Chapter 13

Delia hurriedly set the plate down on the dining table and didn't even bother wiping her hands. She jogged over to him, instinctively taking over the handles of his wheelchair and pushing him towards the dining area. "Just in time. I made a few dishes-hope they're your kind of thing." She was still wearing a pale pink apron, and her hair was casually tied up. A few loose strands framed her face. Delia lowered her gaze slightly, eyes full of anticipation. Curtis had never seen her like this, and something in him stirred. Feeling her excitement, his usually rigid frame gradually relaxed. He looked up at the table-nothing fancy, but clearly made with care. Then his eyes landed on Delia's expression-as if pleading for praise. He couldn't help but smile a little, his voice softening without him noticing. "Yeah. I'm home." "Looks good." Curtis's tone was light. Just a simple comment, but it lit up Delia's whole face. "Really? I spent so much time on it!" The dinner vibe was cozy and warm. Delia kept piling food onto his plate, chattering nonstop about how she cooked each dish. Curtis mostly listened quietly, throwing in a few words here and there. Noah quietly set the table beside them, watching this surprisingly peaceful moment unfold. He still found it a bit hard to believe. But even he had to admit, this version of Mr. Stockton felt more approachable. He sighed inwardly, starting to see Delia in a somewhat different light. Maybe... this wasn't such a bad thing. At least for now, Mr. Stockton and Delia seemed to be getting along just fine. ***** After dinner, Curtis went to handle some unfinished business in the study, with Noah following him in. About an hour later, the door was gently knocked. "Come in," Curtis said without looking up. Delia stepped inside, a faint trace of worry lingering on her face. Clutching her phone, she walked in slightly hesitantly. "Babe..." she called softly, "there's something I need your help with. Can you take a look?" Curtis finally looked up, noticed her uneasy expression, and immediately put the file down. "What is it?" he asked, frowning slightly. Noah subtly fell silent. Delia approached the desk and handed him her phone. On the screen was a message from Edward, along with an attached share transfer agreement. "It's from my uncle, Edward. He contacted me today, said the Fleming Group's in financial trouble and needs consolidated shares to ride out the storm. He wants me to sign this and let him manage my shares." Curtis took the phone, scanning the message and the attached document quickly but thoroughly. The more he read, the deeper his frown. The terms in the agreement were seriously harsh. If she signed this, Delia would basically lose most of her benefits from the company. He slowly looked up, his eyes sharp. "Pooling shares to survive the crisis? That's quite the strategy he's playing." "If I'm not mistaken, you're actually the majority shareholder right now?" Delia nodded. "Yeah... I just don't want to be involved in running the company..." She scratched her head a little sheepishly. Curtis gave a small, warm smile before shifting tone. "What he wants is to push you out, plain and simple." "Giving up your shares is easy. Getting them back? Not so much." "That man... what a piece of work." His voice dripped with sarcasm. Then a thought hit him. Delia might not be tight with the family, but she still trusted them, maybe even leaned on them a little. Last time he gave her a heads-up, she pretty much chewed him out. Now here he was calling Edward out like this... Would she lose it again? Curtis glanced at her, bracing himself for another round of backlash. But what he saw-was her eyes slightly red. Delia didn't get angry at all. Instead, she nodded hard. "You're right. I've had a weird feeling about it too-I just can't put my finger on it. Babe, keep talking, I'll go with whatever you say!" So Curtis had seen right through Edward's little scheme from the start. But in her past life, she never cared about him. Worse, she even blamed him. Delia thought about how she'd been so blinded by family ties that she completely ignored Curtis's warning. She'd thrown harsh words at him, and in the end, paid the price. Now, this same man-after everything-still stood firmly on her side without hesitation, no strings attached. Her chest ached with guilt. Thank god... it wasn't too late. There was still time to make things right. Guilt and gratitude came rushing up like a wave, and she couldn't hold it in anymore. She stepped forward and leaned down to wrap her arms around Curtis, her voice choked, "Babe... thank you..." The sudden hug caught Curtis off guard. He stiffened instantly. Then he felt her warm tears seeping through his shirt, dampening his shoulder. It was like her warmth burned right through to his heart, and he shivered slightly. After a second of awkward pause, he slowly lifted his arms and returned the hug, patting her back a little stiffly. "It's alright," he said in a low, gentle voice. "I've got you." Off to the side, Noah looked at the embracing couple, mouth open, at a total loss for words. Mr. Stockton... you guys do realize I'm still standing right here, right? He silently lowered his head, trying to become invisible and zen his way out of third-wheeling so hard. That's when Delia finally seemed to remember he was even there. She quickly let go, a little embarrassed. Curtis cleared his throat, trying to keep it together, and started analyzing the situation again. "Edward's intentions couldn't be clearer. Just ignore him and flat-out reject the offer." His voice was steady and firm. "You hold the largest share in the company now. You've got the upper hand. If you're not planning to take the reins yourself, then there's no way you can let Edward swoop in and take over." He paused briefly. "With the shares you've got, you're more than able to appoint a trustworthy successor." "Your father put his life into Fleming Group. Don't let someone that shady take it over." Delia listened quietly, thoughts already clear in her mind. That was exactly her plan-to use her shareholder status to support someone capable of running Fleming Group. That way, the company stays safe, and Edward can forget about having his way. And as for Edward... she'd deal with him in due time. But looking at Curtis now, seeing how serious and thoughtful he was being on her behalf, her heart filled with a sweet warmth. She tilted her head and blinked up at him. "You make a good point..." "So... got anyone in mind? I trust you-you've got an eye for people." Curtis glanced up and met her playful, teasing gaze. He knew she was messing with him again. Still, he took her seriously and gave her a couple of solid names with good reputations in the business world. His focused, no-nonsense attitude only made Delia's heart flutter even more. She leaned in so close they were almost cheek to cheek. "My husband's amazing. You know everything. With you here, I feel like I can handle anything... What can I do to thank you, hmm?" Her warm breath brushed past his ear, and that soft scent of hers made his skin tingle. Curtis's ears turned visibly red. He looked away, obviously flustered, and forced himself to put on a straight face. "Be good. We're discussing serious stuff." Seeing him work so hard to hide how shy he was had Delia bursting with silent laughter. She grinned, "Alright then, I'll go take a closer look. Thanks for the guidance, babe!" With that, she practically skipped out of the study, light on her feet. Curtis watched her leave. Only when the door finally shut behind her did he let out a slow breath. He reached up and touched the tips of his ears, still burning hot. Yep. His face was definitely red. When did Delia even learn how to flirt like that?