Chapter 148

Theo was surprised to see Mabel. He stared at her and asked, "Who told you I was here?"

Mabel looked up, her expression blank, unaware of her mistake.

Theo's voice hardened. "My family is facing a huge scandal because of my drunk-driving accident. They kept it quiet last night; even the reporters didn't know I was in the hospital. How did you find out? How did you know which ward I'm in?" He clenched his jaw. "Explain yourself."

Mabel was taken aback. This wasn't how she'd envisioned their conversation. She'd planned to give him the lunchbox first, hoping it would soften him. Now, her lips quivered. She hesitated, unable to admit she'd hired a private investigator to follow him, fully aware of the consequences. Fear made her tremble.

"If you're too scared to tell me, that's fine. Did you have another reason for coming?" Theo asked, his interest waning. He could easily find out through his assistant. Involving Mabel's family seemed the most direct way to deal with her; she'd only have herself to blame for the bad timing.

Seeing Theo's casual demeanor, Mabel's spirits lifted. She mistook his relaxed attitude for tolerance, believing he held no resentment. She placed the food before him, lowered her head shyly, and whispered, "I just wanted to make sure you're okay. I made this for you."

Looking at her shy demeanor, Theo asked pointedly, "Do you really like me?"

Mabel lowered her head, her shyness evident. "I've liked you for a long time. Before, because you were with my sister, I kept my feelings to myself. Now, I just want to take care of you."

Theo glanced at the lunchbox and opened it. The food was beautifully prepared, but he doubted Mabel had made it herself.

"What do you like about me? When did you start having feelings for me?" he asked, closing the box.

Mabel was startled. After a pause, she answered, "It was love at first sight."

Theo, growing impatient, pressed, "Tell me, what exactly do you like about me?"

Internally, Mabel thought of his influential family and wealth, but she didn't say it. Instead, she answered earnestly, "I fell in love with you for no particular reason. When you dislike someone, reasons matter. But when you genuinely love someone, they seem perfect."

Theo sensed her dishonesty. His patience wearing thin, he massaged his temples and said briskly, "Well, you can go now."

Mabel, hoping to deepen their connection, wasn't ready to leave. "Theo, I really care about you. Please let me stay and look after you. If you agree, I'm willing to do anything," she pleaded.

With gentle eyes, she slowly unbuttoned her blouse, revealing her collarbone. Theo watched, becoming more convinced Mabel couldn't compare to Elyse. He was puzzled by how unappealing she seemed, considering they shared a mother.

"Are you willing to do anything?" he asked, propping his chin on his hand, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

Mabel nodded shyly, believing she'd already committed herself to him. She felt he had complete authority over her. Her cheeks flushed.

"Then call Elyse and ask her to bring some fruit when she visits," Theo suggested casually.

Mabel's gentle facade crumbled. "Elyse is married! Why do you always think of her?"

With a sneer, Theo retorted, "If you're not willing, you can leave."

Biting her lip, Mabel refused to leave. She'd come to show her affection and wouldn't give up. "I know you're fixated on my sister, but it's not love. Even if I called her, she wouldn't return your feelings," she reasoned.

Theo smiled. "I don't need Elyse to return my love. I just need her to bring me a basket of fruit. She owes me that."

Mabel hesitated. "Do you really just want her to buy you some fruit?"

Theo confirmed, "Tell her she owes me that, and she must deliver it herself."

...