Reborn to Marry My Best Friend's Uncle novel Chapter 34

Annie's mind went blank at the news of Irene's fainting.

Her grip slackened, and her knees nearly gave out beneath her. A steady arm wrapped around her waist just in time, pulling her into a firm, warm embrace.

Christian had followed her out at some point. He picked up the phone she'd dropped onto the floor, and when he saw the caller ID, his expression darkened immediately.

"Don't be afraid, Ann. I'll take you to the hospital right now."

Witnessing the scene, Michael strode over with a questioning look in his eyes, while Christian supported the pale Annie and shot him a quick glance.

"Please finish up for me, Michael. My wife has a family emergency," he instructed in a voice kept low.

Ever tactful, Michael immediately nodded. "Understood, Mr. Parker."

Without wasting another second, Christian half-carried the distraught Annie and quickly headed for the elevator. It wasn't until the elevator doors slid shut that Michael heaved a sigh of relief with cold sweat beading on his back.

Goodness. How had Christian and Annie ended up running into each other at the office?

They'd nearly been exposed, but judging from Christian's quick thinking, Annie probably hadn't suspected anything.

Not daring to dwell on it, Michael straightened up and returned to the conference room to flawlessly take over Christian's role.

…

Half an hour later, Annie and Christian arrived at the hospital.

In the hallway of the VIP ward, Gary was pacing anxiously. Once he saw Annie, he rushed over as if he'd just seen his lifeline. "Ms. Steward!"

She steadied herself against the wall and asked in a trembling voice, "Gary, w-what happened to Grandma?"

Gary's eyes were red-rimmed as he choked out, "I don't know either. She was sitting in the garden this afternoon, getting some sun. When the housekeeper went to bring her tea, she found her unconscious on the ground."

"Hello, Sean. You're here, too."

Annie froze. Her mind raced, and realization immediately dawned on her.

Irene had had poor eyesight for years, and Christian and Sean were similar in build. From a distance, she wouldn't know the difference.

A strange mix of relief and embarrassment churned in Annie's chest. She instinctively glanced at Christian, for fear that he'd correct Irene.

But all he did was nod and respond with a soft, acknowledging hum. Then, he naturally stepped forward to smooth Irene's blanket with practiced ease and asked in a gentle voice, "How are you feeling now, Irene? What did the doctors say?"

He poured a glass of warm water and carefully inserted a straw. Then he held it to her lips and asked about her medication. His care was meticulous and perfect, conducted with such natural, effortless ease that he truly seemed like the grandson-in-law acknowledged by the Stewards.

Standing to the side and watching the scene, Annie felt a jumble of emotions. Christian was an exceptional, considerate man, yet here he was, being mistaken for the despicable Sean.

It was so unfair to him.