Chapter 272 How Will You Thank Me?
"Didn't you say you wanted to thank me? Then come with me somewhere later," Gabriel said.
"Sure thing," Jessica replied without a second thought.
He'd done so much for her; she'd go anywhere he asked.
"Aren't you curious where we're going?" he teased.
"I trust you," Jessica said.
Hearing this, Gabriel's mood lifted a bit. "Meet me at the hospital after work. I'll have Oscar pick you up."
"Okay, but I might be working late today," Jessica said.
After work, Oscar was there as soon as Jessica stepped out of her department. "Ms. Morgan, the car's outside. Mr. Walton's been waiting for you."
"Alright." She nodded and followed Oscar to the car.
"Oscar, did Gabriel tell you where we're headed?" Jessica asked on the way.
"He gave me an address, but I don't know the details," Oscar replied.
Getting into the car, Jessica was surprised to see Gabriel in the back seat, eyes closed, resting.
He looked completely wiped out.
"Are you feeling okay?" Jessica asked.
Gabriel kept his eyes closed, not responding, like he was asleep.
Oscar quickly explained, "Ms. Morgan, Mr. Walton's been pulling all-nighters at the company, working until two or three in the morning. He's exhausted and probably fell asleep."
"Why's he so busy?" Jessica asked, frowning.
'He's even busier than I am. And he's still injured. If he can't get proper rest, how's he supposed to recover?' Jessica thought.
"A few days ago, Mr. Walton was hospitalized and missed some work. Since coming back, he's been working overtime like crazy to catch up," Oscar explained.
"But he can't keep this up! Doesn't he care about his health?" Jessica was both heartbroken and angry. "Didn't you try to talk him out of it?"
Oscar felt pretty helpless. Of course, he'd tried to talk him out of it.
He'd practically turned into a nagging machine these past few days, constantly reminding him, but Mr. Walton just wouldn't listen. He was at his wit's end.
"Ms. Morgan, you're being unfair. I'm constantly telling her to take it easy and get some rest, but you know how stubborn Mr. Walton is. I can't persuade him. And the only person who can isn't around, so Mr. Walton..."
Jessica got the gist without Oscar finishing.
Outside, the neon lights flashed, and the streets were bustling. Jessica propped her arm on the window, watching the scenery.
Eventually, her gaze fell back on Gabriel.
He looked utterly drained, his face full of weariness. Even his skin seemed a bit dull.
The most noticeable thing was the faint stubble on his chin.
He was someone who always paid great attention to his personal image and hygiene. Normally, he'd shave his beard clean and not leave any stubble.
But now, he looked terrible. The more she looked, the more Jessica's heart ached.
To say she wasn't worried would be a lie, a lie that couldn't fool even her own heart
Retracting her gaze, Jessica looked at Oscar and instructed, "If he ever gets like this again, let me know."
"Okay, Ms. Morgan," Oscar said with relief.
This was the outcome Oscar'd been hoping for, and it was exactly what Gabriel would be most pleased to see.
After about ten minutes, the car pulled up at the entrance of a narrow alley.
"Are we here?" Jessica asked.
Oscar nodded. "Yep, this is the address Mr. Walton gave me."
"Alright, let's wait till he wakes up before heading in," Jessica said.
Another ten minutes passed, and Gabriel slowly woke up, opening his eyes.
Seeing Jessica's familiar face, the seriousness on his face almost vanished.
"You're awake?" Jessica noticed and asked softly. "How do you feel? Does your head hurt after resting a bit?"
Gabriel stretched his neck and glanced out the window. "Are we here?"
"Yeah," Jessica replied.
Gabriel opened the door and got out first. Jessica followed him.
"Ready to go?" Gabriel asked, eyeing the winding alley ahead and then turning to Jessica.
"Yeah," she answered firmly.
But as they walked into the alley, Jessica realized it was a whole different scene inside.
The further they went, the wider the alley became, and the scenery was stunning, like a beautiful outdoor garden.
Various flowers were in full bloom, their fragrance wafting in the breeze.
"So beautiful!" Jessica couldn't help but exclaim.
"Look to the right," Gabriel said.
Jessica followed his gaze. To the right was a standalone garden-style villa.
The entrance was filled with blooming flowers, and the exquisite decoration style was eye-catching.
"Let's go," Gabriel said, leading the way.
Jessica quickly followed.
A waiter led them into a private room, decorated in a classical style, full of rich traditional charm.
Not just the decorations, but even the plants and all visible items in the room had a strong sense of antiquity.
At that moment, a waiter came in and handed the menu to Gabriel.
Gabriel looked at Jessica, saying, "Let her order."
"Okay," the waiter responded and handed the menu to Jessica.
The menu was exquisitely made, and Jessica ordered some of his favorite dishes.
To be honest, she was still in a daze.
He had helped her so much, and she naturally wanted to thank him. He'd brought her here, but he hadn't spoken a word the entire time.
Jessica didn't even know what he wanted to do. How could she not be anxious?
Gabriel stood by the window, his posture straight, looking at the small garden below with a calm expression, making it impossible to read his thoughts.
Thinking of what Oscar had said in the car, Jessica felt a pang in her heart.
She walked forward lightly. "How's your wound healing?"
Gabriel continued to look out the window, not saying a word.
"Does it still hurt?" she asked again.
Still no response.
Just when Jessica thought he wouldn't answer, Gabriel suddenly turned around sharply, grabbing her arms with both hands and pinning her slender body against the window with a force like a storm.
He moved fast and unexpectedly. By the time Jessica reacted, half of her body was already exposed outside the window.
Gabriel looked at her, his eyes red, his voice hoarse and rough. "Jessica, are you seriously asking me? Or are you just asking casually? Do you really care about me? Care if I'm in pain or not? Or do you feel obligated to ask because you owe me?"
