Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 243

Julian dropped the fruit knife back into the bowl and handed her the apple he’d just peeled.

Madeline stared at it, surprised he’d gone to the trouble. The apple was peeled to perfection, not a single spot left. For a moment, she just stared at it, a little caught off guard.

When she didn’t reach for it right away, Julian gave the apple a little shake. His long, pale fingers hovered, expectant. He seemed about to tell her that fruit was good for her recovery, but what came out was a firm, “Eat.”

Madeline hesitated.

Better not to argue with him.

She took the apple, her fingertips brushing his. His hand was cool, almost startling. “Thanks,” she murmured.

Looking down, she took a bite. The apple was crisp and sweet.

Julian glanced at her, then grabbed some tissues and wiped his hands, each movement careful and precise. It was obvious he wasn’t used to doing things like this.

A few moments later, the doctor came in to check on her. Julian crossed the room and sat on the sofa, making himself comfortable, like he had no intention of leaving.

Madeline blinked at him. “You’re staying?”

Julian picked up a book from the table, flipping it open as if he really was here to read. “Doctor said you need someone with you tonight.”

The doctor paused, thermometer in hand, and shot Julian a confused look.

Had he said that? He didn’t remember.

Julian caught the look and met it with a cool, dismissive stare.

The doctor looked away quickly.

Maybe he did say that.

Madeline gave Julian another glance. Since when did he care so much? Was it just because she was sick?

She decided not to think too hard about it.

The doctor checked her temperature. “It’s down to one hundred. That’s better. Are you feeling any other discomfort, Ms. Monroe?”

Madeline looked at Julian, then rubbed her temples. “Headache.”

“That’s normal with a fever. Try a warm towel on your forehead. It should help.”

If only the real problem wasn’t the tension in the room.

She thanked the doctor, who left.

Madeline watched him sitting alone, his presence chilling the air around him. She closed her eyes and sank into the pillows.

It was probably best to stay silent. If she said anything else, he might actually lose his temper. Maybe if she kept quiet, he’d leave soon.

She was so tired that she drifted off almost immediately.

In her sleep, she vaguely felt someone changing the towel on her forehead over and over, keeping it comfortably warm. It felt nice.

The next morning, voices woke her.

She opened her eyes to see Julian by the window, on the phone. The room was big, and he was far away, but the person on the other end was practically shouting.

“Julian, why did you pull out from the deal with Fortner Group? Do you have any idea what this project means for me? Do you know how much I’m losing?”

Bill sounded furious, like he was ready to explode.

Julian’s voice was cool, almost amused. “That’s your problem.”

“You’re losing money too!”

Julian didn’t sound bothered at all. “I can handle it.”