Chapter 984:
“I had a long meeting,” Corey responded, irritation creeping into his voice. “Alicia was overzealous, initiating numerous projects before her departure and leaving them in my lap. It’s been grueling.”
“Did you eat anything?” Gemma asked.
“I did,” he replied, though his lack of appetite had made it difficult. He didn’t want her to worry.
Corey then led her back to the bed and tucked her in, reviving an old childhood routine.
Feeling the warmth inside the blankets, he asked, “You were already in bed just now? Why did you get up all of a sudden?”
Gemma’s heart raced anew. “I was deciding what to wear tomorrow.”
Corey smiled affectionately. “Have you made a choice? What will you wear?”
Inside the closet, Pierre listened, his eyes scanning the array of colorful dresses in the glass wardrobe, each handpicked by Corey. Regardless of her choice, Gemma always looked stunning.
Gemma had grown up cherished and protected. Even battling serious illness, she shone brightly. Unlike his Aitana Newman. Disturbing images flickered through Pierre’s mind, chilling his gaze.
Outside, Gemma’s voice bubbled with excitement. “Averibon? I’ve heard it’s a beautiful, lively city.”
Corey, ever indulgent, responded warmly. “Would you like to visit there?”
Gemma longed to visit, but her fragile health could be a hindrance. “Could you bring some flowers back?” she whispered.
Corey stroked her hair gently, his eyes concealing a hint of despair and sorrow. Such a gentle soul, afflicted by illness—why her? He had pushed ethical boundaries to their limits, yet he couldn’t spare his dear sister from her fate. If possible, he would switch places with her in a heartbeat.
After grappling with his feelings and the harsh reality, Corey seemed to accept the inevitable. “Come with me. Let’s enjoy a few days there.”
Hope lit up Gemma’s eyes. “Really?” she asked.
“Yes.” Corey nodded. “But you must follow my instructions at all times, okay?”
Gemma gripped his sleeve tightly. “Thank you, Corey.”
Once she settled back down, Corey adjusted the room’s temperature.
He then asked nonchalantly, “Why did Sheila go to bed so early?” Mindful of his stringent ways, Gemma avoided mentioning Sheila’s leave. “She retired right after her shift. She’s probably just exhausted.”
“And Pierre?” Corey inquired further. “I didn’t see him at the door when I returned.”
“I’ve assigned him to work outside, alternating shifts with the other guards,” Gemma replied.
Corey nodded, seemingly unconcerned. After leaving the bedroom, he headed to Sheila’s room. As he suspected, she was not there. He shut the door and dialed Sheila.
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