Chapter 270 Winning the Bid
Lilian almost laughed.
"Considering you've already threatened me with the media, how could I dare not follow through?"
Unable to meet her daughter's gaze, Mrs. Robbins implored, "Honey, don't be mad. Mom... Mom was out of options."
The sight of her mother was almost too much for Lilian to bear. Handing over the ten thousand was the quickest way to get her out of sight.
As Mrs. Robbins' stooped figure shuffled off, Lilian's eyes glinted coldly. She couldn't afford to let such obstacles clutter the path she intended to walk.
That same afternoon, the RH Company had reached a decision on the proposal.
Despite Lilian's efforts to sway the outcome with her connections—connections based on the mistaken belief that she had a close relationship with Darwin, especially after he showed up sitting next to Chelsea—the ensuing scandalous rumors had negated those ties.
When faced with Monsoon Investment's flawless and comprehensive proposal, their choice was clear. With an overwhelming eighty percent of support, Monsoon Investment secured their project.
Roy called Fiona personally.
"Miss Rhoads, I didn't want to bother you in case you were resting these past few days. How are you feeling?" He asked with genuine concern.
Fiona replied with a polite smile, "Nothing serious, Roy. You can rest assured that Monsoon Investment will not disappoint the stakeholders now that RH Company has chosen us."
"I have complete faith in you!" Roy responded sincerely.
"Thank you," Fiona smiled again. "My assistant will bring our team over to RH Company tomorrow to meet with you. I'm still in the hospital for the time being, but rest assured, they're all professionals."
"Of course, please focus on your recovery!"
Roy was about to inquire about Darwin...
But he never actually voiced the question.
Who knew what type of speculations were swirling outside about Darwin's fate?
Heck, there were even underground betting pools fervently wagering on whether he lived or died.
After ending the call, Fiona glanced towards Darwin who was still lost in slumber.
"Looks like Solomon owes me now," she said to Darwin, her tone nonchalant despite the one-sided conversation.
As expected, Darwin didn't respond.
The door swung open and Janna Rhoads entered.
"Fiona, what are you doing here?" Janna questioned as Fiona started to get up.
Janna quickly stepped forward and gently pressed her back down. "Will you just take it easy for once?"
A resigned smile spread across Fiona’s lips, "Really, I'm fine. You don’t need to treat me like I'm made of glass."
Janna took a seat and glanced over at Darwin. "If you're really okay, you shouldn't be camping out at the hospital. What about your project? Don't you need to follow up?"
"The plans are in place, Laura and the team can handle it. If any issues come up, we can iron them out with a virtual meeting," Fiona replied.
"Child, you know what I mean," said Janna, her expression as serious as a heart attack .
Fiona lowered her gaze and after a moment said softly, "Darwin and I... we're inseparable now."
Janna's brow furrowed deeply; she was unable to forget how Darwin had once hurt her precious grandchild.
Why should her darling return to him just because of this incident ?
"I've got people keeping an eye on Solomon," Janna continued, frustration lacing her words. "It’s Darwin's baby after all. Aside from a few restless executives, everyone else is holding the fort just fine. But what do I know? I'm just an old lady who can't fathom the ways of the young anymore." She let out an exasperated sigh. "Let's just wait for him to wake up."
"Okay," Fiona softly replied.
Then, looking at Janna with sincerity, she added, "Thank you, Grandma."
"Once those bruises on your face heal up, come home for a bit and see the kids," Janna said, her once sparkling eyes mysteriously dimmed since that day.
"Sure," Fiona nodded, then opened her arms and hugged Janna, "I'm sorry for causing you so much worry and heartache."
Janna didn't reply, and her gaze slowly lowered as she patted Fiona's back gently.
There were things she wanted to say but held back, not wishing to disturb the moment. It was her job to worry and care for her granddaughter but how much had her granddaughter suffered in the years they were apart? It was all because of her past foolishness.
She still owed Jane a great deal.
Once Darwin was out of danger, Fiona had insisted that Ashton didn't need to stay – her new company's grand opening was demanding her attention.
Despite the demands of her day, Ashton made a point of visiting, no matter how late it was. She'd come just to see Fiona and then go right back. Most of the time, it was just Fiona and Darwin alone together.
There wasn't much Fiona could do but read to Darwin.
When she had first started spending time by Darwin's side, it was hard to tell if his sleep troubles were a consequence of the accident or if the blow dealt by Lilian had been too much to bear. Sleep eluded him, and he had many restless nights. The first time he stayed overnight in her apartment, Fiona was cramming for an exam. Even after they'd been intimate, she endured the physical soreness to focus on her studies.
While Fiona memorized her material, Darwin took a shower. By the time she finished studying and turned around, she found him sound asleep on the bed. A few days later, Darwin turned up with several thick tomes, asking her to read them aloud. That marked the beginning of the improvement in his sleep disorder. Even when she wasn't there, even when the reading stopped, he managed to sleep.
Late one night, after completing a thin volume of healing fairy tales, Fiona checked the time and glanced at Darwin. She stood up, gently turned off the bedside lamp, and tidied up his blankets, whispering, "It's late, so we'll stop here for now. I'll tell you another story tomorrow."
After a brief pause, she squeezed Darwin's hand and tenderly kissed the back of his hand, "Goodnight."
She was about to place his hand back under the covers when, unexpectedly, Darwin's hand faintly squeezed her back. Fiona was startled, and instinctively looked over at Darwin. His dark eyes had opened at some point, and he was just watching her quietly.
"You're awake?" Fiona quickly clutched his hand tighter and moved closer.
Darwin's thumb gently stroked the back of her hand, and he blinked slowly. Overwhelmed with joy; tears began streaming down Fiona’s face as she pressed the call button for the nurse. As they waited for medical staff, they just held hands and shared tearful smiles.
Medical professionals busied themselves into the night, confirming that Darwin's vital signs were stable. They checked if he was truly awake, and if his consciousness was clear.
"You all have worked hard these past few days," Fiona sincerely thanked them as they prepared to leave.
"Miss Rhoads, you're too kind. It's all part of the job," the lead doctor humbly replied.
After the staff had gone, Fiona returned to Darwin's side. His gaze steadfast on her; he then lifted his hand, and she quickly took it, her tears still fresh.
"Looks like you remember me," Fiona said with a tearful chuckle.
Darwin's voice was hoarse and a bit strained, but he forced out one word, a term of endearment, "Wife."
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