Chapter 229 I Need to Grow
Damien knew that there was no deterring her once Cherise had set her mind on something. Yet, as a man, he couldn’t bear to witness his beloved facing the deluge of those rumors. He wasn’t afraid of trials or the judgment of others. His only fear was seeing her hurt.
“I believe you can and will protect me.” Cherise affirmed. She gently pressed her lips together, reached out to encircle his neck, and kissed his lips tenderly. “But, my love, this all began because of me. I can’t just sit here and wait for you to resolve everything on my behalf.”
Her eyes shimmered as she gazed at him. “You’ve done so much for me already, but I can’t keep sheltering myself behind you. I need to grow.”
“I need to be ready for anyone who might wish me harm.”
Damien, convinced by her words, could only release a deep sigh. “Alright.”
Amid his concern, Damien found solace in witnessing his once young and naive wife transforming into an independent and resilient woman.
“Hey, hey, love is in the air!” Lennon teased, cupping his cheek. “My teeth are about to fall out from all this sweetness.”
He snatched his phone and called Jacob. “Jacob, save me! They’re drowning me in their love, and I’m here solo!”
Jacob, on the other end, let out a chuckle. “Looks like you’re having the time of your life as the third wheel.”
Before long, the hospital room door swung open. Jacob, sporting khaki pants and a light blue shirt leaned casually against the door frame. “Another third wheel joining the party! Am I invited?” Jacob teased.
“Of course, welcome!” Cherise chimed in, her cheeks blushing, lying on the hospital bed.
After some playful banter between Lennon and Jacob, the conversation shifted to lan’s predicament.
“I had a feeling he was like that,” Jacob remarked, stifling a yawn. “He’d do anything for success. That’s why I had to let him go.”
Cherise pouted. “You told me you wanted him to go after his dreams.”
Jacob rolled his eyes at her. “I wouldn’t have been so accommodating if he wasn’t your senior. I was nice because of you.”
“But…” Jacob’s expression darkened. “I heard some netizens are planning to visit the research. institute this afternoon to pressure the director into reinstating lan’s job.”
“They even want the institute to award lan a Good Samaritan Award. The prize could support a less fortunate family for months.”
“Damn!” Lennon couldn’t help but curse. “So Ian, who harmed a child and spread false rumors, is now making money off it?”
“Essentially,” Jacob said, lifting his eyes to glance at Damien, “Have you decided what to do?”
Damien reclined in his chair, maintaining his composed demeanor as he peeled grapes for Cherise. “Let them make a fuss. I doubt they’ll manage to get his job back.”
“And,” he added coldly, “that Good Samaritan Award? I’m the sponsor. They’ll need my approval to present the award.”
“Any award lan desires,” Damien continued, “he’ll have to face me personally and clarify his good deeds.”
Lennon frowned. “So you’re not taking any action?”
“Most likely not,” Damien replied nonchalantly, feeding another grape to Cherise. “What’s your take?”
“I’m going to confront him,” Cherise declared. She swallowed the grape and met Damien’s gaze. “If Ian has the audacity to seek not only his job but also the award, I want to confront him directly about why he thinks he deserves it.”
