The Billionaire's Temptation: Love, Family and Revenge-Chapter 39: A growing tension

"Oh yes, Ma Agnes did help out as well," Elena responded with a polite smile, trying to maintain her composure. "It seems like you know her quite well. Are you...?"

"Can we see Sir Ford now?" the driver quickly interrupted, cutting off Elena just as she was about to inquire whether Sia was somehow connected to Ford’s family. Smiling, Elena decided to let the question go—for now.

But Sia couldn’t stop staring at Elena, curiosity burning in her eyes. She wondered who Elena really was, but there was no opportunity to ask. All she could do was watch her closely, trying to figure her out.

"Oh yes, you can see him, but not all of you at once. Two visitors would be ideal, but I’ll allow three at the most," Doctor Charles said, setting clear boundaries.

"Thank you, Doctor. We truly appreciate your efforts," the driver responded gratefully.

"I’ll take my leave now, and I’ll need someone to accompany the nurse to collect his medication," the doctor said.

"I’ll do that," both the driver and the butler offered in unison.

The doctor couldn’t help but burst into laughter. "No need for both of you—it’s just medication. In fact, Mr. Morgan should come along to provide details about Mr. Ford’s dietary plan for now," he said with a warm smile before walking away.

The two men exchanged knowing glances—they both understood what had just happened. Neither of them wanted to be caught between the two women or be present if Ford happened to wake up. Yet, it was clear that the driver had lost this unspoken battle.

"Take care," Mr. Morgan said, patting the driver on the shoulder before following Doctor Charles.

Stephen, the driver, resigned himself to the situation. He knew he would have to manage things carefully to prevent the two women from engaging in any deep or revealing conversation.

"Miss Elena, Miss Sia, I suggest we go in and see Sir Ford. He might be awake by now," Stephen said, trying to keep things moving smoothly.

"Oh yes, we should. I can’t wait, and I wouldn’t want the food to get cold," Elena responded cheerfully, pushing open the door to Ford’s room with confident ease.

Sia, taken aback, watched Elena with growing suspicion. Who was she, and where was all this audacity coming from? It felt as though she was the only one left in the dark. But she wasn’t about to let Elena waltz in and act like some kind of savior—Sia was determined not to be overshadowed so easily.

Elena gently pushed open the door to Ford’s room. Carefully, she stepped inside, her movements slow and quiet so as not to make any noise. Approaching Ford’s bedside, her heart ached at the sight of his pale, weakened face and the deep cracks on his lips—clear signs of the fever that had ravaged his body.

A wave of sadness washed over her. Softly, she placed the porridge down on the table beside him. Reaching for his hand, she gently cradled it in her own, offering silent comfort. "You’re going to be fine," she whispered, her voice tender as she pulled the blanket higher to ensure he stayed warm.

Just then, Sia walked in—only to freeze at the sight of Ford’s hand resting in Elena’s. Her eyes widened with shock, and without even thinking, rage took over.

"Will you get your fucking hands off him?" Sia thundered, storming into the room, her voice sharp with fury.

"How dare you? Who the hell are you?" Sia demanded, her eyes burning with hostility as she confronted Elena without hesitation.

Elena trembled, startled by the sudden outburst. But she quickly gathered herself, her expression hardening with calm defiance.

"Can’t you see that he’s sleeping? Why are you screaming like a mad bitch?" Elena asked coldly, locking eyes with Sia, her voice steady and cutting.

Sia’s eyes widened in disbelief, her anger boiling over.

"Please, Miss Sia and Miss Elena—Sir Ford is sick and still recovering. Let’s all calm down," Stephen, the driver, pleaded, stepping between them in an attempt to defuse the growing tension.

But Sia was beyond reasoning. In a sudden, aggressive move, she shoved Elena off the bed, her anger completely overpowering any sense of restraint.

Sia immediately took her place by Ford’s side, as if she belonged there. Elena stood frozen in shock, unable to comprehend Sia’s aggressive behavior. Who is she? And why is she acting like this? The questions raced through her mind as frustration bubbled beneath the surface.

She was about to react, ready to defend herself, when her eyes caught the driver’s pleading expression—an unspoken request for her to let it go.

Taking a deep breath, Elena glanced at Ford’s frail form lying on the bed. The sight of him so weak softened her anger. She clenched her jaw and turned away, deciding that leaving was the best option—for now. Waiting in the lobby until he wakes up is better than clashing with Sia, she told herself, needing space to cool off.

But just as she was about to leave, a calm, masculine voice broke the tension.

"And where do you think you’re going?"

Elena froze, her heart skipping a beat. Her eyes widened in shock as she slowly turned around.

"Ford?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, only to be met with his warm, albeit weak, smile.

She was both shocked and startled, unable to contain her excitement and overwhelming happiness. Without hesitation, she rushed forward and hugged him tightly, holding on as if afraid to let go.

Sia’s eyes widened in disbelief—it was then she knew for certain that something was truly happening between them. She noticed how Ford instantly withdrew his hands from hers, pulling Elena into his embrace instead. The look on his face was undeniable—his wide smile radiated genuine joy and affection.

All the time Sia had been back, he hadn’t spared her even the smallest smile—not once. Despite all her efforts to connect with him, he wouldn’t even offer a forced, polite gesture. Yet here he was, smiling openly and without hesitation for Elena.

Fuming with rage, Sia snapped, "What is it? Have I suddenly become invisible to you, or are you intentionally trying to neglect me? After everything I went through to bring you here and make sure you’re alright?" Her voice trembled with anger as she fixed her fiery gaze on the two of them.

Realizing how impulsively she had embraced him, Elena quickly pulled away from his arms. But Ford’s eyes remained locked on hers, deep and unwavering. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, Elena mumbled a hurried excuse and ran out of the room, unable to withstand the intensity of the moment.

Ford watched her leave, a small, satisfied smile lingering on his lips. As the driver closed the door behind her, he finally turned to face Sia—acknowledging her for the first time since waking up. The moment he had regained consciousness, he had been drawn by a sweet, familiar scent, only to realize it belonged to Elena. Now, facing Sia, her anger was palpable, burning in the space between them.

"Thank you for your help," he said quietly, his voice gentle but distant.

"Is that all you have to say to me?" Sia demanded, her voice sharp and laced with pain.

But Ford remained silent, offering her not a single word in return.

Feeling ignored she picked up the glass jug of water smaching it to the ground.

Ford trembled .