Chapter 386

Adrian's voice was steel. "She's my wife, not some servant who needs to walk on eggshells around me!" As the nurse finished wrapping his wound, Adrian glanced at his ruined jacket and tossed it aside. The nurse's eyes lingered on the discarded designer suit in the trash bin, clearly calculating its resale value.

Vivian pulled out her phone. "I'll have Ethan bring your spare outfit from the car."

While waiting, Vivian observed the tension between Adrian and Margaret. She remembered how Margaret's demeanor had softened during their car ride earlier, even showing concern after their encounter with the Dawsons. A real relationship shouldn't be built on one-sided compromises.

Never one to kick someone when they're down, Vivian stepped closer. "Margaret makes a fair point. I'll be more careful next time."

Used to Vivian's sharp comebacks lately, Margaret blinked in surprise at her conciliatory tone. After a beat, she replied, "Good. As long as we understand each other."

Her voice had noticeably softened. Adrian watched this exchange with raised eyebrows. Was there actually progress in their mother-daughter-in-law relationship?

Once Adrian changed into fresh clothes, Margaret insisted on comprehensive health checks for both of them, repeating some tests they'd just had months prior. The doctor assured them of their perfect health. Still not satisfied, Margaret demanded additional nutritional supplements.

After the exams, Adrian suggested, "Mom, why don't you head home first? Vivian and I need to visit Eleanor."

Margaret had little affection for the Dawson family and similar feelings toward the small-town grandmother. She'd never once visited Vivian's grandmother since the wedding. After brief consideration, she surprised them. "I'll come with you."

She quickly called her driver. "Bring two boxes of the fish oil supplements I purchased today." Vivian moved closer and murmured, "Thank you, Margaret."

Adrian's curiosity grew, but he kept silent, not wanting to disrupt this fragile peace.

In the hospital room, Eleanor had just finished her massage and was reclining against the pillows, looking refreshed. She brightened at seeing Vivian and Adrian, then did a double take at Margaret. "And who might this be?"

Margaret approached the bed, taking Eleanor's hand gently. "I'm Adrian's mother. Family matters kept me from visiting sooner." Even as she said it, Margaret felt the flimsiness of her excuse - two years of being "too busy."

She took the fish oil from Adrian and placed it on the nightstand. "Eleanor, I highly recommend this. Even my own mother-in-law swears by it."

Eleanor patted Margaret's hand with a warm smile. "How thoughtful of you to think of my health."

Meanwhile, Adrian was arranging his gifts, with Ethan explaining each item's use to the caregiver. Eleanor's laughter filled the room. "Seeing Vivian and Adrian happy, I could die tomorrow with no regrets."

"Margaret, please sit," Vivian said, pulling up a chair before settling by the bed herself, fussing with the blanket. "Grandma, you've always said words have power to manifest things, yet here you are talking like that."