hapter 111: Cassius Crashed at Gemma’s Place
Cali whispered, leaning in close to Gemma.
“This was sent by Dr. Read.”
Gemma, “…”
The ice pack wasn’t meant for you to store like a freezer.
Cali noticed Gemma wasn’t quite catching the point.
So, Cali pulled her sleeve again and whispered more quietly this time.
“Don’t you think Mr. Cassius has a serious competitive streak?”
Huh?
Really?
Is that so?
Cali rolled her eyes.
How could her best friend be so dense?
Brian gave an ice pack, but Mr. Cassius sent a doctor.
Wasn’t this a comparison of who’s richer?
Cali really wanted to point out that Mr. Cassius didn’t need to care so much–after all, there were probably only five people in the world who could even rival him in wealth.
“Since Ms. Wayne is fine, you can head back now.”
Cassius waved his hand and gave a quick order to the doctors.
They quickly packed up and left.
The room suddenly felt more spacious.
Cali, a bit embarrassed, but gracious as always, spoke up. “Mr. Cassius, you came all the way here and even helped me with a diagnosis, so… I was planning to make some Mexican spicy meat wraps. Would you like to stay for dinner?”
In reality, she was thinking: Please, Mr. Cassius, just leave. Those wraps are not something for someone of your stature.
To her surprise!
Cassius nodded. “Sure.”
Noah’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“I want some too!”
Cali didn’t give up and tried again. “They’re really spicy.”
Noah patted his chest. “I’m not scared!”
Cali looked to Gemma for help.
Gemma sighed and shrugged. “Alright, I’ll make them. I haven’t eaten much today.”
Cali, “…” You scaredy–cat!
Soon.
The Mexican spicy meat wraps with rice were served.
Since Cali was still recovering, and Noah was just a kid, she thoughtfully made a portion without the spice.
Gemma also prepared some drinks.
Noah held a small bowl and, after adding some rice, started eating eagerly.
“Noah didn’t eat yet?”
Seeing the little guy chow down, Gemma was stunned.
Had he not eaten all day?
Noah nodded, looking a little pitiful. “I didn’t want to eat without Gemma.”
Cali caught onto the situation.
“So you’ve been eating with them all along?”
Going back and forth for meals?
Isn’t that a bit much?
Setting
16:00
Chapter 111: Cassius Crashed at Gemma’s Place
Even if Mr. Cassius needed Gemma’s medical skills, this “on–site service” was a bit beyond what’s typical, right?
Gemma cleared her throat.
She had wanted to explain before, but with everything that had been happening, she just didn’t have the chance.
Now, she wasn’t sure how to start.
“Never mind. I’ll explain it to you later.”
Cali, “…”
Gemma quickly changed the subject. “Noah, since you didn’t eat earlier, you don’t need to rush now. Your stomach won’t be able to handle it.”
“Okay.”
Noah slowed down his pace, just as Gemma had suggested.
Cassius picked up a drink, opened the cap, and handed it to Gemma.
“He’s doing much better now. I should thank you.”
Gemma smiled softly, not shying away, and raised the drink.
“Well, cheers!”
Cali didn’t really understand but still followed along, raising her glass.
Noah, eyes wide and full of enthusiasm, raised his cup as well. After Gemma and Cassius clinked their glasses, Noah joined in and “clinked” too.
Then, with a big “glug–glug,” he drank several large sips.
Maybe the water was still a bit hot because Noah stuck out his tongue and waved his hands in the air like a fan.
Everyone burst into laughter at his funny antics.
Gemma instinctively grabbed a napkin and wiped the water off his mouth.
Cali froze.
For some reason, the scene felt so heartwarming to her.
Others were fine, but this was Mr. Cassius!
THE Cassius Raven!
Cassius, with his usual stone–faced expression, seemed unfazed by what was going on.
However, Cali couldn’t help but notice the warmth hidden in his eyes.
That soft look made her feel less awkward.
Before long, they all relaxed and ate together.
After dinner, Noah played around for a bit before yawning again and again.
Just then, a fierce storm started outside.
Gemma immediately realized going back to the manor was not an option.
Though the car could drive them, Noah was still too young to control himself. He’d probably fall asleep in the car or catch a cold from the wind.
“You and Noah can rest in my apartment,”
Gemma pointed to the opposite side. “I’ve cleaned it well. I’ll change the sheets for you.”
Noah, still yawning, clung to her shirt. “Gemma, what about you?”
Gemma pointed to Cali. “I’ll squeeze in with Cali. That way, I can take care of her too.”
Noah pouted.
“Gemma, don’t you like me anymore?”
Once, she’s not going home with him.
Twice, she’s leaving him forever!
He suddenly couldn’t hold back his tears, and they started streaming down his face, soaking his shirt.
Gemma’s heart ached.
“Alright, alright, I’ll sleep with you. I…”
Before she could finish, she suddenly realized that her apartment was a one–bedroom.
If she stayed with Noah, then Cassius would have to leave.
But she had just invited him over.
Now, sending him away felt hard to say.
Cassius seemed to sense her hesitation.
“You take care of Noah. I’ll use your living room to work.”
Setting
16:01
Chapter 111: Cassius Crashed at Gemma’s Place
Noah, barely able to keep his eyes open, called out for a hug.
Gemma had no choice but to agree. “Then… I’m sorry.”
Cassius looked calm. “It’s just a change of workspace. Don’t worry about it.”
Gemma picked up Noah and walked toward the opposite side, gently soothing him as she went.
“Baby, let’s take a bath before we rest.”
Noah rubbed his eyes, still half–asleep, but now he seemed a little more awake.
Gemma’s closet had a set of kids‘ pajamas.
Cali had designed them and intended to give them to Alijah, but then… the accident happened.
“Gemma, these pajamas are so cute. Did you get them ready because you knew I’d be coming?”
Noah, freshly bathed and in his new pajamas, looked around, satisfied with his new look.
He wasn’t sleepy anymore and was even fiddling with the little animals on the pajamas.
Some animals had moving mouths, some wiggled their tails, and some could “walk” on the fabric…
The pajamas kept the little guy entertained for an hour.
Gemma changed into her own pajamas too, but…
She looked at Cassius with a face full of apology.
“I don’t have any men’s pajamas. I…”
Her hair was still damp, and the mist seemed to swirl around her, making her pale skin and delicate features stand out even more.
“No worries,” Cassius said, his gaze lingering on her soft smile, stirring something inside him.
Gemma still felt awkward. “I’ll order some for you. They’ll be here in about thirty minutes.”
“Alright.”
“Then, I’ll leave you to wait for your clothes. I’ll get Noah settled. Good night.”
“Good night.”
Cassius’s voice was soft, as if savoring the emotional resonance of those two words.
Setting
