Chapter 185 Can't Afford to Offend
Seb nodded. "Got a social event tonight, so I'll be back late. Don't wait up."
He ruffled Isabella's hair, his eyes full of affection.
Isabella's heart melted. "Okay."
Outside, Emily had been waiting for over ten minutes, lost in thought.
When Seb finally came out, she smiled. "Seb."
"Let's go," he said, walking briskly.
Emily noticed a smile in his eyes she hadn't seen before.
Isabella had the nutritionist prepare some food for the hospital.
When Jack arrived to pick her up, he looked exhausted, having stayed at the hospital all night.
Isabella saw not just physical fatigue but emotional strain in his eyes.
In the car, she asked, "What's wrong? Is Margaret's condition bad?"
Jack shook his head. "No."
"Then what is it?"
After a pause, Jack said, "Ms. Jose seems to really dislike me."
Isabella was speechless. She wanted to scold him. Kelsey had liked him so much before, but he always ignored her for Nancy. Kelsey, being pampered, couldn't like someone who disregarded her feelings.
Jack didn't say more, and neither did Isabella. It was their business, not hers to interfere.
At the hospital, Jack went up with her.
"Isabella," Kelsey called out, looking more mature overnight.
She gave Jack a brief, indifferent glance, as if he were a stranger.
Jack handed her a bag. "I got you some clothes from your family."
Kelsey took it and thanked him coldly, then pulled Isabella to the ward.
"Isabella, please talk to Nina. She hasn't slept, eaten, or drunk anything. If this keeps up, she'll collapse before mom gets better," Kelsey said, worried.
Isabella saw Nina's alarming condition and shook her head. "I know my sister. If Margaret doesn't wake up, she won't eat."
Just like when Isabella had a high fever as a child, Nina stayed by her side without eating or drinking for three days.
Now, the knife Margaret took for Nina might have shattered her heart. Forcing her to eat wouldn't help.
"What do we do then?" Kelsey asked, eyes red with worry.
Everyone had tried to persuade Nina, but nothing worked.
Isabella thought for a moment and then said, "Maybe Mr. Mille can help."
"Richard?" Kelsey asked, skeptical. "What's his deal with Nina?"
"Friends," Isabella replied. She knew Richard liked Nina, but since Nina hadn't admitted it, she kept quiet.
Kelsey was doubtful. "If you can't persuade her, can Mr. Mille really do it?"
Isabella shook her head. She wasn't sure, but had a gut feeling Richard could help.
Richard showed up in the evening. Nina hadn't moved from Margaret's bedside all day.
When Richard entered the ward, his presence was commanding. He walked up to Nina and pulled her up, steadying her when she stumbled.
"Come with me to get something to eat," he said, not giving her a chance to refuse.
Nina tried to resist, but Richard's strength was too much for her. He paused at the door, addressing everyone in the ward. "I'm taking her for a meal. I'll bring her back soon."
Everyone nodded. "Okay." "Go ahead." "It's fine." "We'll stay with mom. Take your time."
Nina had no choice.
Downstairs, Richard chose a quiet restaurant nearby. He pulled out a chair and pressed Nina down into it.
As soon as he let go, Nina stood up. "I don't want to eat. I want to go back."
Richard grabbed her wrist and pressed her down again. "I haven't had dinner yet."
"Then you eat here."
"You eat with me," Richard insisted. "Nina, you know the consequences of refusing me."
Nina froze, recalling the image of Charlie's eye being shot out with an arrow.
Seeing her hesitate, Richard let go and sat across from her, ordering a few dishes.
He handed her a fork. "Eat."
Nina put down the fork. "I'm sorry, Mr. Mille. I really can't eat."
Richard stared at her, but she didn't pick it up again. "You asked me to have a meal with you, so I will. First, you've been kind to me. For such a small request, I have no reason to refuse. Second, I understand who you are and I can't afford to offend you."
Richard was amused. "Since you know you can't afford to offend me, how dare you show me disrespect?"
Nina looked away. "My mom is in the hospital, her life hanging by a thread. I really can't smile. If Mr. Mille doesn't like my attitude, I can leave."
Richard was speechless. He irritably squeezed the fork in his hand. "I understand how you feel, so I'll let it slide this time."
He moved his chair and sat right next to her.
