Leonard finally grasped the severity of the situation, and it didn't sit well with him.
His painstakingly raised daughter, snatched away just like that? He was utterly displeased, feeling as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him during a lottery win, chilling his heart.
His overly abnormal reaction didn't go unnoticed by Vivienne, who said dryly, "Could you not behave like that? It's not certain she's been led astray! I asked you to understand the main point, not to indulge in wild speculations."
Leonard's imagination seemed to have run wild with all sorts of nonsense, making him appear utterly dejected!
Leonard asked, "So, what do you suggest?"
Vivienne expressed her disdain, "…We should both visit Asher in B City tomorrow. He had a car accident; it's a significant event. Aren't you going to check on him?"
Leonard nodded. "Yes, we should go see him." Lowering his head, his mood improved slightly.
Suddenly, Leonard exclaimed, astonished, "Isn't Asher the same man who tutored Melanie? The one with exceptional grades whose family had issues…?"
He rattled off details, afraid Vivienne wouldn't recall Asher.
Vivienne stared at Leonard as if he were a fool, her expression saying, 'Are you mentally challenged?'
Leonard's voice dwindled, muttering, "Do you remember him?"
Vivienne turned and headed to the bathroom, unwilling to engage with Leonard further.
How could one forget a outstanding man like Asher after just one encounter?
Only Leonard was slow to react. She shook her head in exasperation, realizing that arguing with Leonard was futile—it would only infuriate herself.
Contemplating Aria's situation, Vivienne felt her unease deepen.
Back in B City Hospital, Mr. Smith went to rest at a nearby hotel, while Melanie planned to spend the night in the hospital.
"It's late. Rest well. I won't go anywhere; I'll stay right here with you," she said gently upon noticing Asher had no intention of sleeping.
Asher looked at her and asked, "And you?"
"What?" Melanie paused, then quickly caught on, smiling brightly, "I'll just keep watch by your side."
Asher hesitated. She was still so soft-hearted, willing to stay by his side at the slightest hint of distress. His foolish girl, truly heart-wrenching.
Asher lowered his head, saying nothing more. After a moment, he shifted to the other side of the bed and softly suggested, "Sleep next to me."
Melanie froze, her brain seemingly freezing up. She stared at him blankly, not comprehending his words at first.
Realizing the ambiguity in his statement, Asher clarified earnestly, "I mean, the hospital bed is quite comfortable and wide enough for two to sleep on without issue..."
His calm and sincere demeanor made Melanie reflect on her own thoughts.
Where had her mind wandered just now?! What kind of nonsense was she entertaining?
Asher was simply being considerate, yet she had jumped to scandalous conclusions...
Embarrassed, Melanie stammered her agreement, her cheeks flushed red.
Asher, somewhat abashed, turned away, giving her a moment to recompose herself.
Melanie breathed a sigh of relief, glancing at Asher's back—what a thoughtful gesture!
She turned off the lights and gingerly climbed onto the bed, curling up by the edge.
