Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Don’t Be Afraid, I’ll Protect You

Annabelle Linton didn’t have time to explain further. She quickly stood up and said, “Grandpa, the hospital just called. One of my patients is having a heart attack and needs immediate surgery. I have to go. Please, everyone, eat without me. I might have to stay at the hospital for observation tonight, so I probably won’t be back. I need to leave right away.”

“Alright, alright. You should hurry. A life is at stake.”

“Let Leona drive you. You shouldn’t drive. Rushing like this could lead to an accident,” Roxanne Jennings said with concern, setting down her chopsticks.

Leona Grant looked up at Annabelle Linton.

Without a second thought, Annabelle Linton refused. “That’s okay, I’ll be careful. Thanks, Mom.”

Then she put on her shoes, grabbed her bag, and headed for the door.

“But Annabelle, you can’t go without eating!” Ashley Grant said anxiously. “I can bring you some food later.”

“No, it’s fine, don’t worry about me. Just enjoy your meal. I can eat at the hospital…”

By the time she finished speaking, Annabelle Linton was already gone.

Leona Grant watched her retreating figure. With a CLATTER, he slammed his chopsticks down on the table and stormed upstairs, his face dark.

’She spoke to everyone else, but not a single word to me.’

’Just how much does she hate me?’

’Or am I so insignificant that this woman can just ignore me, time and time again?’

Leona Grant was furious. Absolutely furious.

…

Sure enough, Annabelle Linton didn’t come home that night.

Leona Grant lay in the empty room, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

The next day, Leona Grant went to a project site to oversee development work.

The site was a plot of land in the city center. The Grant Group had been planning this project for two years, but construction had been stalled because the land was owned by the government and couldn’t be purchased.

Now that they had finally acquired it, it was set to be the Grant Group’s largest project of the year, which was why Leona Grant was overseeing it personally.

Vivian Yates had been involved with this project since its inception two years ago. Now that construction was set to begin, she was naturally in charge of managing its progress.

Holding a file, Vivian Yates stood beside Leona Grant and began her articulate presentation. “President, regarding the proposal for the Beitong project, the planning department has drafted two viable options.

“Option one is to demolish everything on the eastern part of the plot and build a charity center.

“Since this is in the city center and the land was originally government property, building anything else could lead to public backlash and negative press, which would impact the Grant Group’s long-term development.

“However, if we build a charity center, we’ll earn goodwill from both the public and the government, which would be a great boon to the Grant Group’s future. The downside is that the direct financial return would be minimal. That’s the first option.”

Leona Grant surveyed the surroundings and asked coolly, “And the second option?”

Just as he spoke, his gaze suddenly froze on something in the distance. His expression darkened instantly—

A carnival was underway in a nearby park. It was crowded and bustling with activity.

And right in the middle of it were Annabelle Linton and Aaron Wyatt.

From a distance, Leona Grant could see the two of them, hand in hand, rollerblading and laughing, their faces radiant.

Annabelle Linton finished lacing up her rollerblades. The moment she stood up, she lost her balance and started to fall.

Seeing she was about to fall, Aaron Wyatt reacted instantly, catching her in his arms and saving her from the fall.

Annabelle Linton looked down at her skates and stammered, “Ugh… this is a lot harder than it looks.”

Holding Annabelle Linton’s soft, warm body, Aaron was enveloped by the faint, fresh scent of gardenias.

Through the thin fabric, he could faintly feel the cool touch of her skin and the curves of her body. An indescribable sweetness filled his heart.

A mischievous glint flashed in Aaron Wyatt’s eyes. A smirk played on his lips as he said, “Hard? Let me show you how challenging it can really be.”

Before Annabelle Linton was ready, Aaron Wyatt pulled her along, and they started moving. A wave of panic hit her. “Wait, wait, wait! Let me get ready first!”

“Don’t be scared, don’t be scared! I’ll protect you!”

Aaron Wyatt pulled Annabelle Linton along, picking up speed as they skated.

“No, no, no, no, no! Stop, stop! If you keep going, I’m going to die!” Annabelle Linton yelled, clutching at Aaron Wyatt.

This was her first time ever rollerblading. There was none of the thrill she’d heard about—just the unnerving feeling of her feet floating and her entire body losing its center of gravity.

“Stop squeezing, you’re going to kill me,” Aaron Wyatt chuckled, slowing to a halt. Annabelle stopped as well.

Completely drained, Annabelle Linton bent over, gasping for breath. “I seriously don’t get why you adults like doing this stuff. Jeez, are you all crazy?”

“Not at all. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see how fun it is.”

With a gentle smile, Aaron Wyatt began to skate gracefully back and forth in front of Annabelle.

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