Chapter 480 I Don't Understand What You Mean
Calvin was about to leave when Steven snapped to attention and grabbed his hand. "What's up? You don’t care about the bone marrow? Are you not going to save the kid?"
Annoyed, Calvin shook off Steven's grasp.
He had been working for Darwin for years and had never made such a blatant mistake.
Yet, this was the most crucial matter for Darwin.
"I don't know, just wait for news!" And with that, Calvin turned to leave.
Seeing this, Steven followed and said, "How about this, tell them I'll take less - fifty million. That's not a lot for them as a couple, right?"
Calvin ignored him and continued to trail behind Darwin and Fiona.
Before getting into the elevator, he made sure to have someone keep an eye on Steven.
As long as Darwin hadn't explicitly stated he no longer needed Steven's marrow, the guy still had value.
"Damn, so rich yet so stingy."
Right before the elevator doors closed, Calvin faintly overheard Steven cursing out loud.
His expression grew dark.
Even if it wasn't for Darwin’s business, considering the trouble Steven caused him, Calvin wasn't going to let this slide after all was done.
Moments later, in the car, Calvin stood outside and relayed Steven's new offer to Fiona and Darwin.
Darwin looked at Fiona.
"It's not about the money," Fiona said gravely, looking back at Darwin.
From the beginning, Darwin knew why she would react this way.
"It doesn't concern me," Darwin said calmly.
"You can say it doesn't, but Solomon's share prices and the Rhoads family's are tied together." Fiona averted her gaze." Your background must never go public."
Darwin paused for a moment, taking in her words.
"What's more important than a bone marrow transplant for Charles?" Darwin's face darkened.
"Does it make a difference?" Fiona looked toward Darwin. "If he cooperates well, there are ways to work with him. If not, there are other fewer savory methods. Am I supposed to be manipulated by a guy like this?"
Darwin remained silent.
Fiona pulled out her phone and dialed a number.
"Come over and take someone to the hospital."
After hanging up, Fiona and Darwin went home together.
Before getting out of the car, Darwin, who had been quiet the whole drive, finally broke the silence. "I'll take care of the rest. You stay with Charles."
"You stay with Charles. I'll go." Fiona shook her head.
Darwin looked at her.
Fiona paused for a moment. "After all, he really is your brother. Some things are better if I handle them."
After uttering those words, Fiona moved toward the door, preparing to exit the room.
Darwin grabbed her wrist, pulling her back.
"What are you doing?"
Fiona stared at Darwin in surprise.
"Fiona, I really can't figure you out." Darwin frowned. "Do you care about me or not?"
Fiona's frown mirrored his.
"Darwin, isn't there a time and place for temper tantrums? Is now really the time to discuss this?" she said, trying to break free from his grasp. "I have a lot to arrange, and you..."
"Is it for my reputation, or for the stock prices of both companies?" Darwin didn't let go, looking intently at Fiona.
After their reunion, Darwin's eyes showed much more emotion than before.
In the past, his gaze had been cold, aloof, and dominating.
However, now, when Darwin looked at her, his eyes could show hurt, confusion, and joy...
"You stay silent the whole ride just for this?" Fiona was exasperated.
"Shouldn't I?"
"The stock prices are important, and so is your reputation," Fiona honestly replied. "Charles and the rest of Chicago will grow up. If the scandal about their father's identity gets out, it could affect them too."
"Are you afraid I'll embarrass Charles and the city?" Darwin asked in a murmur, revealing a hint of grievance.
"You know that's not what I mean," Fiona responded helplessly.
"I don't know. Tell me what you mean," Darwin said, looking at her with an inexplicably spoiled demeanor.
Fiona, helpless, lowered her eyes.
"I also don't want this issue to be used to attack you. Okay?"
Hearing the answer he was hoping for, Darwin felt content.
The tension from the entire ride dissipated.
"That's more like it."
"I want to get the bone marrow transplant done as soon as possible, to avoid any complications. Can you let go of me now?"
"Absolutely!"
Darwin's hand, following Fiona's wrist, took hers, gently squeezed it, and then released.
They had just gotten out of the car when they spotted Chicago, coming back from the neighborhood park with Jessie in tow.
"Mommy!"
Chicago waved excitedly.
"Did you have fun at the park?" Fiona reached out to Chicago.
Chicago handed the leash to Wendy and bounced over to Fiona.
Without a second thought, Fiona scooped her up, unconcerned by the sweat that covered Chicago from her play, her body warm and sticky.
"Next time, Chicago, try running to me. Not only can I lift you up, I can throw you in the air," Darwin said sincerely, standing to the side.
Chicago seemed tempted by the idea but, after a moment's thought, she wrapped her arms around Fiona's neck and shook her head vigorously. "I want mommy to hold me!"
Darwin was left speechless.
It looked like the road to becoming a favored father was still long and arduous.
"Did you guys sneak out for some tasty food without me?" Chicago suddenly asked Darwin.
"How did you know?" Fiona asked, laughing as she playfully patted Chicago's behind.
"The godmother went out with my godfather this morning to have something delicious. They were so naughty, even sent Wendy pictures and videos just to tease me."
Fiona burst into laughter, and then Chicago also started to feel overheated.
She wriggled down and ran back to Jessie, craning her neck to look up at the second-story window.
"Charles!" When she saw Charles, she immediately waved.
Jessie too barked excitedly at Charles and wagged her tail furiously, even performing a spin on her hind legs for him.
Observing this scene, Fiona felt a sense of relief as her morning irritation seemed to dissipate by half.
"I'm going inside," she told Darwin and headed straight home, climbing up to the second floor.
As soon as she reached the top, she could hear Charles's laughter, and for some reason, Fiona felt an aching in her heart. If Charles were healthy enough, he could be outside playing with Chicago and Jessie, rather than separated by such a distance, by a pane of glass.
"Mommy."
Charles turned around, saw Fiona, and called out to her.
Fiona walked over with a tender smile.
"Sweetheart, I have some important things to take care of in the next few days." Fiona crouched down in front of Charles, caressed his cheek, and said with a warm smile, "If all goes well, you'll be able to have the transplant surgery very soon."