Who Cares About Him When I'm Married to the Richest Man?-Chapter 192: Is This Gossip Even Okay to Talk About?

Chapter 192: Chapter 192: Is This Gossip Even Okay to Talk About?

These past few days, Elara has been meticulously taken care of by Zion Fitzwilliam, eating well and sleeping well. She wonders if he spoke to the company leadership, because most of her work has been delegated out.

As the year-end approaches, everyone is busy, yet she finds herself idle. Feeling uneasy, Elara proactively suggests distributing her bonus to her fellow team members.

Vera Ford declines, "What’s this? This amount of work wouldn’t even fill the gap between my teeth. I am a career woman."

She is currently pushing to transfer to headquarters after the new year. Much of Elara’s work is particularly valuable and completing it can bolster her resume. Getting these resources makes her thrilled; there’s no way she’d want Elara’s bonus.

Jean Dunn, however, hesitantly says, "Elara, I... I shouldn’t really take this money, but I’m a bit short on money lately..."

Elara, worrying she might feel guilty, quickly says, "You deserve it, don’t feel embarrassed at all. Next month when we get paid, I’ll transfer it to you. The tasks I have are hard to handle, so thank you for your hard work."

Jean Dunn silently nods.

Vera Ford is curious and asks Jean Dunn, "What’s wrong? Did something bad happen to you?"

Jean Dunn’s family isn’t wealthy but it is a middle-class family from Northgarde, and she earns nearly twenty thousand a month, which is quite a lot, supposedly enough not to run into money troubles.

Jean Dunn sighs, looking worried, "It’s my boyfriend. His grandfather is sick. It’s cancer, but thankfully it’s in the early stages and can be treated..."

Vera Ford’s eyes widen, "Really? So you gave all your money to treat his grandfather?"

Jean Dunn drops her gaze, lacking confidence, "He says we are family. I thought about it and it makes sense. We’re already planning to get married; his grandfather will be my grandfather too. I should contribute some money, especially since he was raised by his grandparents. His feelings for his grandfather are deep, and I can’t bear to see him heartbroken and desperate over money..."

Vera Ford and Elara exchange a glance, both a bit taken aback.

Jean Dunn isn’t stingy; on the contrary, she’s kind-hearted and loyal, having grown up protected by her parents, without a trace of suspicion.

If her boyfriend were trustworthy, Elara and Vera wouldn’t worry, but from listening to Jean Dunn’s descriptions of him, they always feel as if he’s trying to live off her.

Elara hesitates for a moment and asks, "How much have you given him altogether?"

Jean Dunn hangs her head, and nervously replies, "Forty thousand plus."

Vera Ford’s eyes widen, "Forty thousand plus? Did you give him all your savings?"

Jean Dunn had previously told them she had over thirty thousand in savings.

Jean Dunn nods, "He said what’s mine is ours too, and I agree. Being together is about facing hardships together, right? You know my parents don’t approve of us, so I didn’t dare tell them directly. I just said I wanted to buy a car and asked them for ten thousand. And these past months of wages went toward saving him."

Vera Ford’s expression is difficult to describe. "You lied to your parents about buying a car, but you haven’t bought a car. What will you say when they ask?"

Jean Dunn sighs, "I’m not living at home currently, so when I visit, I’ll just rent a car. It’s expensive, but compared to actually buying one, it’s minor."

Vera Ford looks at her helplessly, "Really, I don’t know what to say."

She pauses, recalling something, and asks, "Does his grandfather not have health insurance? Even rural insurance can cover quite a bit. This money is just a down payment; you should be able to get back at least half of it. Don’t forget that."

Jean Dunn gloomily replies, "His grandfather doesn’t have insurance, not even rural insurance."

Her own parents are retired from the public sector, with health insurance that not only covers bills but also reimburses twice. Hospital visits cost them next to nothing. It was only this time that she realized without insurance, medical bills are a bottomless pit.

Elara opens her mouth. She knows she shouldn’t meddle, even though they’re on good terms, but overstepping in the workplace is considered extremely rude.

Yet, seeing Jean Dunn’s face marked by fatigue yet smiling happily, she can’t help but say, "I think it would be best for you to have your boyfriend write an IOU. After all, you aren’t married yet, not even engaged. Giving such a large sum without any guarantee doesn’t seem wise."

Vera Ford nods in agreement.

Actually, any man with integrity would take the initiative to write an IOU in this scenario.

Being unmarried is different from being married. Jean Dunn’s boyfriend’s behavior is akin to pulling off a shameless trick.

Jean Dunn has a pure, naive smile on her face, "It’s okay, I trust him."

Vera Ford and Elara have no choice but to wisely refrain from saying more.

However, both of them are worried about Jean Dunn. Originally, this boyfriend was not a good match for her, and now her sunk costs are piling up. They’re really afraid Jean Dunn will end up hurt in the end.

In the afternoon, Jean Dunn comes to Elara, looking somewhat pale, to request leave, "Elara, I’m feeling unwell, and want to go to the hospital."

Elara quickly asks, "What’s wrong? Where do you feel unwell? Do you want me to go with you?"

Jean Dunn shakes her head, "I’m just feeling nauseous, like I want to throw up. My boyfriend will be coming soon to pick me up. I’ll just take the afternoon off."

Elara nods and approves her leave request. Jean Dunn takes the leave slip to the department supervisor to report.

Elara senses that Jean Dunn’s condition doesn’t seem quite right, but since her boyfriend is accompanying her, it should be fine.

Unexpectedly, by evening, Jean Dunn calls, sounding quite happy, "Elara, I need to take another three-day leave. I’ve been diagnosed with pregnancy. My boyfriend is worried the fetus is unstable, so he wants me to rest a few more days."

Elara hears her mentioning her boyfriend repeatedly, and instinctively furrows her brow, pausing before saying, "Congratulations, pregnancy is a good thing. What did the doctor say?"

Jean Dunn replies, "The doctor said the embryo is doing well. It’s already eight weeks old, with a heartbeat."

Elara asks, "Then you should think about planning the wedding."

Jean Dunn happily says, "Yes, we’re planning to bring my boyfriend to my house tomorrow to meet my parents."

"Then I wish you all the best," Elara says with a smile.

After hanging up the phone, she lets out a sigh.

Regarding Jean Dunn, she always has a vague sense of foreboding.

But for the young couple, as long as the feelings are strong, one willing to make sacrifices for the other, as an outsider, what can she say?

All she can do is pay more attention, in case something goes wrong to offer timely advice.

Vera Ford also heard the conversation, and once Elara hangs up, she leans in with raised eyebrows, "Is she really pregnant? She’s gutsy; no house, no car, deep in debt, and caring for a cancer-stricken elderly, truly a hellish start."

Elara helplessly smiles, "Maybe she thinks it’s worth it."

Vera Ford shrugs, also helpless, "Hopefully her mom can stop her."

Elara instinctively touched her lower belly. Vera noticed and laughed, "What, worried you’ll end up like her? I don’t think you will. You turned down even someone like President Jacobs, so the man you choose must be reliable."

Elara smiled and didn’t respond.

As it was almost time to leave work, Zion Fitzwilliam called and asked, "Brandon’s having a birthday party tonight. Will you come with me?"

Elara was taken aback, "Huh?"

Zion’s voice was gentle, "Let’s part on good terms. I haven’t formally introduced you to my friends. Come on, it’s just a gathering of friends."

Elara remained silent, and Zion smiled helplessly, "Okay, I admit it, Brandon and Felix Ford are both bringing dates. I’d feel a bit embarrassed being the only one without someone. Can you help save face for me? Otherwise, it’d be awkward."

He put it that way, so Elara had to agree.

After work, Zion came to pick her up at the company entrance. Elara got into the car, and Zion handed her a small bouquet, "I happened to pass by it on the way, so I got you a bunch. Thank you for giving me face tonight."

Elara looked down at the delicate bouquet, with three sunflowers accentuated by roses and peonies, very exquisite and beautiful.

No one can resist something beautiful, and Elara smiled, "Thanks."

Zion didn’t say anything, just curved his lips slightly and handed her a bag, "Coconut juice and a sandwich. Have a snack first. Once we get to the club, you never know how crazy things might get, and you might not have a proper meal."

Elara sighed inwardly while holding the bag.

Here it comes again, this meticulous concern and care.

He really wants to use this method to break down her defenses, doesn’t he?

Damn it, it works...

Elara didn’t speak. She was indeed hungry. Perhaps it was because of the pregnancy; her appetite had been surprisingly good these days, with only one bout of morning sickness, and she found everything delicious afterwards.

Tonight, when she weighed herself, she was almost one hundred and ten pounds.

She opened the bag and took a bite of the sandwich. It was always delicious, with a crispy outside and tender inside, the greens were sweet and crunchy, and the meat patty and ham were juicy and succulent.

After downing one sandwich and half a bottle of coconut juice, she finally felt full.

At this moment, the car parked outside a club. The valet took the keys to park, and Zion led Elara inside.

The door to the private room was open. Upon entering, Elara saw that Brandon and Felix Ford indeed had their dates with them. Besides them, there were two men she hadn’t met before. Zion introduced her one by one, "This is another college buddy, Brody. Over there is a partner I met abroad; we previously co-founded a game company, and he’s very loyal."

Elara greeted each of them.

Those two also looked at Elara with curiosity. Ah, the woman by Fitzwilliam’s side, so it’s true they’re married.

But they didn’t dare be too overtly curious, merely stealing a few glances.

Zion, however, focused his gaze on the woman beside Felix Ford.

The woman wore a light blue suit dress, her black hair cascading down her back, her expression somewhat uneasy. She stood up nervously, and called out, "Fitzwilliam."

Zion didn’t speak, and Felix Ford quickly stood up, holding her hand and said, "Don’t be nervous. Fitzwilliam isn’t targeting you."

Then he looked at Zion with a disapproving expression, "Fitzwilliam, you scared Chloe."

Zion withdrew his gaze, saying, "Sorry."

Then he sat down with Elara on the other side of Brandon.

The girl next to Brandon looked curiously at Elara.

The girl was wearing a pink cheongsam, her figure’s curves perfectly accentuated, with chestnut-colored curly hair flowing down, her features delicate and alluring. When she saw Elara looking over, she even winked at her.

Elara’s first reaction was that this girl was truly beautiful.

Second reaction, now this is real femininity, look at this girlfriend that Brandon found.

She glanced at her side, to the object of Brandon’s "rumored relationship," thinking to herself, same rumors, but look at Brandon’s gorgeous girlfriend compared to Zion’s poor taste in finding her.

She didn’t notice Zion’s warning glance directed at Brandon and the girl beside him.

Brandon immediately shrank his shoulders, and the girl lowered her head, not daring to look up.

Thankfully, Zion didn’t plan to settle matters with them on the spot.

With the crisis averted, Brandon glared at the girl beside him, "Little ancestor, why did you insist on coming here? Fitzwilliam already banned you from attending such events. I’m really screwed over by you today! What was I thinking agreeing to bring you here!"

Jasmine Doyle rolled her eyes at him, "What are you afraid of? I told you, Fitzwilliam treats me well. See? He didn’t chase me away outright, did he? Besides, I’m curious. His wife’s pregnant, and I haven’t spoken to her much. If I don’t even know what a rival in love looks like, how can I be prepared and win?"

Brandon was so scared his face turned pale, "A rival in love? You still think you’re a rival? Prepared and win? Are you crazy? If Fitzwilliam had any interest in you, would he have made you wait for over ten years? No hope means no hope. Accept reality sooner. I’m warning you, Elara is Fitzwilliam’s lifeline. If you dare touch her, he’ll end you."

Jasmine hid the disappointment in her eyes, acting nonchalant, "What’s there to be afraid of? I won’t do anything to her. Relax. I’m just curious to check her out. Maybe once I see her, I’ll give up."

Brandon didn’t believe a word she said, but now that he was on the ship, he had no choice but to keep quiet.

Elara held the warm fruit juice Zion had someone bring, sipping it absentmindedly. Zion had just settled her in and said he’d be back shortly, having gone out with Felix Ford to discuss something.

The juice was a bit sour, but she liked it. Suddenly, someone sat beside her, and Elara turned her head to discover, in surprise, that it was Brandon’s date.

"Hi, I’m Jasmine Doyle." Jasmine smiled and extended her hand to her.

Elara quickly took her hand, "I’m Elara Hale. Nice to meet you, please take care of me."

"Of course." Despite her seductive looks, Jasmine’s demeanor wasn’t frivolous. She looked at Elara, blinked, and deliberately leaned in to whisper, "Do you know why Fitzwilliam called Felix Ford out?"

Elara was puzzled at first, then shook her head.

Jasmine smiled and said, "I knew you didn’t know. It’s a secret in our circle. Over there, the woman sitting, she’s Felix Ford’s sister-in-law, Felix Ford’s first love. Her husband passed away half a year ago. You get it, right?"

Elara’s eyes widened slightly in astonishment.

Is this gossip even allowed to be discussed?