Chapter 229 Transaction
After a pretty intense round of emergency treatment, I was finally stable. As they wheeled me out of the ER, Edward rushed over, grabbing my shoulders and looking me over like I was some kind of precious treasure.
"Diana, you were just lying there at the hospital entrance. I was scared out of my mind," he said, his voice all choked up. "I'm gonna make him pay. I swear, I'm gonna kill him for what he did to you!" He was dead serious with every word.
"Edward, you need to stay rational. Even for Diana's sake, you can't just go and kill someone. Besides, her injuries aren't that serious," Aria said coldly from behind him.
"If you can't say anything helpful, just shut up," Edward snapped, not even bothering to look at her.
"Can you come with me to get my hand bandaged? I cut it while making dinner for you, and it really hurts," Aria said, showing a small cut on her finger.
"Go by yourself. I don't have time," Edward replied, his mouth twitching slightly but still not looking at her.
Later, they wheeled me back to a regular room, and Edward sat down beside my bed, gently stroking my bandaged hand. "Diana, don't be afraid. I'll always be here for you. I won't let anyone hurt you again," he said softly.
The doctor who had stitched me up reminded me, "Ma'am, your injuries are just superficial, but the way you were treated was quite severe. Do you need us to call the police?"
I shook my head weakly and replied, "No, I can handle it myself."
The doctor nodded and left the room.
Once we were alone, I couldn't hold it in anymore. "Edward, you have to help me find Lila. It's my fault. She's in danger because of me. I couldn't protect her," I pleaded desperately.
Edward responded, "I've asked around. They were targeting you. Lila just drank the same wine as you. They didn't harm her."
Tears blurred my vision. "Where is she?" I choked out, barely able to speak.
"Her friends took her away. Do you know who they are?" Edward's voice was emotionless.
I trembled as I said the name, "Lanny."
Edward's voice was strained, but I could still hear his anger. "I knew it. Look at your hand, you can't even lift a glass. You're going straight to the Howard Villa. Melissa will take care of you."
Edward's tone left no room for discussion, just making arrangements he thought were best.
"What about me?" Aria suddenly spoke up.
Edward seemed to remember her presence only then, replying coldly, "If you don't want to stay at the Howard Villa, you can leave anytime."
Hearing this, Aria was furious but couldn't find words to argue back. After a long pause, she finally said, "Edward, you can't treat me like this. Have you forgotten? We're the real couple. We're engaged." She waved her ill-fitting ring.
"Enough," Edward snapped, his tone so severe it startled both Aria and me. "Don't think I don't know what you've been up to, using the title of my fiancée."
"I did it all for you, for the company," Aria said, gritting her teeth.
"If you want to stay in the country, I suggest you behave," Edward cut her off again.
"Fine, Edward. If you're so heartless, I have nothing to stay for," Aria said, turning and storming off, her heels echoing down the hallway.
Seeing this, I suddenly remembered what Albert had told me. Edward had known about Aria's reckless behavior all along. Why had he allowed it? I looked at the once-familiar Edward, filled with confusion.
Since my mental state was good, I was discharged after just one day of observation. After confirming with Lila that we were both okay, I went back to the Howard Villa with Edward.
Melissa was the happiest to see me return. She said, "Ms. Cooper, I never thought I'd get to take care of you again after last time at the apartment."
I hugged Melissa tightly and replied, "I've missed you too, especially your seafood soup."
Melissa's eyes welled up with tears, but she smiled. "If you like it, I'll make it for you right now." She wiped her eyes with her sleeve and headed to the kitchen.
While some were happy, others were not. Aria ignored me and slammed her door shut, clearly venting her frustration. But no one here cared about her feelings. Edward seemed busy with work and, after telling me to rest, hurried to his study. I quickly followed him, stopping him from closing the door.
"What do you want?" Edward looked surprised.
"You saved my life last night. Shouldn't I repay you?" I walked past him into the study and sat on the couch.
"How do you plan to repay me?" Edward closed the door and loosened his tie.
Ignoring his question, I continued, "I've heard someone's been using the title of Mrs. Howard to harm the Howard Group's interests."
Hearing this, Edward became alert. "Did David tell you this?"
I smiled slightly. "David was sent back to Ignis by you all. How would he know?"
Edward squinted at me, then seemed to realize something. "Albert told you. He's such a blabbermouth!" Edward's voice was tinged with anger.
"Why can't a smart person like you tell the good from the bad? You have loyal and capable people under you, yet you don't use them. Instead, you trust those who harm the company. At this rate, the Howard Group is in danger," I sighed, walking to the window.
This was Edward's favorite spot to look out from, where he could see the swing set he'd built for Anne.
"What are you trying to say?" Edward's patience was wearing thin, and his tone became harsh.
I turned, leaning lightly against the window frame, arms crossed, a slight smile on my face. "How about we make a deal?"
"What kind of deal?" Edward's eyes showed a hint of interest.
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