Chapter 54
<Chapter>Chapter 54: Spring Blooms </Chapter>
Gianna stood speechless. So, Felix could actually wash up on his own, yet he had her help him last night just to make her the butt of a joke?!
Seeing Gianna's displeased expression, Sophia couldn't resist commenting, "Miss Redstone, is there an issue with Felix that you're concerned about?"
Gianna shook her head, "It's nothing. Go ahead inside. I'm off to work."
"Okay."
After Gianna left, Sophia and Lee entered the villa.
Felix's expression was icy. "What did Gianna want at the door?"
"Miss Redstone was just inquiring about your bathing routine," Sophia replied.
Felix frowned, a cold glint passing through his eyes. "What exactly did you tell her?"
"I told her you normally bathe by yourself."
Sophia sensed the atmosphere turn heavier, predicting trouble.
"Felix, did I say something wrong?"
He responded with a distant lack of interest. "If Gianna asks about me again, just say you're unclear."
"Will do."
He rubbed his temples, feeling the onset of a headache.
Their relationship was already strained. Knowing that she'd uncovered his deception, who knew what drama would ensue?
...
Throughout the day, Gianna was in a bad mood, still upset about Felix's prank from the previous night. And to make matters worse, Aidan unknowingly got caught in the middle by presenting a new contract for her to sign.
After scrutinizing it, Gianna identified several pitfalls and slammed the document down in front of Aidan.
"Aidan, I'm starting to suspect you might be a spy from a rival company. If we sign this contract, believe me, MY FASHION could collapse tomorrow. We might as well go tread on sewing machines instead!"
Aidan's face turned ashen as he glanced over the clauses Gianna had circled.
The contract was handed to him by Wayne. Ever since Gianna had chewed Wayne out, he'd been harboring a vendetta and crafted this deal specifically to persuade her to sign on the dotted line.
Wayne had claimed he only wanted to teach Gianna a lesson and even promised that once she signed, his debt would be wiped clean—that was why Aidan had agreed.
"Gianna, what's the deal? Everyone knows I've bent over backward for this company for years. Sure, the contract has some slips, but there was no ill intent. Why the suspicion?" Aidan protested in disbelief.
Gianna didn't want to cut shareholders so soon, especially after a recent downsizing. But Aidan's recent antics were the last straw—she wasn't going to keep him on board.
"Aidan, need I remind you that your shares were a gift from yours truly?" She spoke straightforwardly.
Aidan stiffened, "What are you implying, Gianna? I may have gotten shares from you, but don't forget the huge favor I did for you!"
Gianna smiled slightly and nodded. "True. But you must realize you're not cut out for running the company. Wouldn't you rather just kick back and enjoy your dividends yearly?"
Aidan's face contorted with fury as he glared at her, "What are you suggesting—that I resign?"
He had worked tirelessly to secure his position on the board, and now Gianna wanted to remove him just like that? He was determined to fight against it with all his might.
"Aidan, your department's performance has always lagged behind the rest of the company. Let’s not make a scene. Step down from the board within three days, and you'll get every penny of your bonuses. Plus, you'll have all the time in the world to live it up."
"You—!" Aidan was livid, practically hopping mad.
She remained composed, eyes locked on him, "Think it over, Aidan. Give me your answer when you're ready."
Aidan returned the glare, cold and simmering with anger. "No need to think. I'm not leaving the board! Even if you are the CEO of MY FASHION, you don't have the power to fire me!"
With that, Aidan stormed out, rage fueling his stride.
Back in his office, seething, he whipped out his phone and dialed Wayne.
"Wayne, when are you free? We need to meet about that proposal you mentioned. I've given it some thought, and it seems like a solid plan!"
After hanging up, a cold glint shone in Aidan's eyes.
‘Gianna, if you want to play it heartless, don't blame me for being ruthless!’
That evening, as Gianna returned to her villa, she found Felix settled in the living room, poring over documents.
Hearing the sound of the door opening, he set aside the papers and turned to Gianna, “Dinner's ready; the housekeeper left it on the table. Let's eat first.”
Gianna sat down opposite him, her expression cold. “Before we discuss dinner, Mr. Clinton, shouldn't you explain why you needed me to bathe you last night when you're perfectly capable of doing it yourself?”
Felix met her gaze with calm assurance. “While I can manage on my own, it's easier when you help, and besides, you are my wife.”
Gianna pressed her lips together and responded calmly. “I won't be helping you bathe anymore!”
Noticing the rosy blush on her ears, Felix smiled and simply said, “All right.”
After dinner, Gianna tidied up the table and washed some fruit to enjoy in the living room while watching TV.
Gianna frowned slightly upon seeing Felix seated beside her. Doesn't he have work to do?
As the TV continued to play in the background, Felix found it rather boring and glanced over to see Gianna absorbed in the show. He couldn't resist asking, “Is it really that interesting?”
“If you don't like it, you can go back to your studies to work or find something else to do.”
Noting Gianna's detached demeanor, Felix was about to respond when the doorbell suddenly chimed.
Gianna stood up to answer it and was surprised to see Mitchell and Raymond at the door, both looking haggard.
“Are you here to see Mr. Clinton?”
The unexpected sight of Gianna seemed to take Mitchell and Raymond by surprise as well. After exchanging glances, Mitchell said with a smile, “Yes, we hope we're not interrupting anything.”
“Not at all. Please come in.”
After ushering them into the living room, Gianna went to make tea.
Both Mitchell and Raymond sat on the couch, visibly worried.
Felix's manner was cold as he spoke, “I'm not dead yet. No need to look so grim.”
Mitchell sighed, “Felix, can your leg really not be healed?”
They had been abroad when the accident happened and had rushed over as soon as they had returned and learned of his condition.
“I don't know, but it doesn’t seem promising. Blake said it was the same spot that was injured before, and it was more serious this time. Standing up again might be impossible.”
Seeing Felix’s composed expression, Mitchell frowned, “I'll look for specialists abroad. There might still be a glimmer of hope.”
Raymond, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up, “Felix, wasn’t it the miraculous Doctor Xinyue who healed your leg before? Maybe we should see if he can take a look?”
Felix pressed his lips together and muttered, "We'll talk about that later."
Felix had never met the mysterious healer known only as New Moon, who had once treated his leg injury. Gender unknown—it was always Gianna liaising with New Moon. Although Gianna had promised to find a way to heal his leg once he was better, Felix hadn't held out much hope.
After a moment of silence, Mitchell blurted out, "Felix, how come you seem less concerned about your leg this time compared to the last injury?"
Felix was about to reply when Gianna approached with two cups of tea. Placing them in front of Mitchell and Raymond, she spoke with a composed detachment, "I'm heading back to my room. Call if you need me."
Once Gianna had left, Felix's expression remained neutral as he revealed, "Ever since the car accident, I had this ominous feeling and mentally prepared myself for the possibility of never standing again."
And he didn't want a divorce from Gianna. If staying in a wheelchair meant keeping her by his side, it didn't seem so terrible after all.
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