The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 574

Later that evening, when Neera went home and learned that Jean was looking for her, she hurriedly went to see him.

Ian had been waiting anxiously. When he saw her, he felt like he was clutching at a lifesaver.

"Ms. Garcia, you're finally home! He's unwell. Please go and check on him!"

Neera quickened her pace and headed straight to Jean's bedroom.

Jean was sleeping with his eyes closed at the time. He appeared to have dozed off.

She noticed his pale face when she approached him and took his pulse.

His condition was deteriorating, as expected, with signs of another relapse.

"Bring me the first aid kit!"

She gave Ian firm instructions. In the meantime, she unbuttoned Jean's shirt.

Jean had abruptly awoken.

When he opened his eyes, his body reacted instinctively before he recognized the person in front of him. He clutched Neera's hand tightly.

Evidently, his eyes were filled with hostility.

Neera was taken aback. She endured the sharp pain in her wrist while trying to calm him down. She consoled him, saying, "Hey, it's me. I'm here to help."

He recognized her voice, and his gaze shifted to her face. His gaze was hazy before it became profound and enigmatic.

Puzzled, Neera asked, "What happened? Are you having a nightmare?"

Jean remained silent, but the hostility in his eyes faded and calmness took its place.

He finally realized he was grasping her hand tightly. He promptly let go.

"Sorry. You're home," he said.

Neera let out a gentle nod as she massaged her wrist.

"I owe you an apology. My phone died, so I couldn't answer your call. I had no idea you were sick. You shouldn't say anything; just let me take care of you. I need to stabilize your condition because you're on the verge of relapsing."

Jean remained silent once more. His gaze, which was fixated on her, darkened.

His eyes were filled with enigmatic emotions.

Tonight, Neera noticed that this man was acting strangely.

"What's the matter?" she inquired. "Are you in pain, or has something happened to you?"

Jean moved his lips as if he were about to say something.

He was interrupted when Ian entered the room carrying a medical kit. He swallowed the words, and his expression darkened slightly.

Neera set this aside and began treating him.

Ian stood to the side, watching Jean's expression. He would look at Neera from time to time, trying to pry.

"Ms. Garcia, you've been coming home late lately. Are you meeting with some clients?"

"No." Without looking up, Neera answered and continued her work, "I'm hosting some friends."

Ian probed further, "Friends?"

"Yes, friends from abroad."

Neera truthfully replied, "My mentor assigned me a task to develop reagents. He dispatched some people to assist me."

She frowned, remembering how she planned to bring them to the lab today. Thora, on the other hand, made the excuse that she hadn't gotten enough rest and had wasted another day.

"Oh, so... did you dine at the hotel last night?" Ian probed.

Neera looked at Ian, perplexed.

She replied, "No, we dine at the restaurant. Why would we dine at the hotel?"

She cast a suspicious glance at Ian and asked, "Why are you asking so many questions tonight?"

"I'm just curious, that's all," Ian pretended. "You'll be hosting these old acquaintances for the next few days?"

"Indeed, I'll be busy for a while," Neera replied, nodding.

Unable to stop himself, Ian inquired, "Are these acquaintances of yours male or female?"

Neera had a feeling something was wrong. She turned around and gave him a conflicted look.

"Why are you asking me these questions?" she remarked sarcastically. Do you require a detailed account of my interactions with all of them?"

"No, no..." Ian responded, embarrassed.

He dared not ask any more questions but secretly hoped that Jean would say something to break the awkward silence. After all, he was concerned that if he didn't clarify this matter, Jean might have doubts.

Jean, on the other hand, did not appear to be interested in further questioning.

He lay motionless, allowing Neera to perform the treatment.

When the session was finished, it was late at night.

Jean was exhausted after feeling ill all day. He'd dozed off during the treatment.

Neera quietly packed her belongings. Her expression was difficult to read.

As he escorted her downstairs, Ian was overcome with anxiety.

He thought they'd put this matter to rest, but Neera abruptly came to a halt.

"I have a question for you."

Ian had been caught off guard and had predicted trouble.

Neera's piercing gaze met him before he could respond.

"What are you trying to learn with those questions?" she interrogated. "What are you attempting to achieve?"

Ian felt as though his head was going to explode. He tried to dismiss it, saying, "Ms. Garcia, I just..."

"Are you trying to fool me?"

Neera smiled and arched her brows, but her gaze was dead serious.

"You can't expect me to believe you just asked those out of curiosity."

Embarrassed and conflicted flashed through Ian's face. He was aware that he had made a mistake. He reluctantly spilled the beans about what happened last night.

Neera was understandably irritated when she was wrongfully accused.

"Does Jean share your thoughts?" she asked instead of answering the question.

"No, he didn't!"

Panickedly, Ian quickly clarified for his boss.

"He trusts you unconditionally. He even got into a heated argument with Ms. Marks about it. She left after being humiliated."

Neera frowned and asked, "Really?"

Ian nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes. It's absolutely true!"

Neera left without saying anything else.

Ian called out to her, "I'm just curious. What's your relationship with that man?"

He carefully observed her reaction and inquired cautiously.

Neera just walked away, snorting coldly, clearly not intending to explain to him.