Chapter 487 Do Not Shoot Yourself In The Foot
After that, many people continuously came to visit Tony. As he was the eldest grandson of the Clintons, the news of his hospitalization spread quickly from unknown sources. In any case, quite a few people came each time, offering hollow pleasantries that made Amelia frown. Normally, she would not mind dealing with those corporate elites and wealthy ladies. However, Tony was still lying on the hospital bed, and the number of people would only disturb his rest, hence her annoyance.
Oscar seemed to be similarly annoyed, as he sent two bodyguards to guard the door of the ward to stop the visitors, saying that the boy needed to rest and that it was not convenient for him to receive guests at that moment. Those visitors had no choice but to leave sulkily.
Shane was also stopped in front of the ward when he came with Rory, carrying a basket of fruits.
“I’m sorry. No visitors are allowed for the time being. Mr. Anthony just woke up, and the doctor advised him to rest and recuperate. Please go back,” one of the bodyguards said solemnly.
“I’m Amelia’s boss. I heard that her son was hospitalized, so I brought my employee along to see him. Even the two of us aren’t allowed inside?” Shane asked.
The two bodyguards exchanged glances before one of them spoke up. “Please wait a moment. I’ll inform my boss and Mrs. Clinton.”
With that, the bodyguard entered the ward. Not long after, the door opened, and Amelia came out to welcome them.
“Shane, Rory, what brings you both here?” she queried.
While following her into the room, Shane replied warmly, “You called to ask for leave, saying that your son needed to be hospitalized due to some health issues. So I asked around and found out that he was in the Principal General Hospital. Out of consideration for my employee and our long-time friendship, I decided to bring Rory along with me. I don’t think you’ll mind that I’m being nosy, right?”
“Of course not,” Amelia answered with a pleasant smile. “You’re my friend from university and currently my direct superior. Even if I were to resent someone, I dare not do that to you, boss!”
Shane chuckled in response.
Seeing that Tony was still sleeping as he placed the gifts on the table, he asked concernedly, “How’s Tony? Is his condition serious?”
“Just some health problems. But the doctor said that it’s nothing major,” Amelia replied gently.
Rory leaned over to look at Tony and could not help but frown when she noticed his pale complexion. “Tony looks rather pale, Amelia. Are you sure that there’s nothing to worry about? Upon hearing the news, I was so worried during the car ride here, fearing that something bad might happen to him. With your assurance that he’s fine, I can finally stop worrying,” she said, sounding distressed.
“I appreciate the concern, Rory,” Amelia said with a smile.
“You and Mr. Clinton look tired, Amelia. Why don’t I help you both take care of Tony, so you can go back and rest for a while.” Although it sounded like a kind offer from Rory, her eyes flickered toward Oscar with an ambiguous expression.
Before Amelia could reply, Tiffany said mockingly, “Don’t be so thick-skinned, Rory. Living in such a big house, the Clintons naturally have many maids, so you won’t even get the opportunity to take care of Tony. Even if Amelia gets tired, I can still take over from her. So you don’t even stand a chance. You really think too highly of yourself.”
Rory’s expression changed drastically as her smile froze on her face.
Tiffany shrugged when she saw Amelia looking at her. “Sorry about that, Rory. I tend to say whatever comes to my mind. So don’t take it to heart. I just don’t like it when someone shamelessly tries to curry favor with others.”
Rory took a deep breath before forcing out a smile. “It’s okay.”
Although what Tiffany said was true, Rory still felt humiliated. She was jealous of Tiffany and hated her, feeling that the other woman was taking advantage of her identity to humiliate her on purpose. This woman is truly despicable!
“Don’t mind Tiff, Rory. She means you no harm,” Amelia consoled.
Rory calmed her emotions and smiled. “I’m fine, Amelia. I know that Tiffany has never liked me, and I can’t be liked by everyone. Fortunately, you’ve never minded that I came from the suburbs, and you gave me such an opportunity to quickly establish myself in the city. Hence, I’m truly grateful to you. So when I heard that something had happened to Tony, I was truly worried. I really didn’t fake it.”
“I know how you feel. Don’t think too much about it. Tiff has no other ulterior motive. Come, have a seat. Since you and Mr. Franklin were so considerate to come over, let me prepare some fruits for both of you.”
Shane sat down before commenting, “No need for that, Amelia. We are just here to visit and will leave soon. We won’t disturb you further.”
Amelia merely smiled without saying anything.
Tony woke up after a while and complained that he was hungry. Oscar instructed someone to go downstairs to buy some soup since it was easier to digest. However, Tony pouted and protested, “But I want meat and fish, Mom. I don’t want soup. It’s too bland.”
Amelia caressed his head as she said gently, “Be good, Tony. You’ve yet to recover. I’ll cook you lots of delicious food once you’re out of the hospital.”
“When can I leave then?” he asked.
“In a few days.”
Tony instantly put on a glum expression.
Then, Tiffany said, “I’ll buy some chicken tomorrow and boil it so that it’s soft enough for you to eat. Haven’t you always loved my chicken soup?”
“Really?”
“Of course. How could I bear to lie to you when you’re so cute?”
Only then did Tony finally smiled.
“I wish to eat lots of meat tomorrow, Tiffy. I’m craving meat so much after a day without having it.”
Upon hearing that, Tiffany chuckled in amusement.
Rory got up from the sofa and walked to the side of the hospital bed, bending down as she said softly, “Tony, I’m Rory. Do you remember me?”
Tony nodded. “Yes, I do.”
However, he was not particularly affectionate toward her, so she had the feeling that she had embarrassed herself by trying to flatter them.
Rory smiled awkwardly, feeling restless all of a sudden as she wordlessly sat beside Shane. Soon, the only sound left in the room was Tiffany’s voice teasing Tony.
Shane got up to leave after a while. Amelia did not ask him to stay and only sent him to the door. “Take good care of Tony, Amelia, and don’t worry about work. I’ve asked Rory to take over your tasks temporarily so you won’t be too busy when you get back.”
“Thanks,” Amelia uttered before looking at Rory. “Thanks for your help, Rory. I’ll buy you lunch when I return.”
“No problem, Amelia. Take good care of Tony. I’ll do my best to help you complete the tasks at work.”
After chatting for a short while, Shane left along with Rory.
The two went downstairs and got into the car. As Shane started the car, he inquired, “Were you truly Amelia’s caregiver before this, Rory?”
“Yes, Mr. Franklin. Why do you ask?” Rory looked at him in confusion.
“It’s nothing. I just think that you’re fortunate. Amelia is a good person and has always been a great friend. Since she took such care of you, don’t let her down. It’ll be hard for you to meet such a sincere friend in the future.” Shane rarely said such a long speech.
Rory stared intently at him before letting out a chuckle. “Do you also think that I’m being nice to Amelia just because I want to take advantage of her background to further my career, Mr. Franklin?”
“I can’t read your mind, and it’s also none of my concern. However, you’re still young, capable, and also pretty. As long as you’re sensible, I’m sure you’ll have a better future. Don’t come up with any tricks. You’ll understand once you’ve reached our age that you can’t buy back people and matters with money,” Shane advised.
Although there was a smile on her face, Rory shrugged it off internally. I come from the countryside and have suffered a lot since childhood. Sometimes my family can’t even afford our next meal. These tough days have made me envious of rich people, and I even dreamed of sleeping in a bed of money. Now that I have the opportunity to interact with rich people, why can’t I resort to every possible means to get what I want? What’s wrong with desiring to become a rich person?
“I brought you here today because Amelia treats you with sincerity. Although you’re a smart girl, I still wish to advise you as a person who has gone through this. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot,” he suddenly added.
“Thank you for the reminder. I’ll be sure to heed your words,” Rory said gently.
Shane did not speak after that.
