CHAPTER 132
You should take care of Charlie in the hospital then. Remember to tell me if you need anything, okay?]
Arianna replied: [Yes, thank you, Grandma.]
She glanced at the old lady's message and felt a warmth in her heart. Among all her elders, Grandma King treated her the best and protected her the most.
If Xander had not publicly called off the engagement two years ago, Grandma King would have been like her own grandmother.
It was such a shame.
Arianna might never have had the opportunity in her lifetime to truly become family with Grandma King.
…
At the villa.
Grandma King read Arianna’s message and felt a certain distance in the formality and politeness.
When Arianna and Xander were still together two years ago, Arianna was never like this—she was often playful. Whether she directed that playfulness at Xander or the old lady, she never gave off a sense of detachment. Everyone had enjoyed it very much.
Since marrying Xander, Arianna treated the old lady with utmost respect and kindness. However, there was always a sense of distance, whether intentional or not.
Deep down, the old lady knew Arianna’s behaviour wasn’t a deliberate snub. It stemmed from the fact that her relationship with Xander was not the same as it once was before they fell out of love.
Loving someone and those around them was especially important to the old lady. Despite her age, she was far from senile and could still perceive things.
The young couple often put on a show of affection in front of her. She played along but wasn’t willing to tolerate the charade any longer!
After pondering her thoughts, she grabbed her phone and dialled Xander's number immediately.
The phone rang several times before he answered with his usual distant tone,
"Grandma."
Grandma King didn't waste time with pleasantries and cut straight to the point, scolding him,
"You rascal! What kind of husband are you? Arianna's brother is seriously ill, and she's been by his side in the hospital for days now. All you care about is work. Is your job more important than your wife? If you can't handle your own family, how can you manage the King Group? You should resign as CEO before you embarrass yourself further!"
Ronald coughed awkwardly on the other end and answered weakly, "Grandma King, it’s me. Mr. King is occupied at the moment."
The old lady became so incensed that she immediately ordered, "Go and tell Xander right now that I want him to immediately go to the hospital and accompany Arianna! Otherwise, this little old lady wouldn’t mind making a comeback and taking over control of the King Group!"
After the call ended, Ronald wasted no time and swiftly entered the office, knocking politely before stepping inside.
Xander was seated on the sofa and engaged in a video call with another person.
Ronald approached, intending to inform Xander about the urgent message from Old Grandma King. However, as he glanced at the woman on the screen, the words he had prepared to deliver to Xander suddenly lodged in his throat...
Ronald hesitated for a moment, considering whether he should retreat and return later. He knew it wasn't a good time to disturb Xander. However, Xander noticed him and frowned slightly, clearly annoyed at the interruption. Despite his irritation, Xander understood Ronald's professionalism and asked in a subdued tone, "What is it?"
Ronald, who had already started to turn away, halted in his tracks and replied cautiously, "Mr. King, your Grandma just called and said…"
He hesitated briefly, glancing involuntarily at the woman on the video call.
Xander caught the hint of hesitation in Ronald's expression and his gaze sharpened. He reached over to close his laptop abruptly and demanded, "Go on."
Ronald's voice took on a more relaxed and casual tone, "The old lady mentioned that Ms. Johnson's brother has been unwell lately. She's been at the hospital with him, but, um, you've been preoccupied with work and haven't been there for her. The old lady wants you to go to the hospital immediately and support Ms Johnson. She's concerned and feels if you don't act, well, she might consider stepping in to oversee the King Group."
Xander's expression remained unreadable as he raised an eyebrow, prompting Ronald to continue without hesitation,
"Otherwise, she's serious about taking back control of the King Group."
After a brief pause, Ronald quickly interjected, “I’m just relaying what Old Madam said!”
The office fell into a heavy silence. Ronald nervously stole a glance at Xander, hoping to gauge his reaction, but Xander’s expression remained impassive. It was impossible to tell if he cared about Arianna’s situation at all.
If Xander brushed off the request and refused to visit the hospital, Grandma King would likely erupt in anger, potentially leading to a drastic change in Ronald’s work environment.
Although Grandma King had been a formidable figure in her prime, age had caught up with her, making it impractical for her to handle such affairs.
As Ronald pondered this, Xander abruptly stood up and walked over to his coat rack. He smoothly donned his suit jacket and strode purposefully towards the door.
Seeing Ronald still in a daze, he asked sharply, “Aren’t we coming?”
The sternness in Xander’s voice jolted Ronald back to reality, and he promptly replied, “Yes, Mr. King!”
With that, they left the office, Ronald trailing behind Xander, who seemed focused and determined to fulfil Grandma King's directive.
