Chapter 24: Sisters Reunited

Annie, who sensibly stepped aside, looked rather helpless.

The moment this woman arrived, she herself was tossed aside.

But oh well, having an easy job was nice too.

“Very nice, let’s go.” Xie Yier smoothed out her skirt, the black gown making her skin look as flawless as jade.

The two of them boarded the luxurious carriage that had just stopped at the door and headed toward the hospital.

Outside the VIP ward of the Royal Capital Royal Hospital Academy—

Two guards in plain clothes stood like statues, their muscular arms crossed over their chests, sharp eyes sweeping every corner of the corridor.

These were guards Xie Yier had carefully selected, sent specifically to watch over—oh no, to protect Xiqi.

Although weapons and armor were forbidden in the hospital, just by standing there, these two guards made it obvious how formidable they were.

“Duke.”

As soon as Xie Yier’s figure appeared at the end of the hallway, the guards immediately dropped to one knee in salute.

“Mm. How is the situation?”

“Miss Xiqi is recovering well. She no longer feels the initial weakness. She also hasn’t… caused any more trouble.”

One of the guards glanced at Aier, but still reported truthfully.

A faint smile appeared at the corner of Xie Yier’s lips. She turned to Aier behind her and said, “Go on, don’t keep your little sister waiting. Will half an hour be enough?”

She gave Aier’s soft little cheek a warning pinch with her fingertips.

Inside the ward.

Xiqi sat alone at the head of the bed, covered with a blanket, gazing out the window.

She looked much better now, no longer pale and feeble as before.

A personal nurse stood by her side.

“Xiqi!”

The familiar voice made the girl whip her head around. Her blue eyes contracted sharply as she greedily took in every inch of her sister, almost as if she was about to burst into tears.

“Sis? Where did you go? I was so scared these past two days, I thought I’d never see you again.”

“No, look, I’m right here, all safe and sound.” Aier hurried over and grabbed her little sister’s icy hand, her voice full of comfort.

However, when Xiqi saw the gold-embroidered velvet coat Aier was wearing, a strange look flickered across her eyes.

That outfit was clearly worth a fortune.

“Sis… you, this is…” Xiqi understood well, countless thoughts flashing through her mind in an instant.

In fact, during her days at the Royal Hospital, she had already guessed a lot, but without seeing her sister, she didn’t want to believe any of it.

But now, finally seeing her sister, her heart felt unbearably heavy.

Aier quickly stepped forward: “Xiqi, I’ll explain everything to you later… How have you been these days? Are you alright?”

Xiqi pursed her lips: “The day after you left, someone tricked me into opening the door. I just remember smelling something sweet, and then nothing. When I woke up… I was already here.”

She looked up, her blue eyes staring straight at Aier, filled with helpless panic: “At first I thought I’d been kidnapped, but the nurses here told me this was the top Royal Medical Department, so I figured you must’ve done something, Sis. But they kept watching me, wouldn’t let me out, and refused to tell me anything. I had no idea what was happening with you.”

Aier drew in a sharp breath.

She should have expected it—knowing Xie Yier’s style, so-called “protection” always came with a side of house arrest.

But the fear in her little sister’s eyes still stabbed her heart like a knife.

“Sorry for bringing Xiqi here this way.” Xie Yier’s voice came from the doorway. “I was just afraid Xiqi wouldn’t be able to find you and would do something foolish, or refuse treatment. That’s why I sent people to protect her.”

Seeing Xie Yier walk in from outside, the personal nurse immediately bowed and sensibly left the room.

“And you are?”

Xiqi eyed the stunning woman before her warily.

Such a beautiful person—could this be the villain who set her sights on Sis?

Xie Yier brushed aside her jet-black hair: “No need to be so guarded. We actually met when you were little.”

“What?” Both Aier and Xiqi were startled, but no matter how hard they searched their memories, nothing came up.

“It was at Aier’s fourteenth birthday party. We met briefly then,” Xie Yier prompted.

Aier still had no recollection, but Xiqi suddenly remembered.

Xiqi’s blue eyes widened: “You, you’re Duchess Xie Yier? So it was you!”

Aier was shocked: “Xiqi, you know her?”

Xiqi grew agitated: “Sis, don’t you know? At that banquet, she told Father she wanted to marry you, but he refused. She’s had her eye on you for ages! Sis, you… you’re walking right into the lion’s den!”

“Little Xiqi, that’s not quite right. Your father didn’t refuse me. He only said we’d wait until my little cutie came of age and then hold a grand wedding.” Xie Yier suddenly leaned over, her manicured fingers pinching Xiqi’s chin. Beneath her golden eyes sparkled a look of pride, “Now, things are just returning to where they belong.”

“You…” For a moment, Xiqi was at a loss for words.

She knew that no matter what, her father could never refuse Xie Yier—after all, Xie Yier was powerful and not someone to offend.

But, but… her sister was supposed to belong to her!

She and her sister had lived together for so long, she was the one who was there first. If only her health hadn’t been so poor, she would have told her sister long ago…

Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!

Seeing her little sister so agitated, Aier hurried forward: “Xiqi, calm down, you’ve just started to recover.”

Xiqi’s tone was firm: “Sis, take me home, I’m not getting treated anymore.”

Aier panicked: “Xiqi, what nonsense are you saying?”

“Little Xiqi, let me remind you, your sister signed a Contract with me. Even if you refuse treatment, she still has to stay by my side.” Xie Yier chuckled lightly, “If you try to break the Contract… your family won’t just be in debt anymore, you’ll be thrown in jail.”

“You… how can you do this? Sis is such a good person, how could you… cough, cough, cough!”

Xiqi’s emotions overwhelmed her, and she suddenly had trouble breathing, coughing uncontrollably.

“Xiqi, don’t get worked up.” Aier hugged her sister with heartache.

Xie Yier looked down at Xiqi: “Yes, you’d better not get angry. Look how red your little face is. Of course I know how wonderful my little cutie is, otherwise I wouldn’t be interested.”

Aier pleaded, “My lady, please don’t bully Xiqi anymore. She’s not well, and this will only make her feel worse.”

Hearing Xiqi’s coughing, the nurse rushed in to check on her.

“My lady, the patient’s health is still fragile and can’t take any agitation. Maybe it’s better to visit another day? In her current condition…”

“I’m fine, nurse.” Xiqi interrupted before the nurse could finish.

“But…” The nurse wanted to say more.

“Leave.” Xie Yier said with unmistakable authority.

“Yes…” The nurse didn’t dare continue, quietly closing the door behind her.

Xie Yier’s gaze returned to Xiqi’s fierce little face: “You really should think things through and cherish the chance your dear Aier has secured for you. Taking care of your health is the best way to repay your sister.”