Once Stewart picked up Irwin, Lauren grabbed her purse and headed to the hospital.
VIP suite, St. John’s Hospital.
Lauren pushed open the door to the private room-
Rosila was sitting up in bed, reading:
Sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, casting a soft glow along the edge of the bed and illuminating Rosita’s profile–her skin looked flawless in the morning light
Standing nearby, her personal assistant Daisy was snapping candid photos of her with a phone.
Lauren paused in the doorway, then quietly stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She didn’t want to interrupt
Daisy finished snapping pictures and handed the phone over. “Rosita, take a look–let me know which ones you like?”
Rosita set her book aside and scrolled through the photos, her slender fingers moving deftly over the screen. After a moment, she selected a few. “These are good. Post them in a nine–photo collage, and for the caption… something like ‘Peaceful days, waiting for the flowers to bloom.‘ And remember to disable comments.”
Daisy nodded. “Got it, I’ll take care of it.”
Rosita looked at Daisy–a fresh–out–of–college girl, unassuming and earnest, always eager to please. She was exactly the kind of assistant Rosita liked: straightforward and reliable.
Rosita’s expression softened into a warm smile. “Thank you, Daisy. You’ve done a great job.”
Daisy blushed immediately.
She’d only been with Rosita for two months, but she was struck by how approachable she was–so beautiful, yet never putting on airs. Even to a junior assistant, she was always gentle and kind. No wonder she had millions of fans.
It was just a shame that Rosita’s illness had forced her to retire. The fans didn’t know the truth; for days now, they’d been hounding her online for leaving the industry.
Daisy felt a pang of sympathy for her.
“Rosita, you’re too polite. This is just part of my job.”
Rosita tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re thoughtful and hardworking, but around me there’s no need to be so formal. I don’t stand on ceremony.”
“Thank you, Rosita. You’re wonderful!” Daisy glanced at Lauren, catching the hint. Til leave you two alone. Let me know if you need anything.”
Rosita nodded gently. “Thank you, Daisy”
Daisy gave Lauren a polite nod, then slipped out the door.
The room was quiet again as Lauren finally crossed to the bedside and sat down.
Rosita picked her book back up, glanced at Lauren, and asked in her usual gentle voice, “Mom, did Irwin not come with you today?”
Lauren frowned. “Don’t you know?”
Rosita looked puzzled, “What happened?”
“Stewart took Irwin and Briony on a trip together!”
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Chapter 170
“What?” Rosita’s face darkened, brows furrowing. “Why would the three of them go on a trip?”
“How should I know?”
Lauren studied her daughter’s face, noting her genuine surprise. She probed gently. “Rosita, has something happened between you and Stewart lately?”
Rosita said nothing, her frown deepening
t to let it
Stewart had been visiting her less and less. She’d chalked it up to his busy work schedule, trying not to bother her too much and definitely not wanting to seem clingy.
But this? He wasn’t busy. He was off on vacation with Briony and Irwin.
It had to be Briony. She always knew how to use Irwin to get Stewart’s attention.
Rosita had thought that once their engagement was public, Brony would finally back off. Surely, public opinion would force her to give up.
But she’d never expected Briony to cling on so shamelessly, even now.
Like mother, like daughter–both as spineless as ever.
A cold glint flashed in Rosita’s eyes.
But when she looked up at Lauren again, her face was all softness once more. “Mom, do you know where they went?”
“Irwin said something about Cloudcrest City–said they’d be there for a week.”
Lauren watched Rosita, anxious; she seemed almost unbothered, which only made Lauren more uneasy
“Rosita, I don’t want to pressure you, but Briony is not to be underestimated. Irwin’s been with me these last few days, and he talks about her constantly!”
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