Chapter 95
It was a firm and businesslike response.
Evelyn’s gaze flickered slightly, her nerves stretched taut. After just finishing radiation therapy, her body felt light and weak. She discreetly leaned against the nurse’s station to keep herself from swaying.
Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself. “There are plenty of high–end rooms available. Why insist on my uncle’s? What’s their real intention?”
Lucas looked at her indifferently. “A patient’s mood is crucial to recovery. I can arrange for your uncle to move to the best available suite and cover the full year’s cost upfront.”
His tone was straightforward, purely transactional. He wasn’t even trying to persuade her–just stating his offer. He was willing to spend millions on a premium hospital suite–not for her uncle’s sake, but for Tiffany’s mother.
In all these years, he had never offered a single cent to help with Leonard’s treatment. And now, he was suddenly willing to pay a fortune–just to please Tiffany’s family.
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She had thought about upgrading Leonard’s hospital room before, but it had always been beyond her means. Even as Lucas‘ wife, she had no authority to use that status to her advantage. She had to endure and make do.
But now, seeing how serious Lucas was, she calmed herself and asked, “So, does this mean you need a favor from me?”
He lifted his brows slightly, understanding her meaning. “What are your conditions?”
“The VIP suite should be a given. That doesn’t count as part of the deal.” Evelyn’s voice was light, but she lacked confidence deep down. “As for my request, consider it a favor I can call in whenever I need. Just one request–at any time. Do we have a deal?”
She knew she wasn’t in a strong position to negotiate. If she refused, Lucas could easily go through the hospital administration, and Leonard might be forced to vacate the room regardless. The last time, when Deborah’s house had been targeted, the ordeal had been ugly. It had caused Tiffany some “grievance“. This time, Lucas might not be as patient.
Instead of gambling on the outcome, she might as well secure something in return. She wasn’t after his money or favors, but ever since Millie returned to the country, she had repeatedly meddled with the Reed family. Evelyn had a strong feeling this wouldn’t be the last time.
It was better to claim an advantage now while she still could. After all, a promise from Lucas carried weight. But would he actually agree? Would he tolerate her pushing for more when she meant so little to him?
Unconsciously, Evelyn bit her lip, her nerves tense. When she met his gaze again, she was surprised to find him studying her intently.
His dark eyes lingered on her pale face, and their gazes locked for a long moment. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke. “Fine. Whatever makes you happy.” Evelyn stared at his cold features in shock. She hadn’t expected it to be that easy.
“Any other requests?” Lucas asked, as if her surprise didn’t faze him.
Regaining her composure, she said evenly, “I just don’t want my uncle disturbed.” Her meaning was clear. She didn’t want him flaunting his affection for Tiffany in front of Leonard There was no need to tear away the last shreds of dignity—it would only make things uglier for everyone involved.
Lucas‘ expression darkened slightly, and an unreadable emotion flashed in his eyes. His lips curled faintly, almost mockingly, but he didn’t reply. Instead, he turned and walked back into the hospita! room.
Evelyn let out a slow breath, finally feeling a bit of relief. She no longer cared what Tiffany and Millie did and turned her attention to Leonard’s new suite.
True to Lucas‘ word, the arrangements were handled swiftly. The nurse informed her that a room on the 12th floor was ready. It had excellent lighting and an ideal layout.
As Evelyn packed up Leonard’s belongings and moved him upstairs, Leonard was puzzled. “Why the sudden change of rooms?”
She offered a simple explanation. “My dividends came through, so I upgraded your suite.”
Leonard eyed her suspiciously for a moment, but seeing that her expression remained calm, he chose not to press the issue.
Now that he was on the 12th floor while Mille was on the second, their chances of running into each other were slim.
As long as Lucas didn’t deliberately show up and draw attention, things should remain peaceful. For now, Evelyn felt a little more at ease.
She stayed to have lunch with Leonard, waiting until her body recovered somewhat from the treatment’s effect before finally leaving.
Chapter 96
