Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 332: Chapter 332

I shot Jayden a sharp look, trying to keep my nerves in check. "I'm not a kid anymore."
Jayden nodded slightly, a knowing grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, Laurel, you've grown up."
I studied his face, a playful yet unreadable expression, before turning away and coolly remarking, 'You've been out here for so long. Aren't you worried Juliet's looking for you?
"Do you think I'm afraid of her?" Jayden's gaze locked onto mine, intense and calculating, like a predator sizing up its prey. In that moment, I could tell—he still saw me as the same easygoing kid he used to tease.
I inhaled deeply, forcing myself to remain calm as I met his gaze. "Jayden, don't forget who you are."
Jayden shrugged nonchalantly, leaning in a bit closer, his eyes sweeping over me with a boldness I couldn't ignore. "Laurel, don't be so tense. The more you get worked up, the more entertaining it is for me."
I scoffed, too exhausted to keep playing his game, and turned to leave.
"Leaving already? Don't you want to know what the Lambert family's next move is?" Jayden's voice called lazily from behind me.
I stopped in my tracks, irritation creeping up as I turned back. "What are you trying to say?"
Jayden casually slipped his hands into his pockets and strolled toward me, unhurried. "The Lambert family's been aggressively buying land in the western district of Nifelheim City. On the surface, it looks like just another business expansion, but underneath, a lot more is happening."
"I've heard it's tied to a mysterious project. It might even clash with something Alex is working on," he added casually.
At his words, I couldn't help but furrow my brow.
The western district had been one of Nifelheim City's most important development projects in recent years, with various factions quietly vying for power. If the Lambert family had a hand in this and was at odds with Alex, this situation was far more complex than I had imagined.
"Really? Such important information—where did you hear that?" I asked, eyeing him with suspicion.
Jayden shrugged nonchalantly, his face innocent. "Just some rumors I overheard. Believe it or not, it's up to you."
I couldn't be bothered with his evasive answer. With a deep breath, I turned and strode into the hall.
After all, this was the Woods family, and I knew Jayden wouldn't dare go too far here.
I waited in the hall, pacing back and forth, but Alex never appeared. Finally, my phone buzzed with his message saying he had to leave early due to an urgent matter.
I frowned slightly. 'Is Alex feeling unwell? Doubt began to creep into my mind, but I also knew he probably wouldn't be honest with me even if I called him now.'
The party ended, and the night grew late. I dragged my heavy legs, feeling as if they were filled with lead, back to the Parks residence. By the time I arrived, it was well past midnight.
When I entered my room, the soft, warm light of the lamp spilled over me, and I saw Zachary curled up on my bed, sound asleep.
"He insisted on waiting for you," Sophina said, a smile tugging at her lips. She covered her mouth with one hand and stifled a small yawn.
A slight smile tugged at the corner of my lips. "You should get some rest too."
But Sophina caught the subtle change in my expression, her eyes filled with concern. "Laurel, are you alright?"
I shook my head slightly and replied in a quiet voice, "I'm just tired."
She didn't press further, only gently closing the door behind her as she left the room.
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft, dappled glow across the dining room. It was rare for the whole family to gather together.
At the table, Maddox glanced up at me casually, asking, "Why didn't you bring Alex back yesterday?"
Before I could respond, Kailyn's lips curled into a dismissive smile as she quickly said, "I thought you two would be coming back together."
I shot her a cold glance but didn't say anything.
Melody, sensing the tension, quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Maybe Alex still had work to take care of."
'I didn't bother explaining further. To them, Alex only defended me yesterday because of my status as a Mrs. Herrera, and to protect the Parks family's reputation.'
'If I truly meant that much to him, why has he been staying in Wadiff City all this time and hasn't found the time to visit the Parks family?'
"Isaac, I saw you with Thelma yesterday. How did it go?" Melody looked up slowly, her gaze shifting to Isaac sitting beside me.
My heart skipped a beat. 'So, Thelma was someone Melody had her eye on.'
Before Isaac could respond, Kailyn frowned, her voice dripping with displeasure. "Melody, I don't like Thelma."
I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. 'It was probably because Thelma and I had spoken briefly, and now Kailyn felt uneasy.'
Maddox's expression darkened, and he snapped, "Isaac isn't getting any younger. Do you want to watch him stay single forever?"
At his words, I looked up thoughtfully and glanced at Isaac.
Kailyn mumbled under her breath, "She's just an adopted daughter. She doesn't deserve Isaac."
Maddox's tone sharpened as he corrected her, "Enough. Yes, Thelma is adopted, but the Woods family has treated her like their own. Besides, she's the Vice President of the Woods Group."
I was taken aback. 'I hadn't realized Thelma was so capable. What kind of position did Jayden hold in the Woods family? I bet his parents must be cautious with him, but that's only natural.'
After breakfast, I had barely returned to my room when a knock echoed at the door. Susan's anxious voice came from the hallway. "Mrs. Herrera, Alex is here."
I froze for a moment, instinctively asking, "Alex?"
Susan nodded, and I couldn't help but feel surprised. I hadn't expected him so early.
"Maddox and Alex are downstairs," Susan added.
I quickly straightened my clothes and hurried down the stairs.
Alex sat in his wheelchair in the living room, and when he heard my footsteps, his conversation with Maddox abruptly stopped.
He slowly lifted his gaze, meeting my eyes, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Maddox spoke first, his tone filled with concern. "Alex, how's your leg?"
Alex's expression remained calm as he answered quietly, "My right leg still needs some time to heal."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, I stepped forward. "I'll go with you for a walk."
He looked up at me, his gaze intense, before giving a slight nod. "Alright."
I pushed his wheelchair into the garden, where sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The air was filled with the gentle fragrance of flowers.
I spoke softly, "I'll accompany you to the doctor this afternoon."
"No need," he replied. "Lawrence will be with me."
'Doubt crept into my mind. Our relationship seemed to have softened recently, so why was Alex unwilling to let me know the full details of his injury?'
Unable to resist, I asked, "Is there something you're hiding?"