Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 330: Chapter 330

"I wasn't asking you." Alex's cold voice cut through the noise, sharp and impatient.
Bailee stiffened at the sound, her cheerful expression freezing in place. The color drained from her face, and her bright eyes widened in shock, full of confusion and helplessness. She stood there, completely still.
I studied her quietly. Her pale face didn't look like an act.
"Austin, take Ms. Foster to get her wound treated, and get her a new outfit," Alex said, calm and steady, though there was an undeniable authority in it. He paused for a moment, his eyes briefly flicking to Bailee.
"Also, have someone send Ms. Foster home. She won't need to come back." His tone was as smooth and casual as if he were talking about the weather, but each word felt like a needle, piercing straight to the heart.
Bailee stood frozen, clearly not expecting to be dismissed so easily after all her careful planning. Her lips trembled, as if she wanted to say something, but Alex's cold stare silenced her instantly.
I tilted my head slightly, casually glancing at Bailee. Her eyes dimmed, her face pale, and her once-clear gaze filled with confusion.
I couldn't help but feel relieved. This old fox truly was a master. No matter what tricks or schemes came his way, he always saw right through them.
Bailee, however, seemed unwilling to give up. She took a deep breath, her dark eyes locking onto Alex, as if trying to find some sign of softness on his face.
She pressed her lips together, her voice soft, almost pleading. "Alex, your injury needs care, but my hand is nothing to worry about."
Alex's lips curled into a smile, a perfect arc, but it was as cold as ice. His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest of his wheelchair. "I know, Ms. Foster. You're quite capable. I'm sure you can handle your injury."
Bailee blinked, clearly stunned. Her brows furrowed, a look of pain crossing her features, yet she persisted, her voice becoming even more delicate. "Alex, have you forgotten...?"
"Bailee," Alex said slowly, lifting his gaze to hers. His eyes were piercing, and though a smile lingered on his handsome face, his tone was ice-cold. "Listen carefully, I'll only say this once. I don't need you to take care of me anymore. I don't want Laurel to misunderstand."
"Alex, if there's anything I did wrong, I'll change. I will," Bailee said, her voice breaking, her tears falling freely now. "I've lost my job at the hospital."
Hearing that, I couldn't hold back a bitter laugh. 'So, this is Bailee's attempt at playing the sympathy card to guilt-trip me? How naive.'
"Ms. Foster, don't worry, I'll speak to the hospital about your job," I said slowly, my gaze cutting through her pitiful act like a knife.
"The truth is, Alex is just worried that next time, I'll be the one getting hurt, especially with the baby I'm carrying. You came to speak to me, yet you couldn't even keep your balance and got hurt. Anyone who didn't know better might think I pushed you. What would a pregnant woman like me want to push you for?"
The words hung in the air, thick with tension, before the room seemed to explode in hushed whispers. The murmurs surged like a rising tide, some voices lowered but still full of surprise. "Mrs. Herrera is pregnant. Why would she pick a fight with a nurse? She wouldn't need to get involved if she wanted to do something. It's just not worth the trouble."
A few people were around, nodding in agreement, casting disdainful glances at Bailee. "Exactly, you can tell just by looking at this nurse—she's up to no good, trying to slander people. Serves her right."
Bailee staggered slightly, her hands frantically wiping away her tears before she turned and hurried away.
I looked at Alex, his handsome face close yet weary, and sighed softly. "You've sent her away, but who will take care of you now? Aren't you worried she'll tell someone about your injury?"
Alex's gaze was as deep as a bottomless pit, unreadable.
He looked at me for a long moment, his voice tinged with exhaustion and resignation. "Looks like nothing left for me to hide from you."
My chest tightened. I reached for Alex's hand, feeling the coldness of his skin, and quickly pulled my gaze away. "What happened to your leg?"
"If I end up useless, would you still want me?" he asked, his eyes heavy as they locked onto mine.
I glanced at him briefly, my tone calm. "Stop talking nonsense."
Alex didn't respond; he stared at me, his expression unreadable.
"Don't worry. Even if you're paralyzed, I'm not going anywhere."
"Really?" Alex's smile softened, his eyes twinkling. "What if I had nothing left?"
I raised an eyebrow, studying him from head to toe before gently touching his beautiful face, letting out a soft sigh. "Thank goodness you're not disfigured. Otherwise, I'd have nothing left to gain."
Alex chuckled, then gripped my hand tightly. "I didn't realize you were after my looks."
"Greed for money and beauty is in human nature."
As I spoke, I moved around to the back of the wheelchair and began pushing him.
Just then, Alex spoke up. "Laurel, I've thought about it... if my legs were useless, I'd let you go."
"And then?" I leaned in closer to his ear, curious. "Why didn't you take that chance earlier?"
Alex cleared his throat twice, and I noticed his ears turning slightly red.
"I couldn't bear to see you suffer."
His words made me stop in my tracks. I couldn't help but ask, "Don't you ever doubt me? Don't you think I'd push her?"
"You wouldn't," Alex replied with a hint of laughter. "You're not that foolish."
As I watched his long fingers slowly settle on the wheelchair's armrest, a wave of inexplicable sadness washed over me.
Even an ordinary person would probably fall into self-doubt and pain, unable to escape after such a huge blow. Yet Alex accepts the reality with a calmness that's almost unsettling.
The words I wanted to say got stuck in my throat. Bailee was right. I have no idea how to take care of him, I don't even know where to begin.
"Would you like to go for a walk?" Alex suddenly asked.
"Sure." I pushed the wheelchair outside.
"Are you hungry? Should I get you something to eat?"
I stood beside Alex, glancing over at him.
He shook his head, his eyes resting on me as his voice softened. "Don't you have anything you want to ask me?"
"Come back to the Parks residence with me tonight."
"No need. I'm staying at a hotel for now. It's easier with stairs."
I slowly crouched down, hesitating before I asked, "Can't you move both legs?"
"Just the right one," Alex replied, his tone as casual as discussing something ordinary.
"I'll be visiting the Parks family tomorrow," Alex said, looking up at me with a faint smile in his deep, intense eyes. "I'm still alive. I haven't made you a widow yet. You should be grateful."