Chapter 6 Emily Belongs to Me

Patrick scooped up the unconscious Emily and sped off to the hospital in his car.

Shirley stood alone at the club entrance, muttering curses under her breath about Emily.

Just then, Marlon walked out of the club.

"Why are you here alone? Where's Patrick?" Marlon asked.

"He took Emily to the hospital," Shirley whispered.

Marlon was shocked. "What?"

Shirley's eyes darted around. "Emily suddenly fainted. I asked Patrick to take her to the hospital. Marlon, I couldn't get a cab. Can you take me there? I'm really worried."

Marlon could see through Shirley's intentions but was genuinely concerned about Emily.

"Get in the car," Marlon said.

In the hospital corridor, Patrick paced back and forth anxiously, glancing into the emergency room every now and then.

His heart was filled with worry and unease. He was worried something might happen to Emily.

Patrick thought, 'Alright, you win. Just wake up, and you can wear whatever you want! You can even keep that stupid bracelet!'

Soon, Emily was wheeled out of the emergency room.

"How is she?" Patrick asked anxiously.

The doctor looked up at him. "The patient has a severe allergy history. How could you not know that? Her condition is stable for now, but she needs to be observed in the hospital for two days. Go handle the admission paperwork."

"Okay." Patrick's worry finally eased a bit. He looked at Emily lying on the gurney, filled with tenderness and concern.

As Patrick went to handle the paperwork, Shirley and Marlon arrived at the hospital. After some inquiries, they found Emily's room.

"Emily, wake up," Shirley said, shaking Emily and pretending to cry.

Seeing that Emily didn't wake up, Shirley continued, "I told you not to drink so much, but you insisted it was how you closed deals. And I told you not to wear that dress, but you did anyway, afraid I'd outshine you."

"Wow, someone's really trying to make friends! But why does she need to negotiate contracts? What are the salespeople for?" Marlon interrupted Shirley's monologue with a glare.

"Marlon, you might not understand our company. You stay with Emily; I need to use the restroom," Shirley said.

Marlon didn't respond to Shirley, just looked at Emily with immense gentleness.

Shirley left the room, her heart filled with jealousy and resentment.

She thought, 'Emily, you're just lucky; it won't last. Just wait!'

Shirley didn't go to the restroom but paced around the hallway.

Patrick had just finished the paperwork and ran into Shirley outside the room.

"Patrick, let's not go in just yet," Shirley said.

"Why?" Patrick asked in confusion.

"Emily was mumbling Marlon's name in her sleep. Marlon went in to calm her down, and she fell asleep," Shirley said.

"Marlon?" Patrick said.

"Yeah, Marlon said Emily had asked him out today. No wonder she dressed so sexy. Patrick, listen to me..." Shirley started.

Before Shirley could finish, Patrick stormed into the room, seething with anger. He grabbed Marlon by the collar.

"Come with me," Patrick said in a low voice.

Marlon glanced at Emily on the bed, reluctantly following Patrick into the hallway.

"I don't care what your intentions are. Stay away! Emily belongs to me." Patrick growled, his tone menacing.

"I really like her!" Marlon shot back.

Patrick patted Marlon's shoulder, his grip firm. "If you don't want the Hughes Group to fall apart, keep your feelings to yourself!"

"Why? Do you like her too? You've been hiding it well," Marlon said.

"Who said I like her? My business is none of your concern," Patrick retorted.

Patrick's phone rang, interrupting the tense moment.

"Yes, Donna, I'll be right there."

Patrick glared at Marlon before turning and walking towards the hospital exit.

"If you don't like her, why not let me have a chance?" Marlon called after him.

At that moment, Shirley answered her phone.

Jennifer's voice came through, "Shirley, don't worry. I've arranged for Donna to call Patrick. He'll be back soon."

"Thank you, Jennifer. Whether Patrick likes me or not, I just want him to be happy," Shirley said.

Shirley's phone displayed a photo she had just sent to Jennifer, showing Marlon by Emily's bedside.

"Emily has a lot of rumors at the company. I didn't believe them at first, but..." Shirley said.

"Shirley, you don't need to say more. I know. Emily is clearly after our family's status and money. I won't allow it!" Jennifer's voice was filled with anger.

"I didn't believe Emily was so promiscuous at first, but I've seen her flirting with many men!" Shirley added.

Jennifer's voice trembled with rage as she tried to calm down.

"Shirley, Patrick has always had feelings for you..." Jennifer said.

"Jennifer, please don't say that. Patrick and I grew up together. I trust him! But now, with her around..." Shirley said.

"Don't worry, Shirley. I won't let that bitch succeed!" Jennifer said.

Seeing her plan succeed, Shirley agreed with Jennifer and hung up the phone.

Emily woke up, the smell of disinfectant filling the air.

She remembered fainting at the club. Who brought her to the hospital? She recognized that familiar scent of sandalwood and cedar. It could only be him.

That jerk. One moment he called her a slut, the next he was by her side.

Emily wasn't planning to forgive Patrick easily this time. Unless he begged her, she'd rather quit than forgive him.

But if she had quit, what would have happened to her brother in the special school and her mom working in the restaurant?

Emily turned her head, letting a tear fall from her eye.

Just then, a large hand held hers.

"Emily, you're awake?"

Emily quickly pulled her hand back, looking in disbelief at Marlon sitting by her bed.

"Emily, you're finally awake. You don't know how worried Marlon was. He stayed by your side the whole time you were unconscious. I'm so jealous," Shirley said.

"Mr. Hughes, did you bring me to the hospital?" Emily asked, confused.

Marlon didn't speak, just looked at Emily with a doting smile.

Emily looked up at Shirley. "Where's Mr. Rivera?"

Shirley lied, "Patrick has been busy with the partnership. After all, you fainted in front of the partners..."

Emily thought, 'Patrick, you really are a heartless man!'