Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 331: Chapter 331

"Yes, I should thank you properly," I said, offering a bright smile as I looked at Alex, my lips curving into a perfect arc. I tried to mask the sadness inside with my smile.
But when my gaze landed on his injured leg, my heart tightened painfully, and my brow furrowed instinctively. I quietly asked, "Is it just your leg, or are there other injuries?"
Alex wore a black suit jacket that only accentuated his tall frame, his expression composed but with an underlying firmness.
He lifted his head slightly, offering me a reassuring smile. "It's mostly healed."
With that, he reached out, his broad, warm hand gently taking mine. His fingers brushed over the back of my hand, and the soft sensation sent a warmth spreading through me.
"Next time you see Bailee, stay away from her," he added, his brow furrowing with concern. His voice was low and gentle, laced with care.
Before I could respond, he shifted the conversation. "How's everything at the Parks family? Are you settling in okay? No one giving you trouble?"
I tilted my chin slightly, a hint of playful reproach in my voice. "Do I look like an easy target?"
Alex's eyes flickered with amusement as he watched me, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Just then, a soft footstep sounded behind me. I instinctively turned and froze when I saw Blake standing in the doorway.
The moonlight bathed him in a soft, silver glow, highlighting his pale face, almost translucent like thin paper, devoid of color and radiating an air of frailty. His eyes were intense, his nose high and straight, giving him a strikingly handsome yet fragile appearance.
He looked fragile, like a character from an old painting—delicate and pale, exuding a softness that made you want to protect him.
When he saw us, he smiled, his voice low and gravelly as he spoke, "Mr. Herrera, long time no see." His voice was rough and deep, with a subtle lift at the end.
'I froze momentarily, a ripple of surprise stirring inside me. I never expected Blake, recovering at the Woods Manor, to know Alex. I had always thought Blake was the quiet, reclusive type who kept to himself and stayed out of the spotlight.'
'I had assumed Blake was the quiet, introverted type, especially since he always kept to himself, spending his days recovering in seclusion.'
But up close, I noticed a softness in his demeanor, his every action radiating warmth and friendliness.
'I knew that anyone who could interact with people like Jayden and Thelma, who held so much influence within the family and navigated the complex web of relationships at the Woods family, couldn't be as simple as they appeared.'
Blake's gaze slowly dropped to Alex's injured leg. His well-shaped brows furrowed slightly, and a subtle trace of concern flashed in his eyes.
He reached into his suit pocket, pulled out a business card, and handed it to Alex with both hands, offering a slight bow as he spoke softly. "Mr. Herrera, this is a card for an experienced doctor. His expertise in treating complex and chronic conditions is unmatched. I probably wouldn't have made it this long without his careful treatment."
Instinctively, I reached out, expressing a mix of gratitude and curiosity. I murmured a quiet thank you as I took his business card.
Blake smiled at me before asking with genuine curiosity, "Have you met Thelma before?"
I nodded, my voice soft as I answered, "I stayed with your family for a while when I was younger."
After he spoke, I noticed a puzzled expression cross his face. He looked me over, his lips parting slightly, as if he wanted to say something but was holding back.
Just then, I saw a servant from the Woods family hurriedly walking down the hallway.
"Blake, it's quite damp outside. You should head back inside," said the middle-aged servant, looking to be in his thirties, his voice laced with concern.
"I've only been out here briefly," Blake replied.
"Blake, Mr. Woods instructed us to take extra care of you."
"Alright, I understand," Blake said, his expression darkening with irritation.
With a deep sigh, he glanced at Alex. "Mr. Herrera, I'll go back inside now."
Alex nodded in acknowledgment.
'As I watched Blake walk away, a thought lingered—he seemed afraid of his family.'
I couldn't help but turn to Alex, my curiosity getting the better of me. "How do you know Blake?"
Alex hesitated momentarily, his eyes flashing with uncertainty before he spoke slowly. "Blake may be frail, but he's a formidable person." Hearing Alex praise someone was rare, and I found myself even more intrigued by Blake now.
"It's too cold out here. Let's head inside," I said softly. Alex shook his head. "No need. You go ahead. I'll use the restroom."
"I'll go with you."
"No, it's fine. I can go on my own."
His tone was firm, and I reluctantly nodded in agreement.
'Alex may say that he doesn't mind the injury to his legs, but there's no way he isn't bothered by it deep down.'
Although I didn't follow him to the restroom, I still had Lawrence watch him. After all, with his injury, I knew everything would be much more difficult for him.
I carefully tucked the business card away, hoping the doctor Blake had recommended would be able to help with his leg.
As I was about to head back into the main hall, Jayden strode over, commanding attention. Dressed in a dark suit, his hair perfectly styled, he carried an air of arrogance and defiance, radiating an undeniable confidence.
"Laurel," he said with a smirk, "The woman who just tried to upset you—do you want me to take care of her for you?" He tilted his chin slightly, his tone oozing with playful defiance.
"Take care of her? What, are you going to kill her?" I scoffed, my brow furrowing in disbelief, my eyes full of disdain for what he had said.
"Would killing her make you feel better?" Jayden's sharp gaze fixed on me.
A chill ran down my spine, but I kept my expression neutral. "Do you even know who she is?"
Jayden sneered, his eyes locking onto mine. Without another word, he leaned in closer.
"She's just the Lambert family's illegitimate daughter. Nothing more than that. Killing her would be a hassle, but I could make her wish she were dead. She'd beg for mercy before it's all over."
His words were filled with contempt, as if he were casually discussing something as trivial as a passing annoyance.
At the mention of the "Lambert family," a shiver ran down my spine, and my mind raced with a flurry of thoughts.
The Lambert family was notorious in Nifelheim City—powerful, deeply entrenched, and not something anyone would dare provoke. They were also one of the top four families.
"Is she the sister of Carson Lambert?" I blinked in shock, my voice rising involuntarily. I felt both astonished and terrified.
'What's shocking is that if the Lambert family is behind the attack on Alex, they're genuinely working with the Herrera family. Dealing with the Parks family alone is already a challenge, and now had to face the Lambert family. And to make matters worse, Alex still owes me for offending Bailee.'
"What's wrong? Are you scared?" Jayden's voice carried a note of challenge, his gaze locking with mine.