Chapter 175 As Long As You Like It
Paige darted in front of the guy in black, ready to throw a punch, but then her hands got caught in hiswarm hands.
A deep, smooth voice came from behind the mask. "Quit fooling around. We don't have much time. I gotta get back soon. How's Mom? Is it bad?"
Paige yanked her hand away. "Who told you to come? You're screwing up the plan. Are you gonna take responsibility?"
Just as Paige finished talking, she felt an arm wrap around her waist, pulling her close. A faint scent filled her nose, and Paige's attitude softened a bit.
"Leaving the young and beautiful Lily behind to come to the hospital, won't she be mad?" Paige wasn't really jealous, but she couldn't help but say it. As soon as the words left her mouth, they carried a hint of bitterness.
Sure enough, the next moment, the person behind her held her tightly, whispering in her ear, "Is my lady jealous?"
Paige said, "Jealous? No way."
As she spoke, Paige turned around. It seemed like it had been a long time since she had enjoyed such warmth in his embrace.
Almost unconsciously, her hands wrapped around Raymond's waist. Standing like this, Paige felt unfamiliar holding him.
But there was something inexplicably wonderful about it. Before, Raymond was always in a wheelchair, and she had gotten used to it.
Since Raymond stood up in Arcadia, Paige hadn't had much chance to be with him as she was busy returning to Northwind. Then, some things happened, leading to their current situation, where they were seemingly on the verge of divorce.
Paige initially held Raymond's waist lightly, but as she held on, her grip tightened.
Raymond also felt Paige's longing and held her even tighter. "We need to speed things up. If we keep dragging this out, the public will hear about our divorce before they even know we're married."
Paige replied, "Why the rush? I'm not ready yet. We need to coordinate everything before we act."
As she spoke, Paige looked up at Raymond.
Raymond was still wearing a mask, with the brim of his hat pulled low, revealing only his eyes.
Paige couldn't help but laugh. "You look like a thief. As soon as you got close to the VIP ward area, my people noticed you. If I hadn't diverted them, you would've been caught by now."
Raymond stated, "I couldn't just walk in openly. I still need to use the wheelchair for a few more days to give Louis some time to relax."
Paige said, "Go see Mom."
Since returning to Northwind, Raymond hadn't had a chance to see Luna.
Luna was sleeping now, and it was uncertain if she would wake up to see Raymond. She hadn't seen him yet.
Raymond took off his hat and mask, tidied his hair flattened by the hat, and then entered the adjacent ward.
Luna was still sleeping soundly in the hospital bed, with various monitors tracking her vital signs.
Raymond walked up to take a look. She looked much the same as when he had seen her before going abroad.
But Raymond knew that Luna had woken up after receiving the antidote. He had hoped her condition would improve day by day. However, he hadn't been able to visit her, and her condition had worsened again.
Raymond asked, "Need me to bring in some other specialists?"
Raymond felt pretty useless. He couldn't even stay by her side to take care of her, which made him feel guilty.
He loved Paige, and he should also be responsible for Luna.
Paige shook her head. "I already have the best specialists with me. What Mom needs now is advanced equipment to check her condition. I've looked into the hospital's facilities; they're top-notch."
Raymond nodded but then asked curiously, "Why this hospital?"
Paige answered, "The Smith family invested in it."
Raymond immediately recalled seeing Amelia and Frederick at the club that afternoon.
It seemed that recently, Amelia and Frederick had been getting along well with Louis.
"You and the Smith family?" Raymond's voice trailed off, full of confusion.
He didn't remember Paige having any dealings with the Smith family before and wondered what had happened for Paige to trust them suddenly.
Paige spread her hands. "It's rare to find someone so smart in Northwind. As soon as you and Lily went to the club, Amelia chose to join me. Raymond, how about it? Are you willing to admit defeat when it comes to charm and personality?"
Raymond understood. By taking Lily to the club, he had inadvertently shown the Smith family everything. They chose to cooperate with Paige.
This move not only allied them with the powerful Carnegie family but also with the Universe Group.
The Smith family had a keen sense, unlike others who lacked such insight. They immediately sided with Paige. It was a very smart choice, even smarter than choosing Louis or Raymond.
Raymond nodded. "The Smith family, I'll remember that."
Paige smiled. "You never took them seriously before?"
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Raymond hadn't thought much of the emerging Smith family in the past.
That day, Amelia had even drugged Louis, and such tactics had deepened Raymond's disdain for them.
Later, he learned that the drugging wasn't solely Amelia's idea. Raymond had no further opinions about the Smith family.
Seeing their proactive actions now, he felt quite impressed. "Even if the Smith family is smart, you accepted their allegiance?"
Paige answered, "Why reject such a smart family? Besides, their funds and projects are solid. I like working with smart people; it saves a lot of hassle. Northwind's about to change big time. Instead of dealing with some arrogant family, it's easier to team up with the Smiths."
Moreover, Amelia was very sensible, a beautiful and smart woman, Paige liked that.
Raymond understood that the Smith family was seeking an opportunity. If they could follow Paige and elevate their status, they would definitely cooperate sincerely.
On the other hand, the long-established families in Northwind were quite troublesome.
Raymond said, "As long as you like it, it's fine. Whoever you choose is good. I can't come over tomorrow to be with you and Mom. Let her know I came to see her."
Paige nodded. "It's getting late, and you can't stay away for long. You should head back."
Reluctantly, Raymond pulled Paige into his arms one more time before leaving, kissing her deeply.
