CHAPTER 66: CHAPTER 66: HE’S ACTUALLY PRETTY HAPPY

Watching Shannon Quinn pack up her things and head towards the door, Ronan Rhodes lifted his foot, ready to see her out, when he heard Landon Sutton cough ostentatiously from behind.

Ronan turned his head, immediately understanding the plan Landon had in his mind. He quickly said, "Miss Quinn, if you don’t mind, could you watch over Master Nate for me? I have something to take care of and I’m uneasy about leaving the hospital without someone here."

Shannon Quinn paused, glanced at Landon Sutton, and then at Ronan Rhodes.

She thought, with Landon Sutton’s background, even without family, he wouldn’t be left with only Ronan Rhodes as his only aide, right? She had seen two strong men in suits at the elevator earlier; they didn’t seem like hospital-appointed bodyguards.

However, Ronan had put it this way, and she did have an undeniable responsibility for Landon Sutton’s injury. Refusing would be a bit too unkind, so she nodded, "You go on; I can watch over him for a bit."

"Alright, then I’ll trouble you, Miss Quinn. I’ll be back as soon as I can."

Watching Ronan leave, Shannon Quinn stood there awkwardly.

"There’s nothing really going on here. If you have things to do, you can go."

"...It’s nothing important, I’m not in a hurry."

Landon Sutton was sure of Shannon Quinn’s thoughts and knew she wouldn’t leave, so he said this on purpose.

"I’ll go wash the dishes first, then come back."

"Okay, I appreciate it."

Watching Shannon walk away, Landon felt a bit out of place without their usual banter.

Shannon, done with the dishes, looked around for a topic to avoid the awkward silence, then asked Landon, "Are you thirsty? Do you want some water?"

Landon leaned against the bed, lazily watching her without answering. Instead, he asked, "Does your husband know you’re here in the hospital taking care of another man?"

Speaking of her husband, Shannon was momentarily lost but then confidently said, "Of course he knows! I told him when I got home last night. He even told me to thank you on his behalf. If he weren’t having trouble getting around, he would have come with me."

Listening to her elaborate lie, Landon felt both amused and a bit heartbroken.

She probably wasn’t just putting on this facade in front of him but in front of others as well, pretending her marriage was blissful while her solitary despair was something only she could truly comprehend.

"He’s quite lucky. Despite his disability, having a wife like you stand by him faithfully... If I couldn’t walk again, I’d probably only spend my life in a wheelchair."

Shannon, with her back to him, organizing the things on the table, sighed forlornly but quietly so it wasn’t noticeable, then turned and said to Landon with a smile, "What are you afraid of? If you wanted to find women, I’m sure plenty would be willing to pounce on you even if you’re paralyzed. You’re never short of care."

"Maybe every woman thinks I’m not short of women, which is why I’m still alone."

Shannon figured he was pretending to be sentimental, but considering what he was going through — lying in the hospital for days with no real family visiting him — she thought it was indeed pitiful.

Having experienced the feeling of being alone in the hospital herself, she understood how vulnerable and lonely one might feel during such times.

Just as she was about to comfort him, a woman’s voice came from outside the ward: "Is Landon Sutton in this room?"

"Miss, please stop making it difficult for us. Mr. Sutton instructed us not to let anyone into his room. If you say you’re his friend, could you please call him first and wait for his..."

"Just do your job, why meddle excessively?! Move aside!"

Amidst the commotion, the ward door was pushed open from outside, and Shannon saw Claire Yardley barging in.

Having a history with Claire, Shannon didn’t even want to greet her and instead stepped aside to watch the scene unfold.

"Mr. Sutton, I’m really sorry—I..." Landon Sutton waved off the nurse’s apology at the door.

Claire held a bouquet of flowers, walking towards Landon Sutton. She had been loud while arguing with the nurse at the door but now started whining, "How did you end up like this? Does it hurt? Are you uncomfortable?"

Landon looked at her coldly and said, "Is there something you need, Miss Yardley?"

"Miss Yardley? Why so formal? I heard you were hospitalized because of your injury, but I couldn’t reach you by phone. I came running to the hospital early in the morning and had to ask around for a long time to find your room. I was so worried!"

Landon turned his gaze away, his tightly frowning brows expressing his annoyance.

Claire, whether genuinely oblivious or feigning ignorance, continued, "I bought you a bouquet. Do you like it?"

Landon didn’t answer, so she kept talking, "I’ll place it by your bed. The hospital is so dreary; having fresh flowers will brighten your mood a bit."

"Take it away; I’m allergic to pollen."

Claire paused, puzzled, and looked at Landon, "Allergic to pollen? How come I’ve never heard of that before? Is it serious? Well..." She paused again, glanced at Shannon standing aside, and then, like a princess, ordered her, "You there! Take this out and throw it away."

Shannon knew Claire was addressing her but pretended to look around, feigning ignorance.

"Who are you looking at? I’m talking to you!"

Seeing Claire point at her, Shannon smiled and said, "Miss Yardley, you must really be forgetful. I’m here on behalf of my husband, taking time in my busy schedule to see Mr. Sutton. Even Landon wouldn’t dare boss me around, so who do you think you are?"

While speaking harsh words, Shannon’s smile remained appropriately pleasant. From an outsider’s view, it might have seemed like the two were having a light-hearted conversation.

Compared to June Yardley, Claire fell short, losing her temper easily. It only took a few exchanges to anger her.

"Oh, you remember you have a husband? Are you flaunting your position as Young Madam of the Rhodes Family to act high and mighty and seduce others’ men?"

"How low must a woman be to constantly feel incapable of holding onto her man?"

"Shut your mouth! Do you really think you can do whatever you want with the Rhodes Family backing you?"

"Enough!" Though he knew Shannon wouldn’t be outdone in an argument, Landon found Claire’s shrill voice too grating and couldn’t help but interrupt.

Claire turned with an aggrieved look, plaintively saying to Landon, "Nate, look at her! She’s bullying me! This woman is an unreasonable shrew; please don’t meet her again, okay?"