Chapter 979

Under the eager gazes of several colleagues, Austin said, "I approve."

"You all want to eat it every day? You'll end up with blisters in your mouth," Hank said, chuckling. The others burst into laughter. Fondue was delicious, but hardly something one could eat daily, regardless of wealth.

Natalie, already overfull, couldn't stop laughing. The laughter brought tears to her eyes and a sharp pain to her stomach. "I need to go to the restroom," she said, hurrying from the private room.

Feeling slightly better after using the restroom, Natalie realized she'd eaten too quickly and the rich fondue was simply too much for her stomach to handle. However, as she left, her legs felt weak and the stomach pain worsened. Leaning against the wall, she tried to bear it.

"Are you okay?" A gentle voice came from above.

She winced and looked up at Austin. "My stomach hurts a little. Probably nothing serious. I think I just ate too much. I'll be fine if I rest a moment."

Austin's eyes darkened as he noted her pale face and the sweat on her forehead. His voice sharpened with concern. "I'm taking you to the hospital."

"Huh? No, that's not necessary. I'm sure it's nothing. Everyone's having such a good time, and if I suddenly leave..."

Before she could finish, Austin scooped her into his arms. Natalie's eyes widened in shock. For a moment, everything blurred. By the time they reached the car, her pain had intensified. She had no time to register how effortlessly Austin carried her, his strength impressive.

"Mr. Powell is incredible," she mused.

"Mr. Powell, I can go to the hospital myself. I don't want to disrupt your team gathering," Natalie said, feeling guilty.

Austin glanced at her. "They can continue." He asked, "How are you feeling now? Is the pain worse?"

Perhaps it was his gentle tone, but Natalie felt a pang of emotion as she winced in pain. Feeling melodramatic and close to tears, she admitted, "It hurts a bit."

She chided herself internally, worrying about her behavior and the possibility of losing her job.

"We'll be at the hospital soon. Don't worry," Austin reassured her, his voice softer, his eyes focused on her.

"Okay," Natalie replied, her vision blurring. She wondered at his kindness, tears welling up. She was terrified of pain. She remembered similar episodes, crying all the way to the hospital clinging to Skylar, but now, despite the urge, she held back her tears, not wanting to alarm Austin. His consideration was remarkable.

Austin noticed her red eyes and the way she bit her lip. Growing anxious, he asked the driver, "How much longer until we reach the hospital?"

The driver checked the map. "After the next two intersections."

"Go faster," Austin urged.

Natalie squeezed her eyes shut, enduring the pain.

In a daze, she arrived at the hospital. Austin carried her to see the doctor, and she underwent a series of tests. Hearing that her problem was simply overeating, Natalie felt incredibly embarrassed, fearing she could never face Austin again.

After over an hour and some medication, the pain subsided significantly. As they were leaving, Natalie saw a familiar figure and stopped abruptly.

Seeing her reaction, Austin paused. "Are you still in pain?"