Back at Hayden’s Mansion, the moment Aimee stepped through the door, she bumped into Casey.
Casey, with her big eyes, shot Aimee a disdainful look, coldly snorted, and swiftly dashed away.
Aimee stood there, speechless, feeling a pounding headache coming on because of this spoiled brat.
After settling her belongings in her room, Aimee made her way to Patrick’s.
This morning, he had lost his temper at her due to the massage incident. Despite her exasperation, Aimee knew she had to fulfill her duties as a devoted wife.
As soon as she entered the room, Aimee found herself met with Patrick’s mischievous and probing gaze.
With even more certainty now, Aimee knew that Patrick had undoubtedly discovered her nighttime shenanigans in his room.
But since he wasn’t exposing her, she would continue playing dumb.
Approaching him with innocent, clear eyes, Aimee gently spoke, “Mr. Hayden, how are you feeling today? Allow me to give you a massage.”
The corner of Patrick’s mouth curved slightly as he responded, “Not too bad.”
Feigning surprise, Aimee inquired, “Is something good happening? You seem to be in a good mood today.”
“I’ve discovered a rather cunning cat. She amuses me, and I want to toy with her a bit more,” Patrick remarked.
Unconsciously, Aimee’s hand, which was lifting a blanket, clenched into a small fist.
In an attempt to divert her attention, she tightly gripped the blanket, barely resisting the urge to shake her fist at Patrick.
Did he seriously just call her a cat, and a cunning one at that?
Aimee reasoned with herself that she couldn’t harm him because he was a patient, and she was an angel of mercy with boundless compassion for her patients.
With a composed demeanor, Aimee removed the blanket, exposing Patrick’s left leg.
She apologized, “Mr. Hayden, I’m truly sorry. I thought you were resting last night, so I didn’t come. Don’t worry; I’ll provide you with a thorough massage today to make up for yesterday.”
Amused, Patrick gazed at her. She was acting so subservient, as if he had complete control over her.
He replied, “That won’t be necessary. Too much is just that, too much. Stick to your daily routine, and there’s no need to make up for anything the following day.”
Aimee’s lips tightened, irritated by Patrick’s obvious sarcasm.
Did she appear that foolish? Did he think she couldn’t comprehend his words?
Giving a forced laugh, Aimee chose not to respond and focused on massaging Patrick.
However, her anger got the better of her, and she pinched his calf.
Nevertheless, he didn’t flinch from the pain and allowed her to do as she pleased.
Little did Aimee know that Patrick’s gaze never left his calf. Although he couldn’t clearly see her actions from his perspective, he had an off-site accomplice.
He had already instructed Trace to relay every move Aimee made.
Through the earpiece, Trace whispered, “Mr. Hayden, Miss Read just pinched you.”
Patrick’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Aimee’s face, refusing to look away.
Until Aimee started feeling uncomfortable under his intense gaze, she pretended to adjust his trousers, intending to move to the other side and massage his other leg.
Unexpectedly, Patrick spoke up, “Now that we’re married, you can’t bully me just because I can’t feel it.”
Aimee paused, suspicion flickering in her eyes, and she asked with a smile, “What do you mean by that?”
“I’ve heard stories about some masseuses going too far, considering it laborious work that they resent. They inflict harsh treatment on immobilized patients-pinching or squeezing them mercilessly. Bedridden patients who can’t feel anything become completely vulnerable to their whims,” Patrick explained.
Aimee’s heart skipped a beat.
If she were absolutely certain that Patrick was genuinely paralyzed from the neck down and couldn’t feel anything, she might have suspected him of feigning his condition.
She smiled and replied, “How preposterous! Everyone is kind-hearted. Besides, the instances you mentioned involve masseuses lacking professionalism and moral values. I’m not a mere masseuse; I’m a doctor. I possess the utmost compassion for my patients. Harming them is inconceivable.”
Patrick listened to her serious yet nonsensical words, but she didn’t even blush.
If Trace hadn’t been trustworthy, Patrick might have believed this woman’s nonsense.
He chuckled softly and said, “It’s better be as you say.”
Aimee continued to laugh innocently, wearing an angelic expression. She almost raised her hand and swore to Patrick that she would never commit such acts.
Patrick’s eyes grew darker, and he remained silent, but his gaze seemed to convey that he had already seen through her.
Lightly biting her lower lip, Aimee restrained herself. After all, she didn’t dare cross any boundaries with Patrick, focusing on giving him a proper massage.
However, a grudge against Patrick lingered within her.
Later, she planned to inform Alan that 800 million wasn’t enough and that she desired 1. 6 billion instead.
When the time came for her to settle the scores, she would ask Alan to fabricate a false message and hand it over to Patrick.
Little did Aimee know that while she contemplated deceiving Patrick with 1. 6 billion, his thoughts were veering in another direction.