Chapter 875: I Can Play Along With You
Seeing her calm and collected demeanor, Preston Vance’s eyes softened with heartache. "Chloe, you must have suffered a lot."
Chloe Reed lowered her eyes slightly, avoiding his gaze. "That’s why you should keep your distance from me from now on, Preston. Until this matter is resolved, staying by my side is too dangerous."
Preston studied her for a moment before suddenly remarking, "Your voice is healed."
Chloe paused, taken aback by the sudden shift in topic, but gave a nod. "Yes."
Her voice was still hoarse and rough on the ears, but at the very least, she could speak fluently now.
Preston offered a gentle smile. "That’s a good thing. You should be happy."
Chloe forced a smile, though it came out bitterly. "I’d like to be, but I just can’t." With the lingering haze in her heart refusing to dissipate, how could she possibly find joy?
KNOCK KNOCK. Two taps sounded at the hospital room door.
Preston glanced over. "Come in."
The door opened, and Annie York walked in carrying a basket of fruit. Catching sight of Chloe, she paused in clear surprise before speaking up. "Chloe, you came to visit Mr. Vance too."
"Mhm." Chloe nodded, then asked in confusion, "How did you know he was injured?"
"I came to the hospital to pick up some medicine for my mom, and I just so happened to see Mr. Vance heading in for a checkup," Annie explained. A hint of worry crept onto her face. "Chloe, Mr. Vance is hurt, but what about you? Are you injured at all?"
Chloe shook her head. "No, I’m perfectly fine."
Annie breathed a sigh of relief. "That’s a relief." Then, her brow furrowed in confusion. "What exactly happened after I left? How did he get hurt?"
"It was just an accident on my part," Preston interjected. "It’s nothing serious. I’m practically fully recovered and can be discharged tomorrow."
Annie was completely in the dark about what had transpired at Hot Spring Villa. Information regarding the victims had not been leaked to the public; total secrecy had been maintained. Because of this, Preston’s simple explanation was enough to dispel any suspicions she might have had.
Annie headed off to wash the fruit. Preston settled back onto his hospital bed and looked over at Chloe. "What are your plans now?"
Chloe’s pretty brows furrowed at his question. "Preston, did you not take a word of what I just said to heart?" She had already made it perfectly clear that he shouldn’t concern himself with her affairs or get close to her anymore.
Preston countered, "I just thought that maybe I could lend a helping hand. With more people supporting you, your path might not be so arduous."
Chloe shook her head firmly. "There’s no need. I need to face this on my own. None of you should follow me. I don’t want to drag any more innocent people into this."
"And what about Walker Grant?" Preston stared at her with intense sincerity. "Are you planning to push him away too?"
"Shouldn’t I?" Chloe fired back. "He’s already lost his sight. If I let him stay by my side, is he going to lose his life next? That’s a burden I can’t bear." A profound sense of grief and sorrow colored her tone, and her small face grew noticeably paler.
"But I don’t think he’s going to let you push him away so easily," Preston said after a moment’s careful thought.
"No matter what, I won’t stay by his side anymore," Chloe stated flatly. "It’s simply too dangerous."
"I can help you with that." Preston held her gaze earnestly. "We can put on an act to make him think you don’t love him anymore. Maybe then, he’ll finally let go."