Chapter 184

After Margaret was admitted, the Jose family stayed by her side.

Zaire turned to Sebastian and Isabella, saying, "It's late, and Isabella's pregnant. You should go home and get some rest."

Sebastian looked at Isabella, noticing her tired, red eyes. "We'll go home first," he said, putting his arm around her. "Call me if anything happens."

"Okay," Zaire replied, giving Sebastian a firm pat on the shoulder. They exchanged a look.

As Isabella and Sebastian left the hospital, they saw Jack rushing over.

"Mr. Landon, we resolved the situation with Charlie. His eye is almost blind. The police and I found where he and Vanessa were hiding. Vanessa's in custody now. We'll wait for the police to finish their investigation."

Sebastian nodded. "Thanks. Get some rest."

Jack glanced at the hospital, hesitated, and asked, "How's Mrs. Jose?"

"The surgery went well, but we need to see if she gets through the critical period."

"Okay," Jack nodded. "Mrs. Jose is a good person; she'll be fine."

Despite his words, Jack stayed put, clearly still worried.

Sebastian and Isabella exchanged a look. Sebastian said, "If you're worried, go up and keep an eye on things for me. Isabella shouldn't stay here too long. We'll head back. You can help out if anything happens."

"Alright!" Jack replied and ran back into the hospital.

Isabella watched him go, feeling relieved for Kelsey.

On the way back, Isabella fell asleep.

When they arrived home, Sebastian looked at her sleeping face, reluctant to wake her. But considering the lurking danger, he had no choice but to gently shake her shoulder and softly called, "Bella?"

Isabella opened her eyes. "Are we home?"

"Yes," Sebastian said, withdrawing his hand. "You go inside first. I'll wait outside for a bit."

Isabella nodded. "I'll go in first then."

"Okay."

They got out of the car separately.

Isabella went inside first. As she changed her shoes at the door, she sighed, thinking, 'That was exhausting.'

The next morning, as Isabella came downstairs, she heard dishes breaking in the kitchen.

She hurried over. "Sebastian?"

But she saw Emily in an apron, with Sebastian in front of her, their hands touching.

Emily quickly pulled her hand back and explained, "I broke the dishes and cut my hand by accident. Ms. Miller, don't misunderstand."

Isabella didn't say anything. She found the first aid kit and placed it on the dining table. "You should treat it quickly to avoid infection."

"No need."

"Bella means well," Sebastian said, opening the first aid kit. "I'll help you."

Emily waved her hand. "I can do it myself."

Isabella saw the long cut on Emily's hand, with blood-soaked tissue wrapped around it. "It's okay. Let him help you."

Sebastian gave Isabella a meaningful look. He pulled out a chair and said to Emily, "Sit down. I'll take care of it."

"Then I won't be polite," Emily smiled and sat down.

Sebastian cleaned Emily's wound with disinfectant and cotton swabs, applied hemostatic powder, and wrapped it with gauze.

Isabella guided him the whole time, even making sure the gauze looked nice. She tied a neat bow herself.

"All done," she said.

Sebastian looked at it and praised, "Our Bella is really skillful."

Embarrassed, Isabella quickly pushed his hand away.

Emily noticed their playful banter and lowered her eyes slightly.

During breakfast, Isabella asked, "Miss Lopez, why are you still wearing an apron?"

Emily replied, "I wanted to make breakfast. Sebastian used to love my cookies, but I haven't cooked in a while. I messed up and even broke a dish. It's embarrassing."

"I love cookies too. Can you make them, Miss Lopez?" Isabella asked eagerly. "I'd love to try them next time."

Emily's smile stiffened slightly.

Isabella turned to Sebastian. "You love cookies?"

Sebastian looked at her calmly. "I used to."

"Not anymore?" Isabella asked, blinking at him with curiosity.

Sebastian chuckled. "Tastes change. If you like them, I'll have the nutritionist make some for you. No need to trouble Emily."

Isabella said, "My sister used to make cookies for me. It's been a long time since I had any."

Sebastian immediately called the nutritionist to make a batch for her.

Isabella ate them happily.

After breakfast, Isabella noticed Emily hadn't eaten anything.

Isabella and Sebastian had finished their meal, and she had even had extra cookies. But Emily's plate was untouched.

Emily smiled. "I have a habit of drinking milk in the morning. I already had some before coming here, so I'm not very hungry."

"Oh," Isabella nodded.

Emily stood up. "We should head to the office."

Isabella smiled and waved. "Bye-bye."

Sebastian walked to the door but stopped. He said to Emily, "Wait for me outside."

Emily glanced at Isabella, nodded, and went out.

Sebastian came back and pinched Isabella's cheek. "Jealous?"

Isabella blinked. "No."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "You've been talking a lot this morning and being overly friendly to Emily. You think I can't tell?"

Isabella pouted. "I'm not jealous. I just felt uncomfortable seeing you two so close in the kitchen."

Sebastian, amused and exasperated, said, "I just touched her hand. That's close? If it bothers you, I won't touch her anymore, okay?"

"No!" Isabella bit her lip. "If you don't touch her, the act won't be convincing."

Sebastian put his arm around her waist. "But I'm more afraid of you being upset."

Sebastian's gentle words felt like a soothing touch on her heart. Isabella's heart fluttered, and she suddenly felt her actions were childish and silly.

She lowered her eyes. "It's my fault."

Sebastian pressed his thumb against her lips. "I was wrong. Why are you blaming yourself?"

Sebastian picked Isabella up, carried her to the living room, and placed her on the sofa. Kneeling on one knee on the carpet, Sebastian took Isabella's hand and kissed it. "If you want to go to the hospital, I'll have Jack come get you."

"Okay," Isabella nodded and pulled her hand back. "You should go now. Don't keep Emily waiting."