Glades Horne raised his eyebrows, taking in her reaction. His sensually warm lips curved slightly, revealing a gentle smile. This added a sunny disposition to his already handsome features, making him even more captivating. The women around couldn't help but sigh softly, What a handsome man!

"What's the matter?" Glades's deep voice conveyed his pleasure. Being stared at by the woman he loved made him feel as elated as a lottery winner who had just hit the jackpot. His deep-set eyes held a warmth reserved only for Julia Bluen, though his gaze remained as unfathomable as ever.

Without a word, Julia Bluen suddenly threw herself into Glades Horne's arms. She hugged his sturdy waist tightly and rested her head on his chest. Listening to his steady, forceful heartbeat, she finally felt safe.

She had always thought herself strong, independent, and fearless. But just now, when Nicholas Coldwell forcefully pinned her against the wall, attempting to kiss her in front of so many passersby, she realized that she, too, could feel weak and helpless.

Previously, when she was with Nicholas Coldwell, she never felt uncomfortable. But at that moment, she despised his touch. It made her feel sullied, and a wave of guilt towards Glades Horne washed over her.

A beauty throwing herself into his arms naturally thrilled Glades Horne. However, his happiness was fleeting. He quickly sensed that something was off with Julia Bluen. Something must have happened to her, he thought.

"Let's go check if Adele has finished her infusion," Glades said, enveloping Julia Bluen as they walked inside. He chose not to ask further, hoping Julia would tell him voluntarily.

Julia let him lead. The couple, resembling a pair of celestial beings, proceeded under the escort of two bodyguards.

Their passage made jaws drop.

In the ward, Adele Horne had just finished the lean pork porridge Julia Bluen had packed for her. It was her first time eating porridge, and she found it quite tasty. After eating, she felt more energized.

"Do you want water?" Orlando Evans disposed of the trash for her and asked considerately.

"No need. Orlando, I'm a bit worried," Adele said in a soft voice, glancing outside. Julia hadn't appeared yet. "I accidentally let it slip that I caught this bad cold because the air conditioning was on all night. Do you think Julia will tell my brother? He already suspects I'm faking it to avoid work."

What she feared most was Glades Horne freezing her bank cards.

"Why worry? You haven't even started the battle, and you're already showing weakness. How are you going to defeat her?" Orlando Evans said, a hint of irritation in her voice, though she tried to suppress it and spoke softly.

Adele Horne felt that what Orlando said made sense. Today, in front of Julia Bluen, I was utterly weak, completely led around by the nose, she thought.

"Adele, how about this..." Orlando Evans's eyes darted about as a plan formed in her mind. She leaned in and whispered into Adele Horne's ear, instructing her on what to do.

Hearing Orlando's words, Adele Horne's face showed fear. She shook her head and said, "I'm terrified of heights! Making me climb a tree? You're asking for my life, aren't you?" She truly had acrophobia. Just standing somewhere a little high would make her body go weak, her head spin, and her face turn pale. If she were in a very high place, she would faint from fright.

Orlando Evans had suggested a plan: Adele should find an opportunity to play badminton with Julia Bluen in the Horne Family courtyard. During the game, Adele was to deliberately hit the shuttlecock into a treetop. Then, she would climb the tree to retrieve it. Since Adele suffered from acrophobia, once she reached the top, she would undoubtedly be too scared to come down. At that point, she could scream for help, alerting her parents and brother. Consequently, Julia would be chastised by the family. Even if her elder brother was fond of Julia, he would surely be displeased with her for knowingly letting someone with acrophobia climb a tree.

The goal she and Orlando Evans shared was to worsen the relationship between Glades and Julia.

"That's precisely how you can get your family to scold her," Orlando Evans said, a sinister glint in her eyes.

"But... Brother, what are you doing here?" Adele started to say more, but as she glanced up, she suddenly saw Glades Horne standing at the entrance of the ward with Julia Bluen in his arms. Glades was so tall that if he stood in the middle of the doorway, he looked like he might hit his head on the frame. His commanding presence filled the room, making the otherwise quiet and sun-filled ward feel suffocating.

Glades released Julia and walked in, stopping in front of the bed. His deep gaze first swept over the IV bottle—it was empty. He then turned to the bodyguard who had followed him in and said, "The Miss's IV drip is finished."

Wade Coleman understood and immediately went to find a nurse.

"Glades, you're here," Orlando Evans said, standing up. She deliberately positioned herself in front of Glades Horne, tilting her face up with a gentle and dignified smile as she addressed him affectionately.

Glades Horne's expression was inscrutable. He gave no reaction to Orlando Evans's fawning words, standing as still as a wooden figure. This left Orlando feeling slightly embarrassed. She bit her lower lip, a wronged expression on her face, and took two steps back, turning her gaze towards Adele.

Julia was present, and Adele had just witnessed her methods. Therefore, Adele said nothing in Orlando Evans's defense. After all, Julia was now officially her sister-in-law. Given her brother's clear dislike for Orlando, and with her sister-in-law right there, Adele wouldn't dare say anything that might sound like she was ambiguously siding with Orlando.

Not receiving any "outraged defense" from Adele, Orlando Evans felt a surge of resentment towards her. She thought about how tolerant she'd always been with Adele, practically following her around like a lapdog every day. Yet, now, when Orlando needed her, Adele chose silence.

The nurse on duty quickly arrived and removed the IV needle from Adele's arm.

The group then left the ward.

After leaving the hospital, Glades Horne instructed Wade Coleman to drive Julia's car and take Adele back to the Horne residence. Meanwhile, he had the other bodyguard drive him and Julia to the Emperor Hotel, as he planned to treat Julia to a meal there.

As for Orlando Evans, Glades Horne hadn't addressed a single word to her or about her from beginning to end.

Orlando Evans's expression turned quite unsightly. She had come and spent an hour accompanying Adele, only to be treated like this—as if she were completely invisible to everyone.