The nurse left after making sure everything was under control.

From outside the door, Leo’s voice echoed, “Mr. Alvarez, your hand injury can’t wait any longer. You need to get it treated immediately, or it may get worse.”

Celine looked up and saw Adam’s tall, imposing figure standing by the door. He had been there all along.

Leo turned toward Celine and pleaded, “Mrs. Alvarez, Mr. Alvarez’s hand has been bleeding this whole time. Please say something.”

Her gaze shifted to the blood pooling on the floor. Judging by the severity of his wound, his hand would likely need numerous stitches. She stood up and walked to the door.

When Adam saw her approaching, he shifted his broad frame slightly, and a glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes.

Leo exclaimed, “Mrs. Alvarez, I know you still care about Mr. Alvarez. Mr. Alvarez, let’s get your hand—”

Before he could finish, Celine reached out and firmly shut the door in their faces.

The two men were left staring at the closed door, the force of it brushing against their faces. Leo was tongue-tied.

The light in Adam’s eyes dimmed instantly. Through the small window, he watched as Celine returned to Nathan’s bedside, held his hand, and rested her head there. She closed her eyes, slowly falling asleep.

Adam’s thin lips curled into a self-mocking smile.

A week passed, and Adam knew Nathan had woken up. He had recovered well during this time.

In the CEO’s office, Adam was reviewing documents when his phone rang. It was a call from Mary. Ever since Celine had taken her out for a latte during their last outing, she had been grounded.

“Hello, Grandma.”

“Adam, what have you and Celine been up to lately? Why haven’t either of you visited me? Bring her back for dinner tonight. I miss you both,” said Mary, her loving voice radiating from the phone.

Adam’s left hand was still wrapped in white gauze. He had received 23 stitches, and the wound had yet to heal. Holding his phone in his right hand, he remained silent. He knew that for the past week, Celine had stayed at the hospital to take care of Nathan without leaving his side.

“Adam, did you hear me? I asked you to bring Celine back for dinner.”

His handsome face remained emotionless as he answered, “Okay.”

That evening, Adam returned to the Alvarez Residence. Mary greeted him with excitement, but her joy quickly faded.

“Adam, why are you alone? Where’s Celine?”

He had driven back by himself.

Seeing the disappointment on her face, he replied, “Grandma, she’s busy with school. If you miss her, just give her a call and ask her to come home for dinner.” Mary immediately picked up the landline phone in the living room. “Then I’ll call her right now.”

Adam sat down on the sofa and casually picked up a business newspaper to read.

The call quickly connected, and Celine’s clear, pleasant voice came through. “Hello, Grandma.”

“Celine, have you been busy lately? Why haven’t you come to see me? I’ve asked the chef to prepare a spread tonight. Come back and have dinner with me.”

Mary smiled.

At that moment, a maid approached and placed a cup of tea beside Adam. “Mr. Alvarez, please have some tea.”

He didn’t respond. It was as if he hadn’t heard her.

Tinged with apology, Celine’s voice came through again. “Grandma, I’m sorry. A friend of mine is in the hospital, and I need to stay with him tonight. I can’t come back for dinner.”