Chapter 190 The Girl Who Makes People Feel Sorry
The next day, Edward was still dealing with a tough issue when he heard Eric had been in a car accident. He dropped everything and rushed to the hospital, worried sick.
In the VIP ward, Eric lay stiff on the bed, wearing a back and neck brace, eating apple slices his secretary was feeding him. Edward walked in, frowning at the sight.
The secretary quickly stepped aside, bowed to Edward, and left to give them space.
"Here to visit or annoy me? If I could move, would I be like this?" Eric winced in pain, sweat on his forehead.
"Stop moving and rest," Edward said coldly, but he quickly helped Eric lie flat.
"Edward, if I end up paralyzed, will you push my wheelchair?" Eric asked pitifully.
"You have so many girlfriends. That won't fall to me," Edward said indifferently. "Even if only your mouth works, women will still flock to you."
"True, my charm is undeniable," Eric agreed.
"How did this happen?" Edward asked, frowning.
"Ask Molly," Eric said, thinking of Molly's panicked figure. "I'm here because of her! She should be the one pushing my wheelchair for life!"
"Eric, explain. What does this have to do with Molly?" Edward's face darkened.
"Last night at your banquet, Molly sneaked in but was stopped outside. If I hadn't seen her, who knows what those security guards would have done!"
"Molly came last night?" Edward was surprised as he thought, 'That explains why Eric suddenly called me to clean up the mess.'
"I got her a change of clothes," Eric added.
"You what?" Edward's voice rose, fists clenching.
"Don't misunderstand! My secretary changed her clothes. I didn't touch her!" Eric quickly explained. "Then I took her to the banquet hall to see Ada, but she freaked out and ran away. I followed her because I was worried. She almost got hit crossing the street! I saved her but hurt my back."
"And Molly? Is she hurt?" Edward asked, concerned.
"Probably not. I was in so much pain I couldn't stand, and she just got up and disappeared without helping me!" Eric said, still feeling aggrieved.
"Eric, I've warned you before, don't harm Molly," Edward's face darkened. "What happened at Bryon's birthday party was an accident. Molly is not someone you should have inappropriate thoughts about."
"I was protecting her, and you scold me instead of thanking me?!" Eric, unable to move, stretched his neck to argue, looking ridiculous.
"Who told you to bring her to the banquet hall, change her clothes, and put her in front of strangers?" Edward said.
"What do you mean?" Eric asked, confused.
"Molly has severe social anxiety and autism. She's terrified of strangers and social situations," Edward said, thinking of Molly's usual timid demeanor, feeling a pang of sorrow.
"Autism?" Eric was stunned, feeling a sharp pain in his heart, his fingers clenching tightly.
Eric thought, 'No wonder Molly acts a bit off. At twenty-two, she should get it, but she still seems like an innocent kid. That's why Tiffany keeps her home, away from people.'
"When you did all that for her, did you ever ask her opinion? Did you consider her feelings?" Edward sighed, feeling a dull ache in his heart. "Molly just wants a peaceful life. Don't complicate things for her. You'll only hurt her."
Eric was silent for a long time, then asked hoarsely, "Can her condition be cured?"
Edward shook his head. "If it could, would she still be like this?"
Eric's expression turned blank, thinking of Molly's pale, frightened face from last night, his heart aching.
Just then, Edward's phone rang. It was Patrick.
Edward frowned, hesitated, then answered, "Patrick."
"Come to the Wellington Group immediately. I'm waiting in the office," Patrick said and hung up.
Edward stared at the darkened screen, a cold, mocking smile forming on his lips.
'Are we really father and son? Sometimes I wish there were no pretense of family ties, so I wouldn't have to hate Patrick so much,' Edward thought.
At the Wellington Group, Chairman's Office.
David Garcia opened the door, respectfully leading Edward inside.
Edward was taken aback to see Patrick behind the desk and Debra there too.
Edward's eyes darkened, sensing something was up.
"Edward," Debra called sweetly, smiling brightly, pretending to be affectionate.
'Anyone who doesn't know better would think we have a deep bond,' Edward thought.
He nodded expressionlessly, never having a good face for Debra.
"Edward, Debra told me about what happened at the hotel last night, including Ada being taken away by the Taylor family. I've also seen today's trending topics on Twitter," Patrick said, leaning forward, fingers interlaced on the desk. "The public's opinion of the Wellington family's hotel is very negative now. How do you plan to handle it?"
"The PR and public opinion departments have been working overnight. Before sunset, all negative news will be removed from Twitter and other platforms," Edward said in a low tone, eyes devoid of emotion.
"But no matter how cleanly you delete it, the damage is done. Last night's incident has probably spread in the circles, and honestly, it's a bit embarrassing," Debra said, her expression concerned but with a hint of mockery.
Patrick's jaw tightened at her words.
"Every event has both positive and negative aspects. The business world is a game of give and take. As long as the Wellington family comes out on top, these doubts will disappear and be forgotten," Edward said, glancing coldly at Debra. "In business, you shouldn't focus only on temporary gains and losses. You need long-term vision, or you might lose more than you gain."
Debra, feeling the sting of his sarcasm, bit her lip in anger.
Suddenly, urgent knocking sounded, and the secretary hurried in.
"Mr. Wellington, you need to see this!"
The secretary quickly handed the phone to Patrick. As he looked at it, his face flushed with anger. "Turn on the TV! Switch to the news channel immediately!"
