"Do you stay in the same room?" Desmond asked with confusion brimming in his eyes.
He did not expect Jessica and Davis relationship to have progressed to the point of living together in the same room.
Jessica laughed lightly "Aren’t we married? What is the point of living separately?"
Davis looked at her seriously, with her attitude he didn’t expect she will readily accept it that way or is it just to spite Desmond? Whatever reason she has he was very grateful.
Desmond face twisted, he cannot believe he is losing all his cards in one single day. He married the Brown daughter to Davis with the intention of controlling Davis through her, making him remain in pain at the very thought of remembering his marriage and how it came to be, possibly they should always see each other as enemy but their interactions speak otherwise.
"Dad, it will be wise you pause whatever discussion you have with them and take a good rest looking at your condition" He scowled.
Their presence since the dinner was disruptive and letting them stay further, he didn’t want to imagine the effect. He didn’t want the old man rekindling the love Davis had extinguished when he got into accident.
Jessica, sighed briefly while casting a furtive glance at him "Are you worried about Grandfather’s safety, or are you upset that we’re staying?" She smirked.
Desmond’s jaw clenched, his eyes darted to Davis again. "I have every reason to be concerned. The situation earlier was chaotic. What if—" He stopped himself, his fists tightening.
Davis’s gaze darkened. "What if what?" He didn’t need to be told what he is thinking.
Desmond scoffed. "Do I need to spell it out boldly when we all know how you have come to be since you lost your legs? How violent you have become? Who knows what you might do when you..."
Jessica’s gaze turned cold. This is definitely him trying to provoke Davis. Elder Allen’s fingers tapped lightly on his thigh "Desmond, that’s enough." He boomed in a steady, but authoritative tone that left him no choice then to obey.
"Your concerns are noted but at this point it is not necessary. Davis had not been at home for a long time and I wish to spend some time with him.This discussion is over." He instructed.
Desmond gritted his teeth, his frustration boiled over with his brain spinning rapidly for a plan-B. "Fine, I am just looking out for you." He muttered as his fist clenched and unclenched.
He turned sharply to leave but hesitated at the door. His gaze venomous as it swept over Davis and Jessica. "Uncle, you have to get some rest when you go back" Jessica smirked.
Desmond inhaled sharply, his fists tightening at his sides. Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked out of the study, his thoughts in turmoil.
As members of the family had finally dispersed, the commotion died off and tranquility returned.
Jessica sighed as she walked over to the old man who was leaning on the bed in exhaustion. He had expended the little energy in his body. His eyes now heavy that he wished to sleep.
"Grandpa, your condition might have been stabilized at the moment but there is need for constant and steady treatment accompanied by a good rest."Jessica said, her voice gentle but firm.
Elder Allen nodded. Even if she had not mentioned it, he had made that decision. He would have a long rest to recover his body. He can’t believe that in a space of months he has become this weak that a little talk will make him gasp for breath.
She beckoned on Alfred and Ethan to send the old man to his room. Slowly he was helped up, his frame towering high as he gathered his momentum to stand firm. He cannot let people see him weak otherwise unfounded stories will fill the media and its effect on the company will be unimaginable.
Elder Allen let out a weary breath as they settled him onto the king-size bed in his bedroom. His complexion remained pale, but his sharp eyes didn’t lose their glint. Jessica adjusted the pillows behind him, making sure he was comfortable before sitting by his bedside.
"Grandpa, how are you feeling now?" Jessica asked as she covered him with the duvet and adjusted the air conditioner in the room.
"I am alive and that is all that matters", he muttered. His eyes shot open as he recalled something "Jessica, can you handle my treatment yourself?" Elder Allen asked with a knowing look.
Jessica met his gaze without hesitation. "Do you think I can do it when I am not a doctor?" she asked with a slight smile on her lips. She had always heard of Elder Allen being a shrewd when he was in the forefront of the mall but it seems his old age didn’t limit him.
Elder Allen didn’t think twice before he gave his answer, a concise and determined "Yes" while he met her gaze head on.
He had been unconscious but the distant murmurs, her calm and composed instruction had been there, he heard it all clearly and making it out alive, he made the decision to let her handle his health issues.
Davis, frowned lightly at his decision that he glanced between both of them. "Grandpa, you shouldn’t take this lightly. You need proper care, not just temporary relief." He stated.
Elder Allen felt his concern but then he has lived long enough to detect the fake and the real. "Don’t you trust her?" he questioned him.
Davis felt conflicted at the question, he had been there and witnessed how she had handled the situation he sighed "I trust her" he answered more like encouraging himself than a declaration.
Elder Allen exhaled, his expression blank. "Then I trust you both to make the necessary arrangements." His voice steady.
Jessica nodded, then glanced at Davis. "We should let him rest now. Stress will only worsen his condition."
Davis agreed with a nod, but before they could leave, Elder Allen’s voice stopped them.
"Jessica," he called. She turned to look at him. "Stay a moment."