Chapter 79

Richard's expression was anxious, and instinctively, I asked, "What's going on?" Just as Ethan exited the car, Richard, noticing a stranger, hesitated. After a brief pause, he said, "Mrs. Parker, you should check on Mr. Parker. He really needs you." He then quickly left, leaving me frozen.

"Hayden needs met? What a joke," I thought. "What he needs is Joanna." But Richard's panic unsettled me.

As I headed upstairs, Rita, waiting by the door, rushed over, urgently pulling my arm. "Mr. Parker won't let any of us in!"

"Did he even lock the door?" I asked, twisting the doorknob. I couldn't believe Hayden's childish behavior. Rita explained, "Mr. Parker came back looking terrible. I called a doctor, but he got angry and kicked everyone out. Mrs. Parker, what are we going to do?"

Then it hit me: Hayden was injured. His abdominal wound, though stitched, needed time to heal; infection risked a high fever. Rita's description, combined with Richard's worry, confirmed my suspicions. Sighing, I said, "Go get the spare key."

Rita hesitated, then retrieved the key. I opened the door to a pitch-black room. "You all stay out here," I told the servants. "I'll check on him first."

They paused, murmuring, "Scare Mr. Parker? Is he really that easily frightened?" Before they could react, I slammed the door.

As I reached for the door again, Hayden shouted, "Who let you in? Get out!" My heart leaped, but I flipped on the light switch. "Well, you sound energetic," I muttered, "Doesn't seem like you're dying."

I'd once told him to leave his room. Now, I couldn't even enter. My immediate regret followed. Hayden lay against the headboard, his face pale, the stubble on his chin highlighting his vulnerability.

"Are you hoping I die?" he croaked, his cold eyes fixed on mine. "What good would it do me?" I retorted, irritated. He overestimated his importance. I no longer loved him, but I didn't wish him dead. Curing someone was exhausting, and I lacked the strength.

"If we divorce, you won't get the Parker Group. If I die, you can take my wealth," he replied.

"Cut it out," I sneered. "You have a brother. The Parker Group isn't yours to give, and if it's not yours, it's his. What does that have to do with me?"

From the moment I married into the Parker family, I never craved their corporation. When I loved him madly, such thoughts never crossed my mind. Only after waking up did I realize love was fleeting; money provided security. But that money, I'd earn it myself.

I walked to Hayden's bed, reaching for his shirt. It wasn't obligation; I simply couldn't bear seeing him barely clinging to life. I expected resistance, but he remained still, too exhausted to fight. That suited me.

As I tugged at his shirt, the dressing was soaked with blood. The wound had reopened. "I'll see if it needs stitching," I said, fetching the first-aid kit and removing the bandages. I was careful, focused, silent. Hayden's gaze, however, grew increasingly puzzled.

Earlier, at the office, his wound had already been hurting. Joanna had been there, crying, too terrified to even touch it. But now… Yvonne was before him. Unafraid, she skillfully tended his wound. "When did you learn to do this?" Hayden asked.

Unthinking, I answered, "I've seen it done so many times." I'd watched the nurses abroad. It wasn't difficult, just requiring a steady hand and courage.

"Where did you see this?" he pressed. I froze, realizing my slip. Panicked, I lied, "On TV."

Hayden didn't push further. He assumed I was incapable of learning wound care. Resentment sparked, and I purposely pressed on his injury.

"Hissss!" Hayden hissed, sharply inhaling. He was resilient; normally, even a stabbing wouldn't elicit a sound. But this time, he reacted.

I didn't look up, coldly saying, "Sorry, I was a little rough." Hayden didn't speak, but his glare was intense. Thankfully, eyes couldn't kill. I thought, if not for me, he'd be with Joanna. If he wanted to kill me, it was understandable.

As I finished bandaging, I heard Deborah outside. "Hayden! What's going on? Let me in." Her soothing voice sparked envy.

My grandfather had once spoken to me like that before he passed away. Lost in thought, Hayden suddenly pulled me towards him. Before I could react, I was in his arms. I was about to rebuke him when I heard the door unlocking.

"Shit," I thought. Deborah had also found a key. Rita must have been unable to handle Hayden, so she sent for Deborah. The door swung open, revealing me, disheveled and half-clad, in Hayden's arms. My reputation was ruined.