"She is fine. It's not that serious. I will pay attention to her. Leena, you'd better not let yourself get drenched after autumn. Otherwise, it would be hard for me to nurse you back to good health." Even though Tom was confident in his professional skills, he certainly did not have the ability to make the dead come back to life.
Tom, don't scare me! Is it really that serious?" I have been good all these years. I didn't have any major problems. I even rarely get any colds." Leena got frightened by Tom's serious expression. At the same time, she felt that Tom fussed over her too much. As she pondered on that, Leena did not think it was too big of a problem. After all, she had been in good health all these years. She could hop, jump, and run as well as other people.
"Leena, that is because we have been taking good care of you. Just think! We never even let you get wet in the winter all these years. Tom also examines and prescribes you medicines from time to time. Do you think all those pills are candies?" Duke cast a sidelong glance at Leena. He was still angry with her and Edward for their little performance before Tom came in. However, when Tom commented on Leena's health, Duke could not help but pay attention, wondering what he could do to help.
"Oh, yes. I am sorry. Thank you, my dear brothers. I have been too careless and heartless to notice that!" Leena pursed her lips. She had always known that they spoiled her as if she would always remain a little girl. However, she did not truly realize how much she owed them.
"No, Leena. Don't worry about it too much. Just be your good and honest self. We don't ask for much; we only hope that you are in good health. Your safety is our priority." Edward patted her on the back, comforting the remorseful girl. He never considered Leena to be heartless. On the contrary, it was she who had given them some of their happiest moments in the past years.
Umm. Thanks, Edward. I know that now." Leena nodded her head obediently. Even though Leena was bold most of the time, she knew when to joke around and under what circumstances to be quiet and follow others' suggestions. Currently, the room fell into a dignified atmosphere discussing her health. She kept quiet and behaved well.
"Has Leena always been in poor health?" Belinda's eyebrows knitted as she whispered to Duke in a low voice. Although they had quarreled just now, lovers' tiffs could be easily resolved in a short time.
"That was the case when Leena was a child. She got much better after she grew up, but she still requires close attention. That's why we are always anxious when it comes to her." Duke explained to Belinda, with his gaze fixed on Leena. When Leena noticed her brother's eyes on her, her lips curled upward and she gave him a warm smile.
Oh, okay. I see." Belinda nodded in understanding. She pondered over how Duke loved and cared for his sister. Belinda had known that Duke played both the role of a brother and caretaker for Leena, after they lost their mother at an early age. She understood his responsibilities. She didn't feel jealous about that. Truthfully, she wanted to be able to share these responsibilities with him. She wanted to look after his little sister too. Besides, Belinda adored Leena's kindness and charm.
As they discussed Leena's poor health in this room, they did not know that she would once again come into close contact with cold water, during the following winter. The accident would almost take her away from them.
During their lunch this afternoon, the topics of discussions always concerned Leena: her health, her studies, and her life. It was not hard to figure out the importance of Leena in their lives. The constant worries put immense pressure on Leena. She did not know how she could reciprocate their love and attention.
The good friends bid each other adieu after lunch. Leena had come with Edward and had to go back to FX International Group. Her car was at the company's parking lot. Their conversations over lunch made Edward ponder over his recent actions. He finally made the decision on the way back to the office and put an end to all matters concerning the Kompass Group. The longer he waited, the bigger was the possibility that unexpected troubles would occur.
Edward, what are you thinking about?" Leena asked upon seeing his serious expression. She wished she could help Edward. Leena knew that if he could not solve a problem, she too would be helpless at it. But she was willing to let him know that she was available for help.
"Oh, no. It is nothing of importance. I was just thinking about some work. Don't worry about it." Edward smiled at her reassuringly and turned his eyes back to the road, concentrating on his driving.
"Okay." Leena did not say anything else. She knew Edward well. If he wanted her to know something, he would tell her even before she asked. On the other hand, if he did not say anything, it meant that he did not want her to get involved. 'It is pointless that I ask him again.' Leena assured herself. In any case, Edward was like God to her. Nothing could hold him back. Leena put her worries on hold, looking outside the car's window.
Edward worked efficiently. After he arrived at the company, he called a management meeting and announced that he wanted to purchase most of the shares of the Kompass Group. Within minutes, all top executives and technicians at FX International became extremely busy.
On the other side of the town, Shaun received news of Edward's acquisition. However, two hours had passed since Edward's announcement. Although he wanted to take action, it was too late for him to fight back. Even if he had gotten the information earlier, he could not have come up with solutions. Shaun was no match to Edward when it came to business. Not to mention, Edward had been well prepared for the purchase.
However, Shaun was too arrogant to think so. In his opinion, he had plenty of shares of the department stores that were subsidiaries of the FX International Group. He didn't think he was in much trouble. If worst came to worst, he could exchange the shares with Edward. What puzzled him most were Edward's actions. What was his plan? If Edward wanted to purchase the shares of the Kompass Group so quietly, he must have known that Shaun was buying the shares of the department stores. However, Edward had not taken any response measures. He acted like he had given up the stores.
"Shaun, what will you do? Will your company close down because of this?" Melissa felt anxious about the current situation. Shaun had been her last resort. If he failed, she couldn't imagine the situation she would face.