The sudden knocking so late in the night startled her.
Closing the curtains immediately, she turned and hurried toward the door.
Since she did not know who was at the door nor what the person wanted, she made sure to tread lightly and barely made any sound.
She had just come to a stop behind the door when another knock rang out.
However, it was much softer that time. After knocking, the person outside the door started talking.
“Ms. Vivian, it’s me, Leandro. I just got back and heard that the light in your room was still on, so I came to check on you. You haven’t slept, have you?”
It is Leandro’s voice indeed.
A frown appeared between Winnie’s brows at once. “Oh, it’s you. You gave me such a scare. I was wondering who could be knocking at my door at this hour. Can’t we talk tomorrow? I’m almost ready for bed.”
On the other side of the door, Leandro sighed. “Alas, I’m heading out early in the morning and might be away for a few days. You probably won’t be awake by the time I leave. Since you still happened to be up, I thought I’d come and have a short chat with you now. Don’t worry. I won’t try anything funny.”
“Ah, I see. If that’s the case, I should invite you in,” Winnie replied, opening the door as she spoke.
As soon as the door swung open, she saw Leandro standing outside, his hands laden with gift boxes.
Noticing her gaze shifting to his hands, he held up the gifts immediately and said, “These are some supplements I’ve prepared for you. The dosage instructions are all written clearly. They’re all for strengthening muscles and bones, so taking these will help in the recovery of your arm.”
Winnie flashed him a faint smile as she turned sideways to let him into the room. “How kind of you to bring me all these supplements when it’s already so late.”
Leandro quickly placed the things he carried on the table in the room, then sat on one of the nearby chairs.
He explained, “I went out earlier tonight and had just returned. These are what I bought while I was out. I’ve already checked with the doctor to make sure you can consume these supplements alongside your medication.”
“Thank you,” she replied with another smile.
He quickly waved his hand dismissively. “Come on, drop the courtesy. We’re family now, so there’s no need for all these courtesies. Think of this place as your home, and get a good rest while you’re here.”
“Okay,” Winnie responded while nodding. “Having my right arm injured is quite an inconvenience indeed. If the recovery doesn’t go well, it’ll only cause more problems in the future.”
“I agree. Nonetheless, you’re still young and can recover quickly, unlike an oldie like me. It’d take me at least a year and a half to recover if I accidentally got hurt. Anyway, here’s the thing…”
Leandro suddenly changed the subject, saying, “I know you need to rest for your arm to heal, and I’ll do my best to give you the best care. However, you have to make some samples as soon as possible. Otherwise, I won’t have any leverage when I go out to negotiate a business deal. Am I right?”
His entire demeanor shifted as soon as he mentioned the samples.
He was like a kind boss earlier, offering words of comfort to injured staff. But now, he has transformed into a completely different person. I can see from the impatient look in his eyes how eager he is for this batch of samples and the benefits they’ll bring him in the future.
However, the more anxious he was, the bolder she became.
She glanced at Leandro and said nonchalantly, “I’d like to show you what I’m capable of as soon as possible too, but my current condition doesn’t allow it. I only have the use of my left arm, which renders me partially physically challenged. Even things like eating and using the bathroom are difficult, let alone going into the laboratory and measuring accurate ratios. That’s a delicate task with no margin for error.”
“I understand your concerns,” he replied, flicking his gaze toward her arm. “That’s why I said I need only a few samples and didn’t ask you to produce a large batch. If it’s really not possible, I can get you a few assistants.”
Winnie laughed. “Are you pulling my leg? I’ve always done it all on my own, even when I was at Harold’s. Why would you get me a few assistants? Once they master the process, wouldn’t that mean I can disappear from this world already?”
“Ms. Vivian, how could you say that? Just go and ask around. Everyone knows I value talent. Even if there were many others like you, I’d want all of you. I wouldn’t be able to abandon any one of you, so why would I allow you to disappear from this world?”
“Really?” Winnie nodded and continued, “Hearing you say that is a huge relief. Nonetheless, I don’t want any assistants.”
“Very well. Forget that I even mentioned it. However, you have to help me out.”
“Boss, it’s really not that I don’t want to, but you know the condition of my arm.”
“I know, but don’t you still have your left arm? It doesn’t matter if it’s slow. I can wait. However…”
Here, Leandro paused, and his smile gradually faded. “I could wait for you if you continue insisting on being unhelpful, but your Chris lying in the hospital can’t wait all that long. You know he’s only hanging on because he’s hooked up to oxygen. If someone were to cut off his oxygen supply, he’d die.”
The implication behind his words was as clear as day. The corners of Winnie’s lips lifted into a smile as she asked, “Are you threatening me?”
He sighed. “How is this considered a threat? I’m merely highlighting the possible issue we may face. Besides, it’s not like there isn’t a solution.”
“Oh?” Winnie responded, smiling. “So, the solution to the problem is for me to agree to produce the samples. Correct?”
“You could put it that way.”
She furrowed her brows. “All right. I have only myself to blame for having such strong feelings for Chris. For now, I can’t bear for him to die. Even so, you have to give me a few days. You were there when the doctor listed the things I need to be cautious about, and you know how important these few days are in terms of recovery. It’s a crucial period for the healing of the bones. If something happens during these few days, this arm will forever be crippled.”
Seeing that Winnie agreed to his request, Leandro answered readily, “Sure. I’ll give you five days, then. It’ll also give me time to have some people go about the preparations in the laboratory. If there’s anything you need, you can just let them know. I’ve also helped you bring the doctor over. He’ll take care of you here during this period of time.”
She faked a smile. “Is that so? How thoughtful of you. Now, I won’t even need to go to the hospital. However…”
Gazing at Leandro, she continued, “I have another request that I hope you can agree to.”
He nodded. “I’m all ears. Let me see if it’s something within my capabilities.”
Winnie beamed at him as she responded, “It’s a piece of cake for you. All you have to do is say the word. Although you’ve brought the doctor here for me, I’d still like to go to the hospital to see Chris.”
“Oh, I see…” Leandro murmured, rubbing his nose thoughtfully. “Why go through so much trouble, though? It’s inconvenient for you to move around now, and traveling back and forth will be very tiring. I’ve already sent someone to keep watch at the hospital. If you want to see Chris, you can do so through video call. That’ll be so much easier.”
Winnie fell silent for a while. It looks like he’s determined not to let me leave this place.
Smiling, she replied, “In that case, could I trouble you to prepare a phone for me?”
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