Chapter 316 Donovan Agreed
They hung out with Hollis in the hospital room for a bit longer. Hollis, not really feeling a connection with Catherine, saw her as just a way to get closer to Donovan. Now that Donovan was there, she was getting kinda antsy as the older folks kept hanging around, even though she tried to keep a friendly face.
"Hollis, you're banged up pretty bad. Just chill in bed for the next few days and let Donovan handle stuff." Catherine sat by the bed, gently touching Hollis's arm in a cast, looking all worried.
Hollis half-lay there, having heard enough of her concern. She forced a smile and said, "Got it, thanks for worrying, Auntie. I'll be careful, but..."
As she spoke, she glanced intentionally at Donovan standing by the door, then pulled her lips into a hurt expression. "It's already great that Donovan is here with me. I can't trouble him any further."
Hearing this, Catherine turned to look at Donovan, seeing him standing so far away, her expression full of reproach. She remarked, "Why are you standing there? Hollis is a girl, it's natural for her to feel a bit embarrassed. You should take care of her in the hospital these next few days, pay more attention to her. If she feels too shy to ask for something, you should take the initiative to help."
Donovan frowned slightly, not responding immediately. Seeing this, Hollis pretended to be hurt and quickly defended Donovan, "Auntie, Donovan is so busy with work. He should rest during his rare off-hours. Please don't make it hard for him. I don't need him to take care of me; I can manage on my own."
Catherine's expression softened, touched by Hollis's thoughtfulness and consideration.
Hollis seemed uncomfortable lying down and tried to prop herself up with her hand, forgetting that one arm was in a cast. As soon as she touched the bed, she winced in pain.
"Hollis, be careful!" Alice, seeing this, quickly went over to help, her face full of both concern and mild reproach.
Hollis flashed a reassuring smile at her mother. "Mom, I'm fine. It's just a bit awkward. You see, I could actually sit up with one hand just now; it's just that I'm not used to it yet."
After speaking, she touched her arm in the cast with a hint of melancholy, while her peripheral vision discreetly stayed on Catherine.
Catherine, already moved by her thoughtfulness, felt even more guilty and concerned seeing how inconvenient things were for her now that she was injured. "Don't stress yourself in front of me. Let Donovan take care of you these next few days. He already agreed, so you don't need to feel bad. You'll be bored lying in the hospital anyway. I'll come to keep you company when I'm free," she offered.
Hollis looked surprised and shyly glanced at Donovan.
Donovan, well acquainted with his mother's determined nature, understood that she would demand he stay to look after Hollis no matter what. Not wanting to waste time, he agreed in a deep voice, "Work isn't too demanding at the moment. I can stay and take care of you. Besides, you got injured saving my mom, so it's only fitting that I show my gratitude."
Catherine nodded in satisfaction. "See, Donovan said it himself. Don't refuse anymore."
Hollis smiled warmly, "In that case, I'll gladly accept your help."
Though she said this, she secretly bit her lip in frustration. Donovan's words, while promising to take care of her, clearly emphasized that he was staying only because she saved Catherine, having nothing to do with her personally!
'Does he really want nothing to do with me?' Hollis mocked silently.
