Chapter 603 What If She Encountered Danger
"Benjamin," Isabella's voice was weak and feeble as she called out to him. She tried to sit up but appeared to be in pain. "I think I ate something bad. My stomach hurts a bit, so I probably can't go for the inspection."
Benjamin's brow furrowed as he asked, "Is it serious? Do you need to go to the hospital?"
"No." Isabella shook her head, and replied, "I think I just drank some cold water this morning. I should be fine after some rest."
Benjamin asked, "Are you sure?"
"Yes." She glanced at his face, testing the waters. Isabella asked, "Benjamin, could you stay with me? I'm a bit scared to be alone in the hotel."
Benjamin's deep gaze fell on her face. Her apparent fragility was like a delicate flower, evoking a sense of protectiveness.
After a moment's thought, he took out his phone.
Benjamin stated, "Today is the first day of the mountain inspection, and Mr. Thompson is personally attending. It's not appropriate for me to miss it. I'll have a colleague from the company stay with you."
Isabella wanted to refuse, but Benjamin had already made the call. From the voice on the other end, it seemed to be a female colleague. He gave concise instructions and hung up.
She was faking her stomach ache and didn’t need anyone else but him to stay.
Benjamin didn't notice these details. After making the call, he started packing his laptop, saying, "Someone will be here to accompany you soon. Stay in the room and rest well. Don't go anywhere."
Isabella called out to him, pitifully, "Benjamin..."
Benjamin said, "The front desk should have some medicine. I'll check for you."
He glanced at his watch, not noticing Isabella's expression. He made simple arrangements.
Benjamin added, "If you don't get better, have someone drive you back to the city to see a doctor."
After finishing, he looked at Isabella, who seemed stunned and hadn't reacted yet.
Benjamin said, "Mr. Thompson is waiting for me. Rest well."
Only after Benjamin's tall figure left and the door closed did Isabella come to her senses, feeling a throbbing vein on her forehead.
Had she just shot herself in the foot?
She had wanted to spend time alone with Benjamin, but now she was left to rest alone.
Not long after, everyone gathered at the hotel entrance. Benjamin and Mr. Thompson had just arrived when Sarah hurried out, looking apologetic.
Sarah apologized, "I'm sorry, Mr. Thompson, Benjamin. My child delayed me, so I'm late."
Mr. Thompson waved his hand, and said, "No worries. We just arrived."
Mr. Thompson suggested, "Shall we head off then?" He smiled and got into the car with his secretary.
Benjamin remained standing, his gaze passing over Sarah's face. He said, "Your child is so young. Are you comfortable leaving him alone in the hotel?"
Sarah handed her briefcase to James, signaling him to get in the car, then turned back, pursing her lips. She replied, "Thank you for your concern, Benjamin. Ethan didn't want to come, and I can't force him."
She was genuinely helpless, raising a hand to rub her forehead. Sarah mentioned, "I've arranged for someone to stay with him. He'll be fine."
Benjamin raised an eyebrow and got into the car. Sarah tightened her coat and also got into the company car.
The car bumped along the winding mountain road. The scenery outside looked quite pleasant, with the expansive terrain lifting spirits along the way. The rough mountain road continued, offering beautiful scenery outside. The open landscape boosted everyone's mood.
The car stopped in front of a pine forest.
Mr. Thompson was the first to step out, eyeing the expansive forest with keen interest. He recalled, "This forest has been here for many years. When I first saw it, the trees were only half as thick as they are now."
Benjamin and Sarah walked up behind him, with staff from both companies taking photos and making notes.
Sarah asked in awe, "Mr. Thompson, you started paying attention to Pine Mountain early on?"
Sarah was equally impressed by the view and added, "It's rare to see such a large forest in an industrialized area."
"Yes," Mr. Thompson nodded. "This is a treasure trove."
Benjamin listened quietly, glancing at Sarah. The sunlight bathed her face in a warm golden glow, accentuating her features and a strand of hair that danced in the light.
Sarah, engrossed in conversation with Mr. Thompson, didn't notice his gaze. However, Mr. Thompson's significant glance at them only widened his smile.
Mr. Thompson remarked, "Sarah, Benjamin is an excellent young man, talented and promising—a great match."
Mr. Thompson didn't know about Benjamin and Isabella's engagement, but his secretary, overhearing, looked like he wanted to say something but didn't.
Sarah, focused on the photos in her hand, didn't catch what he said. "What did you say?" she asked.
"I said, every season, this forest grows many fresh mushrooms—big and nutritious. You can't buy them in the city."
Thompson, interpreting her silence as shyness, shared a knowing look with Benjamin and chuckled, leading the team to another spot.
Sarah watched Thompson and the staff's backs, feeling something odd about his words. But she refocused on the mushrooms Thompson mentioned. Pine forests do grow mushrooms.
Her kids loved mushrooms, but they had never tasted freshly picked ones from the forest. She decided to pick some to take back for them.
The group inspected the mountain until sunset, leaving everyone satisfied and more confident about the Pine Mountain project.
Passing by the forest Thompson mentioned, Sarah got excited. She looked up, seeing Thompson and Benjamin deep in discussion about the terrain. She couldn't interrupt.
With the main work wrapped up, she had the chance to wander through the forest. If she stumbled upon any mushrooms, she could gather a few to bring home.
Though chatting with Thompson, Benjamin kept an eye on Sarah. Seeing her take an eco-bag from a colleague and head into the forest, he wondered what she was up to.
What if she encountered danger alone in the forest?
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