Chapter 546 Even Just Once
Jasper's face went ice-cold in an instant.
He stared at Adeline, his eyes a mix of emotions. "You really think I'm not worth trusting?"
"Yeah," Adeline shot back, meeting his gaze without flinching. Her eyes were clear but filled with a cold determination. "I can't trust someone who throws me into a mental hospital without even hearing me out."
Seeing her icy stare and hearing her harsh words, Jasper felt like his blood was turning to ice.
After a moment, he let out a bitter laugh. "Alright, have it your way."
Jasper gently settled her on the hospital bed and tucked her in with a blanket. "I'll go find a doctor and figure out how to get you back to Radiance Springs."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Adeline lay there, biting her lip as she watched him leave.
She knew she should hate him, despise him even. But seeing the hurt in his eyes when she said she didn't trust him, and watching his lonely figure walk away, made her heart waver.
Was Jasper really as bad as she thought? Did he have his reasons?
Adeline closed her eyes, feeling foolish. Why was she still thinking about his good side, wondering if he had his reasons? Jasper's love and favoritism for Luna were clear as day.
He owed Luna nothing. Plus, he was the president of the Foster Group, owning half of Radiance Springs' assets, and was one of the world's wealthiest. Jasper didn't need Luna's money or status. The only reason he cared for her was probably because he liked her. Why should Adeline make excuses for him?
Half an hour later.
Jasper and some hospital staff carried Adeline out of the hospital.
They had a specially equipped RV ready, kind of like an ambulance. It had all the emergency and medical gear. Besides a big hospital bed and some instruments, there were only two narrow seats. After getting Adeline settled in, Jasper and Ryan squeezed into the narrow seats.
Linda wanted to go back to Radiance Springs with Adeline. She was really worried about her. But there was no room in the RV, so David had to pull her out despite her protests.
The RV started moving.
Jasper sat in the cramped seat, barely able to turn around.
He checked the time and then looked at Adeline. "It's 8 PM now. Try to get some sleep. If everything goes well, we'll be at Emerald Crest Estate by 11 PM. You'll stay there tonight. Dr. Smith's deadline is 8 AM. We'll head to the mental hospital at 5 AM tomorrow to find Evelyn and get her to explain Blake and Lauren's kidnapping. We've got plenty of time."
Adeline nodded and closed her eyes on the hospital bed.
She wasn't really sleepy, just exhausted. If she didn't rest, she felt like she might pass out.
The RV drove smoothly.
Half-asleep, Adeline could hear Ryan and Jasper talking.Ryan piped up, "Mr. Foster, it's way too cramped in here. Why don't you hop out and take the car we came in? One person can handle things here."
Jasper's deep, magnetic voice replied, "I need to stay with her."
Ryan insisted, "Mr. Foster, seriously, it's too tight in here. In all the years I've worked for you, I've never seen you in such a cramped spot. I can take care of Adeline. You should get off."
This time, Jasper stayed silent.
With her eyes closed, Adeline could feel Jasper's gaze on her. It made her uneasy, like she was being watched too closely.
She kept telling herself not to fall for it. How could Jasper be so gentle, so worried about her? If he really cared, he wouldn't have sent her to a mental hospital.
Thinking this, her head grew heavier, and she eventually drifted off to sleep.
In her sleep, she vaguely felt a pair of large hands gently lifting her injured left hand.
Jasper stared at her hand with the missing pinky, his gaze deep and conflicted.
Losing a pinky might not be a big deal for some, but Adeline was a designer. Jasper had seen her countless times using her pinky to press paper while drawing, and for other tasks. Now, she had lost it because of his distrust.
Jasper held her hand and silently closed his eyes.
At 11 PM, the RV stopped at the entrance of Emerald Crest Estate.
Adeline woke up from her dream. Feeling a bit more energetic, she insisted on getting out of bed and walking.
She didn't want the kids to see her looking so ill.
With the help of the servants, Adeline walked into Emerald Crest Estate, only to find it empty. Blake and Lauren were nowhere to be seen, and even Lily was missing.
The sofa was missing Lauren's drawing board, and the coffee table lacked Blake's usual keyboard and mouse.
A bad feeling crept over her. Adeline shook off the servant's support and went upstairs.
The children's room upstairs was also empty. Not only were the kids gone, but their beds and wardrobes were neatly packed!
Adeline felt her mind go blank.
Was she too late? Had Blake and Lauren been sent to that so-called "juvenile correctional facility"?
When Jasper hurried upstairs, Adeline was staring blankly at the empty room.
She turned to look at him, a tear slowly sliding down her cheek.
Under the light, her tear was crystal clear. Adeline gazed at Jasper, her expression complex. "Am I still too late?"
Jasper hadn't even asked her opinion before sending the kids away.
He just wanted to trick her into coming back.
Seeing the anger and hatred in Adeline's eyes, Jasper felt a sharp pain in his heart.
She probably saw him as a villain, just like the kids did.
But everything he did... It was all to protect her and the kids.
Jasper lowered his voice, hoarse. "I didn't send them to the place you think. Adeline, can you trust me even once?"
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