Chapter 628 Did Claire Discover Something
A strong scent of disinfectant surrounded the white hospital bed.
Laying groggily on the bed, Claire felt almost as if she was floating in the air.
She felt a burning pain in her throat, and it was a sensation that resembled fire flaring from within or ants gnawing on it.
In her daze, she wanted to touch her neck with her hand, but a piercing pain shot through the back of her hand the moment she moved her arm.
As she let out a soft moan, she felt a soft, warm hand holding onto hers.
Claire opened his eyes, only to see Avery sitting by her bed, looking at her with a face full of concern.
“Mrs. Lambert, are you all right?”
Seeing Claire regain her consciousness, Avery heaved a sigh of relief. She handed her the glass of warm water on the bedside. “Does your throat hurt a lot and feel awful? You should drink some water to soothe it. The doctor said that you only suffered a superficial injury on your neck, and it'll be fine after a few days of rest. You don't need to worry too much. I'll call the doctor over to check on you now.”
After her words fell, she pressed the bell for the doctor to come over for a check-up.
Claire stared at Avery for some time before vaguely recalling what had happened earlier.
She was kidnapped at the fashion show and sustained a neck injury. It was who Avery cleverly coordinated with her bodyguard while negotiating with the thug to save her life.
“Where's Nickie?” Claire swept her gaze around the ward but did not see Nicole around.
She tried to get up from the bed.
Avery thoughtfully placed a cushion behind her.
Seemingly figuring out what was on Claire's mind, Avery explained, “Ms. Lambert got a call and just stepped out. She'll be back shortly. Mr. Lambert has gone on a business trip but is rushing back after learning you got into an accident...”
“Thank you for today.” Claire felt so weak all over, and her voice was extremely hoarse.
Avery fed Claire a few sips of water and helped tuck her blanket. “Mrs. Lambert, your neck injury has somewhat affected your vocal cords. Try not to talk so much during this period,” she softly said.
Seeing the hesitant look on Claire's face, Avery figured out what she wanted to ask.
And so, she revealed everything. “I heard that the thug who hurt you is a fake heir with a criminal record. He's already been taken away by the police, and I'm sure he'll be charged...”
Only then did Claire feel at ease. She wanted to ask Avery something else, but the chief physician coincidentally came over to check on her.
The physician was a sophisticated middle-aged man, and he was wearing a pair of mature-looking, square-framed glasses.
Upon seeing him, Avery greeted him with a smile, “Hello..”
The chief physician nodded at her as a form of polite response. Without saying much, he proceeded to examine Claire.
After the examination, he warmly explained, “Mrs. Lambert, your injury isn't too serious. You can be discharged from the hospital today. Avoid letting your wound get in contact with water for the next few days. Also, your symptoms of anemia are quite severe. Remember to work on your nutrition and take good care of your body...”
After saying that, he glanced at Avery and approvingly remarked, “Your daughter is really caring and dutiful. Even with her big belly, she still doesn't mind doing so much for you. Daughters are every mother's thoughtful sweetheart for sure.”
Avery awkwardly looked at Claire and hastily clarified, “You've misunderstood, I... I'm not Mrs. Lambert's daughter. Her daughter has stepped out to deal with some matters.”
The chief physician raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Really? But you two do look quite alike.”
Then, he patiently reminded Claire of a few more precautions before leaving the ward with the accompanying nurse.
A strange look crossed Claire's face. It was not the first time someone commented on how Avery resembled her. Even though she had her doubts, she had never given it much thought. Yet, she could not take her eyes off Avery that very day, to the point the latter felt a little uneasy.
“Mrs. Lambert, what are you looking at?” Avery touched her face and asked with difficulty.
Could it be that she has discovered something?
Claire's hoarse voice rang out as she grabbed Avery's hand. “Avery, I really don't know what to say. You're Nickie's love rival, and your existence is an obstacle to her happiness, but somehow I can't bring myself to dislike you. I wonder if it's because we look alike or because we share a similar demeanor. I always feel like I'm looking at the younger me every time I see you... If you didn't confront the thug so bravely today, I've no idea what would've happened to me. My dear, I don't know how to say nice things, but if you ever run into problems in the future, I'll surely do my best to help you. Stop calling me Mrs. Lambert; that's too formal. Just call me Claire.”
Avery flashed a gentle smile. “There's no need to be so polite with me, Claire. That's what I should do...”
The two were engaged in a heartfelt conversation when the ward door was suddenly flung open.
Nicole walked in with several food boxes in her hand.
At the sight of Avery and Claire holding hands, she was both astonished and terrified. Rage coursed through her veins and skyrocketed.
“Mom!” Nicole called out as she slammed the food boxes on the table aside.
She rudely pulled Claire's hand from Avery's grip and amiably said, “I've brought you some food from Decem Restaurant. Their dishes are particularly delicious. I waited for over thirty minutes to get you some.”
Claire's hand was already sore from the IV drip, and now it hurt even more from Nicole's brute move.
She furrowed her brows and didn't say much else.
“Ms. Lambert, Claire is currently on an IV drip. Please be more gentle,” Avery reminded.
Nicole had always harbored resentment toward Avery. Now that she heard those words, she couldn't help but take a dig at the latter. “Ms. Rumpley, you're unrelated to my mother. Don't you think you're overly concerned about her? I'm aware that my mother is on an IV drip. As her daughter, I definitely feel worse than anyone else...”
Avery was rendered speechless.
Sure enough, she was merely an outsider and had no right to comment that much. However, she couldn't stand Nicole's behavior.
Unable to hold back, Claire chided, “Nickie, it's all thanks to Ms. Rumpley that I managed to escape unscathed today. She's my guest. How can you be so rude?”
Nicole pouted woefully after being reprimanded by Claire. After a short pause, she cast a meaningful glance at Avery.
Then, she smugly opened the lids of the food boxes. “Mom, I've brought you lots of delicious dishes. Eat while it's still hot.”
Seeing the food that Nicole brought along, Avery was bereft of words.
Spicy beef stew, barbecue pork, honey-glazed lamb... None of these dishes are suitable for a patient!
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The CEO Gets What He Wants