The Mischievous Doctor (Finnegan and Nuthana) novel Chapter 46

After being dragged into a restaurant for a meal by Bernice with Finnegan, Bruce was now standing outside the restaurant. “Bernie, why don't you go and bring the car around?”

She knew her grandfather was surely planning on saying something to Finnegan. Nonetheless, there was nothing she could do apart from secretly shooting a glance at Finnegan before walking away.

Bruce watched her leave before saying, “Finnegan, thank you for saving Bernie from that monster Killian's clutches five years ago. Also, thank you for helping her to regain consciousness after your return. You truly are her savior.”

Although it sounded as though he was expressing his gratitude, Finnegan detected an undercurrent of some other emotion. “Feel free to speak your mind, Old Mr. Zimmerman.”

Bruce gave him an admiring glance. “I can see you're a smart man. In that case, I won't beat around the bush. Bernie's grandmother and I have already found a good match for her and will arrange for them to meet in a few days. However, Bernie's feelings toward you seem to go beyond gratitude. Hence, I hope you can keep your distance from her. It isn't because I'm crazy about riches and power and snub the poor. It's just that you're not good enough for our Bernie.”

While speaking, he fished out a check he had prepared earlier from his pocket. “Here's fifty million. Consider it payment for buying out all the kindness you've shown Bernie. The both of you should not keep in contact in the future.”

However, Finnegan merely glanced at the check and asked calmly, “So what sort of person do you deem is good enough for her?”

“Firstly, he has to come from the right family. He also has to be capable of protecting her and benefitting our family's standing. But you're...” Here, Bruce paused. There was a touch of contempt in his words.

Smiling, Finnegan responded, “My interpretation of that is you don't care much about your granddaughter's happiness. You're only using her marriage to reap benefits for your family.”

Bruce's brows drew together sharply, and he looked as though he wanted to say something. After some thought, however, he decided there was no need to explain anything to the younger man. “That has nothing to do with you. All you need to do is take the check.”

Nonetheless, he was too late. Finnegan had already developed feelings for Bernice. Even if that were not the case, Finnegan would not have accepted that check either.

Finnegan waved his hand dismissively while turning away. “I never saved her with the hopes of getting anything in return. Also, sometimes one shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Who knows? Instead of that other guy you've found, maybe I'm a better match for her. I'll be going now. Please tell her I've left.”

I can't believe he refused the temptation of such a large sum of money. Although Bruce had not expected that, he was not too fazed. “Young man, having guts is a good thing. Unfortunately, reality can be cruel sometimes. You'll regret refusing this fifty million today!”

Finnegan, who had walked some distance away, heard those words and smiled indifferently. I won't regret it even if he had offered me five billion or fifty billion, let alone fifty million!

Soon after, Bernice drove the car over and was surprised to see Bruce standing alone. “Where's Finnegan?”

“He said he had something to attend to and had to leave first,” Bruce explained with a kind smile as he got into the car. After a pause, he turned to her. “He may have been very kind to you, but you've done enough to repay him over these past few years. If there's no reason for you to meet, the two of you should keep your distance to avoid causing any misunderstandings.”

Knowing what her grandfather meant, she replied, “He's not what you think, Grandpa. He's—”

“I'm tired, so send me home first. By the way, my seventieth birthday is in a few days. Remember to make yourself available,” he cut in, not allowing her the chance to speak.

She could only nod in disappointment and murmur, “Okay.”

Over at General Hospital, Tristan had been rejoicing over having pulled a fast one over Finnegan. However, when Romona suddenly showed up with several police officers, he stared at her grimly. “What's the meaning of this, Captain Quickwood?”

Romona had been suppressing her anger, but she scoffed when she heard that. “Don't you know what you did? How dare you accuse others when you're at fault and use us to apprehend Finnegan for something he didn't do? How shameless of you!”

“Captain Quickwood, do mind your words. I'm an honest and respectable businessman,” came Tristan's reply. Naturally, he was not about to admit to anything.

As if it's not bad enough that Finnegan is roaming free, she shows up and apprehends my subordinates! This isn't going according to my plan at all!

Looking grim, Tristan replied, “I hope so. That guy's a lunatic.”

Meanwhile, Finnegan had returned to the hotel where Alisha was staying.

Upon seeing him return safe and sound, Alisha was visibly stunned. “How did you get out? I heard my grandfather say that even Old Mr. Langdon couldn't get the deputy governor to bend the rules after meeting with him.”

He poured himself a glass of water and sat down. Not inclined to say much, he replied briefly, “Romona wasn't going to allow me to leave at first, but she couldn't withstand the pressure in the end and let me go.”

Despite immediately sensing that he was not telling the truth, she tactfully refrained from asking him about that. “Shall we teach the Chomsky family a lesson, then? After all, they've behaved shamelessly by resorting to such dirty tricks.”

After taking a sip of water, he shook his head in response. “There are still a few days left. Let them have their fun for now. Besides, their plan today has failed, so they'll probably tone things down after this.”

She nodded and did not press it further. Going to stand behind Finnegan, she naturally rested her hands on his shoulders. “It must've been a tiring day for you. Would you like me to help you relax?”

As she spoke, she leaned her body toward him.

Shocked by the sensation of something touching his head, he hastily set down his glass, sprang to his feet, and dashed toward his room. “I forgot to call my parents. I'm going to give them a call so they won't get worried.”

Then, he slammed the door shut behind him with a bang.

Alisha bit her lip lightly and snorted. “Let's see how many times you can hold out for.”