Didn't I say to report in real-time?"
"Yes..." Quinton hesitated. "Mr. Larson, you need to rest and prepare for surgery. I promise I'll protect Mrs. Larson and won't let anyone harm her."
Willard simply said, "Tell the truth."
Quinton had no choice but to tell him everything. After he finished, he heard something crash on the other end. Willard must have thrown something in the hospital room.
He quickly added, "But don't worry, I'm watching them. Nothing inappropriate has happened. Mrs. Larson is still sick and fainted. He was just being kind. If anyone else saw her faint at the airport, they would have taken her to the hospital too."
"Did he take her to the hospital?" Willard's breathing was heavy, clearly trying to suppress his anger. "Being kind means taking a sick person to his home?"
Quinton had no explanation for that.
"Mr. Larson, don't worry. I'll go in and check."
He knocked on the door. Ernest, thinking it was the doctor, opened it. He was about to speak when he saw Quinton.
Ernest thought the man looked familiar, then realized: This was the man who had been with Willard when he came to see Anne.
Quinton didn't hesitate and walked straight in, heading for the bedroom. He didn't even check the guest room, going directly to Ernest's master bedroom, where he found Anne.
He quickly turned around, blocking the door and closing it behind him. He said to Ernest, "It's not appropriate for a gentleman to be seen as a third party. Mr. Larson and Mrs. Larson are still legally married."
Ernest, maintaining his composure, replied, "I have not interfered with Ann's marriage. As her mentor, it's my responsibility to care for her. I couldn't just stand by while she was ill."
"She's fully clothed. There's nothing inappropriate happening. Please tell her husband that if he can't fulfill his duties, he should let Ann go."
Suddenly, a cold voice interjected, "Our issues are none of your business."
Quinton felt a jolt of alarm in his heart—he had forgotten that the call with Willard was still connected.
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