No Escape from Love novel Chapter 172

"Huh?" I blurted out in surprise. "Weren't we supposed to be eating on my treat?"

"Save it for next time." With just a few words, Alex had already pulled up in front of his building.

There was no way around it—his place was too close. I had no choice but to go along with his plan.

Just as I was about to head upstairs, he suddenly called out, "Serena."

I turned back. "What is it?"

He reached into his pocket and tossed me a set of car keys. I frowned. "Why are you giving me this?"

"Consider it your reward for Plan B." He was already walking ahead toward the parking area, where an array of luxury cars was neatly lined up. They were all his. At the very end of the row sat a modest Mercedes-Benz.

"You and the others are getting the same bonus, but this car is a special reward just for you."

I held the keys in my hand, about to refuse, but before I could say anything, he said first, "No need to turn it down. Like it or not, all your colleagues think you're my sister. If you're squeezing onto buses and subways every day, people will start thinking the Hastings family is going bankrupt."

He then casually strolled back to my side. "Or… do you not like this one?"

I shook my head quickly.

With a wave of his hand, he declared generously, "Then take your pick from any of these. Whichever one you like, you can drive it home."

The car he had chosen for me was a compact Mercedes. Right next to it was his usual ride—a large Range Rover. Beside that was a limited-edition McLaren.

I quickly tucked the keys into my pocket. "Thanks… Mr. Hastings. I'll drive it home later."

Looking at his pale face and dry lips, I instinctively reached out and placed my hand on his forehead. "You're burning up! You have a fever!"

He touched his own forehead then mine before frowning slightly. "It's nothing serious. Just eat."

"How can I just sit here and eat?" I said anxiously. "You're sick. You need to go to the hospital. Put on your coat. I'll take you there."

"No need." He dismissed me with a wave. "I have an important video conference soon. There's fever medicine in the second cabinet in the kitchen. Just get me some."

I was worried, but I knew he wouldn't listen to me. So, I got up, found the fever medicine as he had instructed, and brought him a cup of warm water to take it.

His face remained pale, and he looked visibly uncomfortable. A deep wave of unease rolled through me. "Maybe… Maybe you should lie down and rest for a bit?"