006: Drop you off on my way

Hospital.

Amelia Clarke lay in the hospital bed, her small face so pale it was almost transparent, looking fragile and helpless—endearing in a way that tugged at one's heartstrings.

"She's not in any serious danger, just suffering from some hypoglycemia and shock. An IV with some glucose and a good night's sleep, and she'll be fine when she wakes up."

After saying this, the doctor left.

Hypoglycemia?

Owen Moreland's gaze narrowed slightly.

As he looked at Amelia Clarke.

She was still shivering, though the rain had soaked her and a nurse had already helped her change out of her wet clothes.

Owen stood up, took a new towel Benjamin Richardson had bought, went to the bathroom to wet it with hot water, and gently wiped Amelia's face and hands.

As the towel brushed past her ear, a red heart-shaped birthmark caught his eye. Her hand paused momentarily before continuing as if nothing had happened.

Benjamin Richardson, standing nearby, was shocked to his core.

After ten years at Owen Moreland's side, this was the first time he had seen Owen care for a girl with such tenderness.

Owing to his high status, Owen was usually serious and rarely smiled, sometimes even appearing cold and detached. Until now, Benjamin hadn't known that Owen was capable of such gentle caregiving moments.

"Seen enough?"

Owen suddenly spoke up in a mild tone, startling Benjamin considerably.

"I've seen enough… Uh, I mean, why doesn't Mr. Moreland go back and rest while I stay here? There's a meeting early tomorrow…" Benjamin stammered.

Owen remained silent for a moment, then threw the towel aside and said, "Go bring Dorothy Brown here."

Dorothy Brown was a servant at his private villa.

It was more convenient to have a woman taking care of another woman.

When Amelia woke up, it was already the next morning.

"Miss Clarke, you're awake? Please get up, freshen up, and have some breakfast."

The unfamiliar voice, amid an unfamiliar setting, made Amelia feel wary.

She surveyed her surroundings surreptitiously.

The room was elegantly and delicately furnished, with all the necessities—a bedroom typical of a wealthy family's home.

"Don't worry, I'm not a villain." Dorothy noticed the wariness in Amelia's eyes and explained with a smile, "Mr. Moreland's car hit you last night. He was the one who brought you to the hospital."

She introduced herself further: "I am a servant at Mr. Moreland's villa. My surname is Brown, and you can call me Dorothy if it pleases you."

This place is a hospital?

Amelia was surprised but showed no sign of it externally.

She took another discreet look around the room.

Perhaps this was what they called a VIP hospital room?

But...

"Mr. Moreland?" Which Mr. Moreland?

Dorothy chuckled and said, "You must have heard of Mr. Moreland. Owen Moreland, you know of him, right? He's very prominent…"

She went on singing his praises without stop. Her tone sounded as if she were waxing eloquent about her own son.

Amelia, feeling a bit overwhelmed, gently interrupted the passionate oration, "I just remembered I have a class this morning, and I don't want to impose. Please thank Mr. Moreland for me."

She then briskly located her own clothes and went to the restroom to change.

As she was halfway through changing, she suddenly remembered—who had changed her clothes?

She shook her head to clear it. It must've been Dorothy, or perhaps a nurse from the hospital.

After changing, she scooped up some water to wash her face and rinse her mouth, straightened her hair, and then left the restroom to bid farewell to Dorothy.

"The doctor said you have hypoglycemia, and Mr. Moreland also instructed me to make sure you have breakfast. Miss Clarke, please have something to eat before you leave," Dorothy urged sincerely.

Amelia glanced at the clock on the wall, "I really don't have time now, but thank you for your kindness, Mrs. Brown. Goodbye!"

Watching the door close behind her, Dorothy shook her head and sighed.

She took out her phone and called Owen Moreland: "Miss Clarke left without eating anything."

The response on the other end was a detached 'Hmm,' as if what she had reported wasn't of any real concern.

After hanging up the phone, Dorothy Brown sighed again.

She had taken care of Mr. Moreland's diet and daily life for over a decade now, and he had never had a partner. She thought the person she was called to take care of last night might be different, but why so indifferent?

She could understand Mr. Moreland's indifference; being in a high position, he had long been able to control his emotions freely. But Miss Carter, a young girl, was so calm upon hearing Mr. Moreland's name, it was the first time Dorothy had seen such a reaction.

The rain had poured all night, and by early morning, the sky had cleared.

Amelia Clarke stepped through the puddles, rushing to the nearest bus stop.

The hospital was quite far from the subway station.

The wind against her face was sharp, like a blade scraping.

Amelia tightened her clothes around her and then paused suddenly.

The rain had been heavy last night; walking through it for so long, her clothes must have been soaked. In winter, clothes are thicker, could they have dried in just one night?

Perhaps Dorothy had helped dry them.

Amelia pressed her lips together, unsure whether the careful attention was from Dorothy or Owen Moreland…

Beep—!

A car honk suddenly sounded beside her.

Amelia turned her head.

A white Range Rover stopped in front of her.

The copilot window slowly descended, revealing Owen Moreland's profound and three-dimensional face.

The man was dressed in a tailored black suit, a white shirt, a dark red plaid tie, and his fine, short hair was impeccably combed back; his thin lips were pressed together solemnly, and his gaze was deep and indifferent, exuding the mature and composed charm characteristic of men in their thirties.

"Heading back to school? I'll give you a ride if it's on the way."

Upon seeing him, Amelia couldn't help but feel like she was in the presence of a stern father, and she hesitated for a moment upon hearing his offer.

On the way?

Owen Moreland didn't intend to provide further explanation. He simply leaned over, opened the copilot door, and said, "Get in."

In his usual commanding tone.

This time, Amelia didn't hesitate and got straight into the car.

If she refused after Owen had gone to this length, it would seem ungrateful.

She wasn't from his world, naturally, there were no common topics to talk about, and the atmosphere inside the car remained silent throughout the journey.

The faint smell of tobacco lingered at the tip of her nose; he must have smoked earlier.

Amelia felt somewhat uneasy.

Perhaps sensing her restraint, Owen reached out to turn on the music.

The soothing music echoed in the car, and Amelia let out a silent sigh of relief. With the music playing, she felt less tense.

As they neared the entrance to Bordine University, her phone rang.

It was Mia Moreland.

"Amelia, I heard from Viola you didn't come back last night? Where did you go?"

Mia's direct question caught Amelia off guard. Just as she was about to answer, Mia continued without wait, "Are you coming back to attend class later? Could you get me some crabmeat shumai and imperial-style yogurt from Capital Reserve on your way back? Love you, muah!"

Amelia: "…" She knew Mia wasn't really concerned about her.

After hanging up, Amelia looked up and saw the sign for Capital Reserve passing by.

In a moment of urgency, she blurted out, "Hey! Stop the car!"

Owen stopped the car quickly, and after it came to a rest, he turned his head to look at Amelia. "What's wrong?"

Under his gaze, Amelia grew nervous again. "I... I need to buy breakfast for my roommate, you can go ahead. I can take the bus after I'm done. You don't have to wait for me."

After speaking and waiting a while without hearing Owen say anything, Amelia, unsure of what he was thinking, simply said "Goodbye" and opened the door to get out.

She stepped through the puddles to the entrance of Capital Reserve, then, as if she remembered something, she took out her phone and dialed a number.

The call was quickly answered, and Viola Harris's voice came from the other end, "Hello? Amelia, where did you go last night? You didn't pick up your phone, are you okay?"

With a slight smile, Amelia brushed the wind-blown strands of hair behind her ear, saying, "I'm fine, just heading to Capital Reserve to buy breakfast for Mia. I was calling to see if you've had breakfast? If not, I can bring you some shumai from here; I remember you like them, too."

Viola responded with a hint of laughter in her voice, "I'm glad you're fine. I've already eaten, no need to get anything for me. Come back soon; we have class."

With an 'Mm' in acknowledgment, Amelia hung up the phone.