Chapter 5 Unexpected Compassion

"Darling!" I called out, raising my voice. "I've got something important to share!"

Instantly, the meeting room fell into silence.

Caelan scowled, casting disgusted glances my way and winking frequently.

He was courteous, yet harbored the same animosity towards me as Vincent did.

After a brief standoff, a voice broke through from the meeting room. "Let her in."

It was Vincent.

Reluctantly, Caelan had to swing the door open.

I took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The room was brimming with top-tier executives clad in crisp suits and gleaming footwear, assembled around the conference table.

A large screen illuminated the room, while a middle-aged senior manager stood off to the side.

Not far from him, Vincent's towering figure leaned back in a chair, flashing me a smile.

Though I knew his smile was calculated, I couldn't help but be momentarily taken aback.

It reminded me of the first time we met, when he greeted me with that same smile.

I still recalled his words. "Hello, Miss Bailey. I'm Vincent Roberts."

I knew it was trivial to dwell on such thoughts in that moment, but I loved him so much.

Lost in my reverie, I was suddenly brought back by Vincent's voice. "What made you burst in like that?" he asked with a tender tone.

Returning to reality, I met his gaze.

He squinted slightly, his eyes soft as they roamed over my face. Then, his gaze shifted to my left leg, and he froze in shock.

Swiftly, he rose and hurried to wrap his arms around me, his expression pained. "Why is your leg injured?" He turned to Caelan, urgency in his voice. "Call the doctor, quickly."

"I have something to tell you..." I began.

Suddenly, he enveloped me in his embrace.

I was shocked.

It was the first time he held me like this.

Despite his public displays of affection, I hesitated to appear openly with him unless absolutely necessary.

He then seated me in his chair.

Amid the watchful eyes of numerous senior executives, he knelt down, tenderly cradling my injured leg in his hand. Retrieving a handkerchief, he carefully dabbed at the wound before lifting his gaze to meet mine. In that moment, it felt as though I was the only one in his world.

He asked, "Does it hurt?"

It did hurt.

It hurt terribly.

Meeting his eyes, I replied, "No. I'm fine..."

"Please, be more cautious," he said, his gaze unwavering and gentle. "You're always so careless."

I was in a trance at that moment.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. It was Caelan.

He entered with a doctor in tow and said, "The meeting is still in progress. Take Mrs. Roberts to the adjacent room, Dr. Lambert."

Javier Lambert immediately came over and reached for my arm.

"No!" I snapped, clenching my teeth, and instead wrapped my arms around Vincent's neck. "Darling..."

Vincent gently held my arm, rubbing it, and said softly, "I have important matters to attend to."

"Please take me there," I pleaded.

I just needed a few minutes.

His eyes flashed and he let out a low chuckle. "Are you asking me to carry you?"

It was a veiled threat.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and said, "Yes!"

"I can't resist you," he teased with a smile, lifting me up. "You're quite the troublemaker."

With my arms around his neck, I couldn't help but bitterly smile to myself.

I felt lucky to experience this treatment before I died.

The adjacent room was a smaller meeting space.

Vincent placed me gently onto a chair and instructed Caelan and the doctor, "Leave the medical kit and leave us alone."

My heart sank.