Saving the Billionaire

6. Staying the night

"I think you should stay the night" Alice mused as she stared at my ankle.

I thought taking rest for a while would heal the wound, but it proved to be useless. If anything, I was unable to walk without wincing. Greta was kind enough to bring me ice packs whenever I asked. Icing the wound helped a bit. My plans for seeing the site were are destroyed as I could not move from the room I was assigned.

After breakfast with Alice and Jace, I decided to call Nia and update her about my arrival at the mansion. She asked me to be careful and keep her in touch with further findings. It was her biggest concern because of the budget. Also, I was embarrassed to discuss my current situation, me injuring my ankle, so I did not mention it.

I stayed in the room for a few hours until it was time for lunch. During the lunch, it was just Alice and me sitting at the huge table. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask her about the other family members. The mansion seemed huge for just two of them. Along with Greta, I noticed two other people working; they have their quarters on the other side.

Alice tried to steer clear of the family topic as much as she can. Instead of asking me about my life back in New York. It turns out she was interested in applying for fashion designing but gave up. Alice did not specify the reason for giving up, but it felt personal for her, so I did not ask any questions.

Jace did not come back from the office for lunch. He was working late, so he called Alice and ask her to have lunch with me instead.

"You think?" I sighed, staring at my ankle. Jace sent the doctor over earlier who was quick to dismiss my injury and give me the pills. The doctor seemed in a hurry. He left without even taking his consultation fees which were weird.

Alice tried to cheer me up by saying Greta would make my favourite dessert. It still felt like I was freeloading in their place because of my own mistake. Never did I think this way when I was back in New York and dealing things professionally.

"Thank you again for letting me stay. I don't know how to repay" I mumbled, staring at Alice.

She was sitting across the bed so that I won't go insane with boredom. Even though there was a huge LED and my laptop bag with me, I had no interest in watching anything. Alice decided to keep me company until we were called for dinner. Her company being playing candy crush on the phone and cheering loudly every 3 minutes she wins the level.

She raised her head, "Don't be silly. It's partly our fault for not warning you about that stupid step."

I wanted to correct her because it was entirely my fault for being distracted by her handsome brother. Who sits so casually on the couch like that? I thought to myself.

"Still thank you. I promise I'll get out first thing in the morning."

Alice made a face, "You don't have to do that."

"I do. My ankle will heal tomorrow as the doctor said and besides, I have my luggage in the hotel."

"About that..." She trailed, her voice low.

"What?"

"Did you tell them that you are working here?" She asked, chewing on her lips.

Why would I mention that to the hotel? Not like they need to know why I am here. But she looked curious to see the answer.

"No. Do you want me to?"

She widened her eyes, her hands clenched in her lap, "No! No I mean just don't mention anything to anyone around here. Alright?"

That's very helpful! I snorted to myself. What was that about? Why was she asking me to be careful? They are just some wealthy family for crying out loud!

"Uhh...sure"

She took a breath and leaned back, scrolling her phone again. Just when I thought this wouldn't get any weirder.

***

Jace was not there for dinner as well. I was looking forward to having a meal with him. As promised, Greta made a chocolate souffle for me, and I did feel better. With the way, they were feeding me; I was having a hard time focusing on the pain.

Alice giggled, "You look like you are having fun."

I threw a hand over my mouth, suddenly embarrassed of the chocolate all over my lips, "Sorry, I have no table manners."

"Shush you're doing fine."

"Am I?"

Alice hummed, "I haven't seen you pick your nose, so that is fine for me."

"Wow, your standards are low."

"Yours would be too if you have dined with snorty kids for a month straight."

"Snorty kids? It sounds like you would have hated the preschool me."

Alice laughed and shook her head. Then she went on to tell that she volunteered for the summer camp with her friend. Her stories were fascinating and made it through the entire dinner.

She stood up, wiping her hands on the napkin, "Have a good night. If you need anything, call Greta."

I hummed even though that was highly unlikely. I did not want to trouble the housekeeper anymore because if looks could kill, I would be already dead. She was simply entertaining me because of Alice, so I did not want to push it.

"I will" I quietly whispered as Greta glared at me. She was not subtle about hiding it at all.

"Good night" I waved at Alice and retreated to my room, using the objects nearby as my crutch. Because of those pills, I was able to function better than before. I did walk with a limp, but at least I could walk, so I did not complain.

***

A few hours later, I blinked, feeling my throat dry. Squinting my eyes, I tried to reach for the water jar only to find it empty. With a sigh, I woke up, rubbing at my eyes.

It was impossible to ignore the dryness in my throat, so I stood up, wincing at the coolness of the floor. Taking a deep breath, I turned around only to notice that I was able to take steps without flinching. A giggle escaped my lips about it. It meant I don't have to stop wearing heels.

Holding my breath, I tiptoed out of the room, trying not to make any sound. The floorboards in the hallway were extremely creaky, which reminded me that I have to tell Jace about it. If he was going to renovate anyway, then he should consider making smart choices.

Just as I was about to make a turn, I gasped at the sight in front of me. It was Jace. He was holding on to the wheelchair handle. I hid behind the wall as he lifted his head, covering my mouth so he could not hear the harsh breathing.

Who was he taking in the wheelchair? Why did no one mention me about the person? I peeked again, narrowing my eyes to get a better look.

My mouth felt dry as I noticed the look on the older adult's face. He had his head tilted toward my side, his body limp and fragile. A blue robe was covering his tiny body, saline attached to his back of the hand. A breathing mask on his face. His eyes were closed when I tried to avert my stare; he suddenly opened them making eye contact. I yelped at the redness of the eyes and turned hastily, bumping my head against the wall.

Shit! I cursed myself holding my breath in as I heard Jace mumbling softly.

"Is someone there?" His voice cut through the silence of the night. I slowly tilted my head to the side, focusing on the shiny wall in front of me, hoping to catch his reflection. Jace made no move. He was quiet.

I frowned when he sat on his knees and closed the older man's eyes again. Who was that person? Maybe he was someone close to Jace. Then why was he sneaking him away like that in the middle of the night? Something wasn't adding up.

I stood on my toes which thanks to my mom's obsession with the gymnasium. I took three years of that stuff then eventually quit by shifting my focus on the art. She took it pretty hard, still sniffing once in a while at that.

Jace was already standing up by the time I leaned forward to stare at the older man. He turned his head, but I was too late to hide back, and he noticed me.

Jace frowned, inching towards me, "Ms Clark?"

I squeaked, shaking my head and ran back to my room, not caring about the pain in my ankle. That was the last thing on my mind. I closed the door, locked it and hid under the covers so that he doesn't find me.

***