Chapter 499: Chapter 499: So You Knew It All Along (9)
Upon hearing Steve’s words, Lady Gregory behind her expressed satisfaction and said, “Entrusting Ruby to you, your Uncle Gregory and I will definitely be at ease. We believe that you two will have a good future.”

Ruby silently turned off the water dispenser and turned around, just in time to catch sight of Steve nodding in agreement with her mother’s words. On his handsome face hung an air of certainty, making it seem like he truly and sincerely wished to marry her, assuring her mother.

Ruby found Steve’s expression irritating, and instead of being moved, she felt an intense surge of sarcasm surging in her heart. As a result, her fingertips trembled uncontrollably when she handed the water glass to Steve.

Steve clearly noticed the red mark on the back of Ruby’s hand. He furrowed his eyebrows and, subconsciously, wanted to reach out and grab her hand to examine it. However, just as his fingers were about to make contact, she withdrew her hand and sat down on the sofa far away from him.

Steve forcibly lowered his hand and continued to chat sporadically with Lady Gregory, while his gaze occasionally drifted towards Ruby’s hand resting on her knee.

He promised to only love her, not to like her. However, seeing her hurt made his heart uncontrollably clench.

Although it was just a minor burn, it felt like the pain was searing through his own heart.

He knew that she might not need his concern, yet he couldn’t help but want to protect her in the palm of his hands.

Maxwell Gregory awakened around twenty minutes after Steve’s arrival and, upon seeing him, immediately had someone help him get out of bed.

Maxwell pulled Steve aside to inquire about some business matters, with Steve answering every question candidly and without evasion.

After a while, Maxwell felt that it was time and said, “Steve, you’ve gone out of your way to visit me at the hospital every day, and I know Pristine’s Enterprises must have a lot to handle. Don’t waste your time accompanying me here.”

Lady Gregory immediately chimed in, “You’ve been here for over an hour today, Ruby. Go and see Steve off.”

Always respectful to Maxwell, Steve stood up and courteously said before leaving, “Uncle Gregory, please rest well. I’ll come to see you again tomorrow.”

Afterward, he turned to Lady Gregory, who was seeing him off at the door, and said, “Aunt, goodbye.”

“Steve, take care.”

Lady Gregory watched Steve and Ruby leave before closing the door.

From the hospital room to the stairs, and then down to Steve’s car, just as before, both of them remained silent throughout the long walk.

With complicated feelings, Ruby walked behind Steve, raising her head to see his tall, straight back that was always pleasing to the eye. But it also made her heart feel waves of coldness.

When they reached Steve’s car, he took out the keys and unlocked the car but didn’t open the door and get in as he usually would. Instead, he stood with his back to Ruby for a moment, then turned his head to look at her. His gaze soon shifted to her hand hidden in her sleeve, and his lips moved slightly. However, he ultimately didn’t say anything, turned around, opened the door and got into the car.

As Steve started the car, he looked at Ruby through the rearview mirror one more time. Then, after swallowing twice, he stepped on the gas and turned the steering wheel, leaving.

PS: It took me until now to log in and pick up where I left off ~~~~~(%3E_%3C)~~~~