Chapter 191 I Won't Marry Anyone But Her
Harper let out a soft chuckle to herself. If there had been any lingering doubts about Ryan's words earlier, they evaporated now.
Why would Mia aid in such deceit?
With no reason to linger, she made her way to the elevator.
Mia caught sight of Harper and paused briefly before querying Ryan, "Who's that?"
Lily, too, noticed Harper and was about to greet her when Ryan interjected.
"I have no clue," he remarked, eyeing Harper's departure with a sneer. "Probably just a janitor."
Harper's pace wavered at his remark. It seemed Ryan never missed a chance to belittle her. Yet, his words no longer had the same sting.
Regardless of who Francis was with, he had saved her life. Promising to forgive him, Harper meant every word. She decided to let go and wish him well.
With Francis appearing to be out of harm's way now, his recovery was all that mattered. Remaining would only add awkwardness as his ex-wife. It was clear that no one wished for her presence near Francis. Thus, departure seemed the best choice for all.
With resolve, Harper squared her shoulders and departed gracefully.
Lily observed Harper's departure, a hint of hesitation in her gaze.
She hadn't expected Ryan to dislike Harper so much that he'd call her a janitor.
Actually, she was confused. After seeing Francis risk his life to save Harper, she had already let go of her obsession.
She knew he must love Harper a lot to sacrifice himself.
She envied her, but she didn't want to be the villain who stole someone's love.
After all, Francis had never really cared about her.
But this morning, Mia suddenly told her that the Getty family had come to discuss the engagement last night.
She was shocked.
She hadn't even processed the news when she was dragged to the hospital.
At that moment, Ryan turned around and saw Lily standing still, so he quickly called out, "Lily, come on. Francis must be eager to see you."
Lily was stunned for a moment, then walked over.
Ryan went to the door and told the bodyguards, "You can leave now."
If Francis knew he had arranged for bodyguards to prevent visitors, he would probably be unhappy.
Now that the obstacles were gone, there was no need for bodyguards.
In Francis' ward,
Francis was leaning against the headboard, his handsome face a bit pale, but it didn't affect his demeanor at all.
Instead, it added a touch of fragile beauty to him.
He opened his eyes, expecting to see Harper first, but after waiting for a long time, she didn't show up.
She hadn't called him, nor did he see her.
He felt a bit bitter and laughed at himself. She really had let him go.
Although he hadn't expected that saving her once would make her let go of her grudge.
But her complete indifference still hurt him.
At that moment, there was a sound at the door.
Francis looked up expectantly.
When he saw who came in, the light in his eyes dimmed instantly.
Ryan came in enthusiastically. "Francis, Mia heard about your injury and brought Lily to see you."
Out of politeness, Francis nodded and greeted Mia.
Mia Sullivan looked at Francis and liked him more and more, cheerfully stepping forward to offer a few words of comfort.
The atmosphere in the room instantly became lively.
Midway, Ryan saw Francis struggling to hold a cup and quickly nudged Lily. "Lily, go help Francis drink."
Lily obediently walked over and tried to take the cup, but Francis took it away first.
Because he moved quickly, it pulled on his wound.
Francis frowned slightly and said coldly, "No need, I can do it myself."
The room got awkward real quick.
Anyone could see Francis didn't want Lily touching him.
Mia's face soured.
Ryan tried to smooth things over. "Francis is just being considerate. He doesn't want Lily to lift a finger. When she marries into our family, she'll just enjoy life."
Mia's expression softened, and she smiled. "We've spoiled her. I hope you and Francis can look after her."
"Of course," Ryan said. "Mrs. Sullivan, rest assured. Lily will never suffer in our house."
The more Francis listened, the more wrong it felt. He couldn't stand it anymore.
He looked at Mia, his face cold. "Mrs. Sullivan, I have no plans to get married right now. My feelings haven't changed. I don't like Lily and won't marry her."
His tone was icy, practically a slap in Mia's face.
Her face darkened, and she frowned. "Francis, what do you mean? Your father came to us last night to discuss your engagement and promised you'd marry Lily."
If it weren't for Ryan's visit, she wouldn't have dared to say this.
Mia thought Francis had changed his mind after seeing Lily's good qualities.
After all, Lily was a bit spoiled, but she wasn't bad.
And Francis was so outstanding, and Lily liked him. It seemed like a perfect match.
So today, she brought Lily to visit Francis.
Ryan's face also changed, and he glared at Francis, trying to calm things down. "Don't get angry. Francis is just confused by his illness."
Then he looked at Francis and scolded, "Apologize to Mia now. Don't disappoint me."
Francis knew this was Ryan's doing behind his back.
He had already made his feelings clear to Mia a few days ago. She shouldn't have come and said this.
But he hadn't expected Ryan to go as far as to propose an engagement on his behalf. He was truly crazy!
Francis's voice was calm but firm. "Mrs. Sullivan, I'm sorry. Miss Sullivan is very nice, but I already have someone in my heart. I won't marry anyone but her."
Hearing this, Mia and Ryan's faces turned extremely ugly.
Francis ignored them and continued, "So, out of responsibility to your daughter, I think it's best to make things clear now."
Mia was furious and finally understood.
This was all Ryan's wishful thinking.
"Mr. Getty, showing up at our place discussing the engagement without your son's input? Are you trying to make us look like chumps?" Mia's tone was sharp, her eyes narrowed in accusation.
Ryan hurried to clarify, "No, I genuinely care for Lily. Why would I pull a stunt like that?"
Mia wouldn't hear any of it. Seeing her daughter dismissed in such a manner was beyond humiliating.
Her gaze turned steely as she addressed Francis, "You're spot on. A Sullivan daughter doesn't beg for scraps or settle."
With a defiant air, she whisked Lily away, not bothering to glance back. Ryan rushed after them, but Mia brushed him off, exiting swiftly in the elevator.
Returning to the hospital room, he seethed with frustration. "Francis! Do you grasp the losses we're staring at if this energy project falls through? You've disgraced the Sullivans for a woman. Seems like you've got your priorities twisted by desire!"
Ryan's words dripped with accusation, his anger palpable. As he finished speaking, Ryan clutched his chest in a mix of rage and distress. For Ryan, the Sullivans represented his chance at redemption.
Francis sneered back, "The Sullivans feel shamed because of you, not me, don't they?"
His gaze icy, Francis continued, "You discussed my engagement without involving me. This fallout was on the cards. You should've seen it coming."