Chapter 17: An emergency

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A room for redemption?  

Lisa almost laughed at the funniest joke he had ever heard. Not that it deserved mockery or ridicule, but shrugging it off was better than hoping she meant those words. Jennie had no idea how big those words were, and how destructive they could be if the receiver was someone else. For example, their son.    

A moment of silence descended into the ward as neither of them spoke for a while. Jennie kept her eyes on her lap while Lisa was on her meek figure.    

"Are you sure?" he pinched the bridge of his nose, annoyed.    

"Yes." This time she raised her head. "That's all."    

"Fine." His sour expression told her he disapproved, but didn't refute her request. "Sign the papers. They can just take those out later."    

'Wait, what?' Her face stiffened. 'I thought they would have to redo these clauses before I sign them!'    

"Hmm?"    

Jennie cleared her throat, snapping back to reality. "Alright then." She picked up the fountain pen from the table, slowing down her movements as she pretended to read them again. This time, the papers were already on the table.    

"Bla bla bla... this here... and here... where do I sign?" she murmured, playing dumb as she stalled some more time. This was probably the last time she would see this man. It was best to familiarize herself with his presence, personality, and habits in case the knowledge would come in handy in the future.    

While Jennie was reading under her breath like a buzzing bee, Lisa felt his phone vibrate against his chest. He shoved his hand inside his pocket suit, partially taking his phone out just to peek at the screen. Much to his surprise, the name on the screen was someone whose call he could never ignore.    

Lisa glanced at Jennie. "I'll have to take this call. Excuse me —"    

"Stay here." Jennie waved dismissively just when he was about to stand, keeping her eyes on the divorce papers. "I don't mind you taking calls. If it's not that important or confidential, just stay where I can see you."    

Deep lines appeared on his forehead. There were so many strange and unfamiliar words used in just a few sentences she uttered. However, Lisa had no time to deal with all that. He sat down once again, casually tapping the answer button before placing the phone in front of his ear.    

"Grandma." Just as Lisa addressed the person he was expecting from the other end of the line, his expression slowly turned hard.    

Sensing the sudden shift of mood in the room, Jennie glanced in Lisa's direction. She furrowed her brows as soon as her eyes landed on the terror that was dominating Lisa's face.    

"What did you say?"    

After a second, Lisa sprung up from his seat in a hurry. He didn't even look at her, almost dashing to leave. Much to his surprise, just before he could reach the door, a slender hand suddenly grabbed his arm to stop him.    

"You look so pale," Jennie pointed out as soon as he looked back at her. "What's going on? What happened to Grandma?"    

********    

Jennie insisted on coming with Lisa even when the latter told her to let go. He didn't have time to explain nor did he have the spare energy to argue with her. So, in the end, he let her tag along to the Manoban family's old residence.    

"How was she?" Lisa asked the doctor as soon as the latter exited the master's bedroom.    

The doctor was already old, offering the worried Lisa a smile. "Do not worry, young master. The Old Madam is alright. She probably got too worked up so she fainted, but rest is all she needed."    

"I see." Lisa felt like a thorn was plucked out of his throat, pressing his temple slightly as a habit whenever he was under stress.    

"Young master, the Old Madam is still strong and healthy. Do not worry. She will be fine." the doctor tapped Lisa's shoulder, squeezing it mildly as if to remind the young master to ease up. "I've already left a note to Butler Fu. I'll be on my way."    

"Thank you, Doctor." Lisa politely lowered his head while the doctor excused himself. The latter then turned his head in Jennie's direction and bowed, before he went on his way.    

Jennie stayed on the side, keeping a good distance from Lisa. She watched everything unfold, studying what sort of man Lisa was.    

So far, based on her observation, Lisa at one glance was like a lion. He was quiet most of the time, but his presence was something hard to ignore. Surprisingly, despite his cold and seemingly aloof mien, his personality was quite different from what others would expect from him.    

He wasn't as cold as his face nor was he arrogant. In fact, he was considerate and polite. He gave respect when respect was due, and expressed gratitude when necessary.    

'He was more human than what he appeared to be,' she thought, pressing her lips into a thin line when he suddenly glanced in her direction.    

"Young master." Just as the silence was about to settle in between them, an old man came from the master bedroom. Jennie and Lisa naturally shifted their attention to him.    

"Butler Fu, how's grandma?" asked Lisa.    

"The Old Madam is requesting to see you, young master." Butler Fu smiled at Lisa and then faced Jennie's direction. "She's also requesting to see the young madam."    

'Me?' Jennie pointed at herself, and Butler Fu nodded. 'Why?'    

Jennie glanced at Lisa to see his reaction. There was a tinge of displeasure in his eyes, but she was certain this unpleasant look didn't originate from the Old Madam's request. It was more like Lisa seemed to have guessed the reason the Old Madam, his grandmother, called for them.    

"Please. The Old Madam is waiting." Butler Fu's gentle voice brought Lisa and Jennie back to reality. The two cast him a look while he maintained his kind smile.

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