Chapter 353
Chapter 353
Shermaine noticed Joshua’s hair was still damp and grabbed a towel to dry it for him.
Before long, he pulled her onto his lap to take over the task himself. She cupped his face, studying him. “Why not talk to him a bit longer?”
“Who?” Joshua asked.
“Stephen,” she said.
Joshua harbored no resentment toward Stephen, who had been absent most of his but years of distance couldn’t be erased in one call.
After a few rough wipes, Joshua tossed the towel onto a chair. “We’ll talk when we’re back.” Truthfully, he was curious about what had finally dragged the stubborn workaholic out of his lab. After his mother’s death, Joshua had assumed he and Stephen would never see each other again.
Shermaine reached to towel his hair once more, but Joshua caught her wrist, pulling her into a kiss that drowned any protest in heat and possessive hunger.
Roy had reached the hotel lobby. The car ride had sobered him up, but he kept up the drunk act, leaning heavily on Molly as she helped him inside.
He played the sweet, guileless boy around her, but he wasn’t naive. Since she allowed his closeness, he took clinging like an oversized teddy bear.
Nuzzling her neck, he inhaled her scent.
inch she gave. Right now, that meant
Molly stiffened. Despite Ustrana’s romantic reputation, she avoided physical contact with men. Roy might be her “pet,” but he was still a man, one who wanted her.
“Stop squirming,” she warned.
Roy whined. “Momo, I’m hot.”
Molly thought, ‘Hot? It’s cool out here. True, the car’s heater has been blasting, and alcohol could make him flush. But what did he call me? Momo?‘
Her voice dropped. “What did you just call me?” No man had ever dared use a nickname this intimate. Anyone else would’ve gotten a fist in the face by
now.
Roy lifted his gaze, soft features blurred by drink, eyes hazy and faintly red–rimmed. “Hmm? Can’t I call you that?”
Molly hesitated. “Fine.”
He called her again. “Momo.”
She drew a hard line. “Only in private. Understood?”
“Got it.” His smile was bright.
Against all odds, Molly’s mood lifted. This obedient, uncomplicated man was nothing like the others. At least he didn’t make her skin crawl. “Come on. Let’s get you upstairs.”
Her bodyguards exchanged glances. None had ever seen a man get this close to Molly. If Beckett James found out she was indulging someone like this, especially when their arranged marriage was all but set in stone, hell would break loose.
The union had been arranged by Molly’s mother, the Carlton family’s third madame, to secure her a powerful ally. But Molly, ever defiant, had rejected Beckett outright. That didn’t stop him from parading around as her fiancé. And this sweet–faced pink–haired boy wouldn’t survive Beckett’s wrath.
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Ray remained blissfully unaware that Molly’s bodyguards saw him as a golddigger. His mind was too busy scheming ways to fore her into his room for “Just a minute.”
They reached his floor in no time. When the elevator doors opened, Roy’s teammates were greeted by the sight of him draped over a Stunning, sharp suited woman who radiated authority. Yet somehow, they looked right together.
They had met Molly at the airport before, a billionaire heiress and Shermaine’s close friend.
Back then, Roy had already been half in love.
The team exchanged glances before hastily stepping aside.
Molly had intended to hand Roy off to them, but they waved her off. “Ms. Hill, mind looking after him? We’re heading out for late–night snacks.”
“Yeah, we’ve got plans.”
“And then hitting the clubs.”
With that, they squeezed into the elevator, gave Molly cheerful farewell waves, and immediately mashed the door–close button.
With no choice, Molly hauled Roy to his door. “Roy, where’s your keycard?”
Roy nuzzled her shoulder. “Momo, get it for me.”
His puppy–dog act worked. Molly chuckled, “Which pocket?”
“I don’t know,” he mumbled.
Molly patted him down.
Roy instantly regretted his gambit. His ears burned crimson, and when her hand brushed his thigh pocket, his whole body jerked. Then, warm blood trickled from his nose. He tilted his head back, clutching his face.
Molly burst out laughing as she swiped the card and opened the door. “Virgin?”
Roy blinked up at her, mortified. “Will you make fun of me?”
“No.” Molly had never dated men. But a male virgin in Ustrana was as rare as a unicorn. Amused, she added, “Why would I care? You’re not my man.”
Roy fell silent, blood still trickling from his nose. He grabbed tissues, pressing them on his face as he mumbled in a wounded, boyish voice, “Momo, I’m only like this with you.” The mix of embarrassment and dejection was almost comical.
“–” He wanted to ask again–whether he could pursue her.
But Molly pressed a finger to his lips before the words could escape. “Pets are enough trouble. I’m not adopting another one right now.”
That was a rejection. Roy’s eyes dimmed, heart cracking audibly. He thought, ‘She turned down someone as cute as me? But she totally likes me! I also
have abs.‘
He hung his head. “I’d be good.”
Molly only smiled. Romance was the last thing on her agenda, especially with Roy, whose path would never align with hers. Her career would never move back to Wallington, and Roy was leaving soon anyway. She was building an empire. Love had no place in her plans.
Tonight’s alcohol had lent her patience, but now sobriety sharpened her tone. “I’m heading back. Rest up.”
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Roy’s chest ached, but he refused to gravel. Persistence, not desperation, was his style. “Goodnight, Momo, he said softly,
Chapter 355
The next morning, Molly went to the hotel for breakfast with Shermaine. Over coffee, she mentioned Bruce’s request.
“Will this help you?” Shermaine asked.
“Yes,” Molly said bluntly. “He’ll back my bid for power.” The demand seemed suspiciously simple, but a late–night investigation had eased her doubts
Shermaine checked her watch. “This afternoon, then. We have to fly home tomorrow.”
“Deal.” Molly clinked her coffee cup against Shermaine’s. “Thanks.”
Shermaine returned the toast with a smile.
Molly promptly called Bruce, who named a café address for 2 p.m. She immediately relayed the information to Shermaine.
Shermaine nodded in agreement.
Breakfast continued until Roy and Joshua arrived. Roy, seemingly unfazed by last night’s rejection, slid cheerfully beside Molly. “Morning, ladies.”
“Morning,” Molly murmured into her cup.
Shermaine had only eaten about a third of her pasta. She pushed her plate aside, no longer hungry.
Without a word, Joshua pulled the plate to his own place and finished it.
Soon, the waiter brought over the rest of Shermaine’s pre–ordered breakfast.
After they finished eating, Shermaine and Joshua went out shopping, planning to bring some things back home.
Time passed quickly. After having lunch, the afternoon meeting loomed.
Loang’s weather was unseasonably bright, with golden light gilding the old architecture. Pigeons wheeled over bustling plazas, and the streets bustled with people and traffic.
Joshua parked nearby. “Thirty minutes,” he said, hand lingering at Shermaine’s waist.
Shermaine traced his jaw. “I’ll be quick. Stretch your legs. The square is lovely.” With that, she got out of the car.
Joshua swallowed hard, rolling down the window to track her progress to the café where Bruce waited.
Bruce had arrived early. He stood as Shermaine entered, pulling out her chair.
Once she was seated, a waiter placed a black coffee in front of her.
Bruce studied her for a moment. After a pause, he pulled out the embroidered handkerchief from his pocket. “This belongs to you.”
Shermaine recognized it instantly. The handkerchief she had carried for years, stitched with her surname, was lost during that trip to Eskaria. Never did she expect that the man she had saved years ago would find it, and now, he returned it to her.
Bruce exhaled. Her reaction confirmed that she was the one who had saved him. Five years had passed, but finally, he had found her again.
Shermaine took the handkerchief. “Thank you.
“You’re welcome,” Bruce replied softly. “You saved my life. Without you, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Shermaine smiled, “Just a small kindness.”
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To her, it meant little. But to Bruce, it had been the only light in the darkest chapter of his life. Before that day, no one had aver fat it, Shermaine was the first person to say those words to him.
Thirty minutes came and went with no sign of Shermaine. Joshua remained outwardly calm, though he lit a cigarette to steady himself.
Finally, she emerged, Bruce trailing behind her.
“No need to walk me out,” Shermaine said. “My husband is waiting.”
Bruce nodded. “My offer stands.” He had sworn to repay her years ago, and he intended to keep that promise.
Shermaine turned without another word, heading toward Joshua.
He took her hand, helping her into the car. “What did you discuss?”
She summarized the conversation succinctly.
Joshua’s expression gave nothing away. Bruce’s gratitude was one thing, but he’d better not harbor any other intentions. So far, Bruce seemed respectful.
“You turned down his repayment?” Joshua asked.
“Essentially,” Shermaine replied.
Outside the café, Bruce exhaled smoke, his expression unreadable. Then, his phone rang. The caller’s voice was frantic. “Bruce, the lab situation is deteriorating. Containment’s failing. Many people are infected, and one escaped.
“He’s a carrier. If the strain mutates during transmission, we’re finished!”
“Any leads on his location?” Bruce asked.
“Not yet.”
“Find him. At all costs.”
Meanwhile, in the car, Joshua’s phone buzzed.
The caller’s voice carried clearly in the quiet interior, reporting that unidentified assailants had ambushed their team and rescued Kylie. “Joshua, you and your wife should be cautious. These rescuers are dangerous.” Their motives were unclear, and their identities were still untraceable.
Joshua hadn’t anticipated Kylie’s rescue. Even her family had failed to locate her. Yet these strangers had rescued her effortlessly.
“Any distinguishing features?” Shermaine asked.
The caller answered, “Black robes. Masks. Highly trained.”
“Thanks. We’ll stay alert.”
“Kylie has no threat anymore. We made sure of that. She won’t be useful for much of anything for the rest of her life.”
Elsewhere, the room around Kylie was white–walled and sterile–looking. She lay motionless on a bed, tubes snaking from her body, a ventilator hissing.
Before being taken, she had endured hell. Faintly, she heard voices nearby. “She has multiple compound fractures. Her usefulness is minimal. Are you
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sure we should save her?”
A woman replied, her voice crisp and clinical, “Full recovery is mandatory. Even damaged goods can be repurposed. With modifies adequate pawn.”
“Understood.”
“Has the Crystal Sarcophagus been opened yet?”
“Not yet.”
The woman’s tone sharpened. “Make them move faster.”
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Chapter 356
That night, Joshua packed their luggage white Shermaine sat at the desk, her gray sweatpants clad legs curled beneath fret, a messy bun stop hat in Her fingers flew across the black keyboard as she searched for any trace of the masked, black robed assailants, but she found nothing
Closing the laptop, she took a sip of water and turned to Joshua.
He was folding her crossbody bag on the bed, dressed in a knit sweater and black trousers. In his hands was the handkerchief Bruce had returned.
Joshua asked, “Sheary, you used to carry handkerchiefs?”
Shermaine nodded. “I did.” But she had stopped after losing this one.
Joshua said, “But not anymore?”
“Pretty much.” She explained it had been a gift from a respected mentor. It had sentimental value.
Joshua smiled, “To prevent another loss, I’ll keep this one for you. Or better yet, give it to me. I could use a handkerchief.”
It was impeccably preserved, almost new, proof of Bruce’s meticulous care.
Shermaine made a playful grab for it.
Joshua dodged, tucking it into his pocket.
“I’ll buy you a new one,” she offered.
“I want this one,” Joshua insisted.
Shermaine laughed in exasperation. “What if I refuse?”
Joshua wrapped his arms around her waist, looking up with a low, coaxing murmur. “Sheary, you’re too kind to say no.”
“I’m feeling mean today. Try again.” Her hand dipped into his pocket. She didn’t mind gifting it, but Joshua’s jealousy over Bruce’s return was ridiculous. And unless she was imagining it, his wariness of Bruce seemed excessive.
Joshua fell back onto the bed. Shermaine followed with one knee planted beside him, and her waist was still locked in his grip. Her hand had slipped
into his pocket, only to be trapped there.
“Sheary,” Joshua’s voice was rough with amusement. “Where exactly are you groping?”
Shermaine didn’t bat an eye. “Not like I haven’t touched you there before.” Besides, through layers of fabric, she wasn’t getting any sensation from it
anyway.
Joshua swallowed. “Keep this up, and we’ll miss our flight tomorrow.”
“Give the handkerchief back, and I’ll stop.”
“What if I don’t?”
“Then you’re done for.”
Joshua’s grin was pure challenge. “Guess I’m done for, then.”
Shermaine decided she had been far too lenjent with him lately. It was time for a lesson.
Her eyes narrowed as she rolled off him, yanked open the bedside drawer’s lowest compartment, and pulled out a pair of handcuffs. In one fluid motion, she snapped one cuff around Joshua’s wrist and secured it to the headboard, then used his tie to bind the other.
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Joshua blinked at his immobilized arms. He blinked, momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected the hotel room to contain something the händer had he expected Shermaine to use them on him. Still, he kept his tone low, coaxing, “Baby, don’t be like this,”
Their earlier scuffle had already left his black shirt disheveled. Now, with his tie roughly undone, his shirt gaped open at the collar. Propped again headboard, his hair was slightly messed up. His glasses glinted under the light. The usually composed man looked surprisingly sexy
Shermaine smirked. “Mr. York, you’ve been very naughty.”
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Chapter 357
Shermaine leaned in, pinching his waist. “You started this.”
“I surrender,” Joshua murmured, voice slightly hoarse. “Unlock me, Sheary.”
“No.” Her tone was stern. “You had your chance. Now, it’s punishment time.”
The handcuffs and tie couldn’t truly restrain Joshua. He’d allowed this because resisting would upset her. But regret came swiftly.
Shermaine removed his glasses, staring into those deep–set eyes that always seemed to pull her in. She kissed the corner of his eye, then flicked open his belt buckle with a sharp click that echoed in the quiet room.
Outside, Loang’s skyline glittered, the window faintly reflecting their entangled silhouettes.
Joshua’s breathing was ragged. His black shirt hung open, revealing a heaving chest damp with sweat as he leaned against the headboard, eyes slightly
narrowed and flushed.
Shermaine licked her lips, savoring his unraveling. A nip at his Adam’s apple drew another broken gasp from him. Then, she abruptly stood. “Reflect on your behavior.”
Joshua couldn’t move. With the intoxicating sensation suddenly gone, all that remained was pure torment. She teased him but didn’t give him what he truly wanted.
“Sheary,” he said, trying to steady his breath. “I’ve reflected. Deeply. Untie me, please.”
“No.” Shermainé stuck out her tongue.
“Last chance,” Joshua warned, though his chuckle betrayed him.
“Nope.” Shermaine’s gaze flicked briefly at the bulge, then away. “You’re not penitent enough. Keep reflecting.” With that, she reclaimed the handkerchief, tucked it into her bag, and headed to the bathroom.
Joshua exhaled through clenched teeth, eyes fond yet exasperated. He thought, ‘My girl is too clever for her own good. Where did she learn such methods? Does she realize what happens when a caged beast breaks free?‘
The memory of her teasing had his muscles coiling again. He craved more.
When Shermaine returned from her shower, she found only the discarded handcuffs and crumpled tie on the bed. She thought, ‘So he could’ve escaped
anytime? Tsk, he was humoring my punishment just now!
A rustling came from the living room. Shermaine stepped out to find Joshua by the fridge, tilting his head back as he gulped water.
Droplets trailed down his jaw, over his throat, and vanished into the open collar of his shirt. Even drinking water looked sexy on him.
Joshua set the bottle down, eyes locking onto her robe–clad figure.
Shermaine leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching him with amusement.
Joshua closed the distance without a word, his lips hot and insistent against hers. Teeth grazed her neck. He murmured, “Sheary, it’s my turn now,”
Shermaine chuckled, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.”
“I’d happily go blind,” he countered, fingers tugging at her robe tie. “Daily.”
His breath hitched. He thought, ‘Teasing me like that but bringing me to the edge only to walk away, it’s cruel. Do it often enough, and she’ll break me.”
He whispered in her ear, “I’m suffering, Sheary. Take responsibility.”
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By dawn, Shermaine hurled the handkerchief at him and yanked the covers up. “Take it. Now go. I need sleep
Joshua caught it, grinting as he pressed a kiss on her cheek. “Next time you want to punish me, just use a whip.” His voice softened. It’s not the handkerchief I mind, just the man who held onto it.”
Bruce had done nothing wrong, but Joshua still found the keepsake irritating. The jealousy–fueled antics had lasted half the night.
Shermaine eyed him, then burrowed into his arms. “Sleep.”
The next morning, they boarded their flight home. Shermaine didn’t open her eyes once from takeoff to landing
Her stellar performance at the math conference, coupled with her fame as Professor Jean, drew a crowd of scholars and reporters to the airport.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Jameson’s failing heart and kidneys had landed him in the hospital. These days, he had already become skinny.
Chapter 358
In just a few days, Jameson had plummeted into the darkest chapter of his life.
Natalie, the woman he had deeply loved, was a transgender individual. Jason was his biological son, but only because Natalie had stolen has spec hired a surrogate.
Though Natalie had raised Jason as her own, Jameson couldn’t shake his disgust. Now, even the sight of Jason filled him with revulsion, Jason’s existence was a constant reminder of his own stupidity–abandoning the exceptional Ruth for Natalie and persecuting Ross.
Natalie had meticulously manipulated Jameson for years. Her schemes had left his body failing. Without immediate surgery, his time was running outs
Though ousted as Jean Group’s president, Jameson still held shares. No longer the fool, he had quietly reclaimed assets gifted to Natalie. As for Jason, he let him keep the money, but every share had been clawed back.
Recently, Natalie had stormed into his hospital room to protest. Beyond her, no one came. Not Ross, who had ignored Jameson’s hospitalization.
Not even Janice, who seemed to have erased Jameson from her life. Jameson had hinted at remorse, yet no forgiveness came.
The doctor was reviewing Jameson.
Each day felt like a year. Despite medication, Jameson’s decline was palpable. He asked, “Doctor, when will Dr. Jean arrive?”
The doctor said, “She’s extraordinarily busy. The news says she’s returned today. Be patient.” The numbers were dire. Delaying surgery would only heighten the risks.
All the doctor could do was fight for an opportunity for Jameson. If Dr. Jean refused, only fate remained.
Jameson’s hands trembled. He thought, ‘She’s back. There’s still hope!
Just as he was lost in thought, Natalie’s shrill voice pierced through the hallway again. Barred from entering, she was hurling obscenities outside.
Natalie couldn’t fathom how her meticulously concealed gender reassignment surgery had been exposed. But so what? She was a woman now, and Jameson had stripped her of everything. Even Jason had vanished days ago.
The sound of her screeching made Jameson’s head throb. She dared show up here. He had already shown mercy by not having her arrested.
Fed up with her daily disruptions, Jameson yanked out his IV and stormed into the hallway, his face twisted with rage. He snarled, “You disgusting bitch! One more scene, and I swear I’ll ruin you.”
Natalie’s allergy–induced scars darkened grotesquely, forcing her to hide behind a mask. “Jamie, I didn’t know the medication would harm you! I’m sorry. Please don’t cast me out!”
The fiery arrogance was gone. Natalie lunged forward to embrace him, but Jameson shoved her away. “Don’t fucking touch me!” He jerked his chin at the guards. “Throw her out. I never want to see her again.”
As the guards dragged Natalie off, Jameson’s fury triggered a coughing fit, blood spattering his palm. Panic whitened his face as he collapsed. Nurses rushed him back to bed, and the doctor scolded him sternly.
Reconnected to IV drips and meds, Jameson stared blankly at the evening news flashing on the screen. Suddenly, he saw Shermaine.
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Shermaine’s return to the country had sparked widespread attention, even making the evening news.
As the reporter recounted her achievements, Jameson finally understood why.
Shermaine had represented Basterel University at the Academic Exchange Conference, and she had solved a world–class mathematical puzzle, a lean that cemented her status as a luminary in the field.
She was extraordinary. She was Professor Jean, the renowned figure abroad. When the news segment delved into her rise to fame, even the doctors and nurses watching alongside Jameson were awestruck.
The young woman on screen wasn’t only Dr. Jean, but she was also the literary world’s celebrated Professor Jean. The medical staff murmured in
admiration.
Jameson’s heart raced as he watched Shermaine being swarmed by admirers. This was his daughter, yet he had never truly seen her, only belittled fer at every turn.
He had no right to scorn her. Shermaine was a titan in her fields, her brilliance undeniable. Jason couldn’t hold a candle to her.
Once, Jameson had consoled himself with the thought that she was “just a woman.” Now, regret curdled in his gut.
In the news, the reporter asked, “Ms. Jean, you’re already an esteemed professor abroad. Why return to completing an undergraduate degree here?”
Shermaine smiled, “Back then, I hated hearing criticisms but couldn’t exactly flaunt my credentials, not that anyone would’ve believed me. Mostly, I skipped high school for early studies abroad. No SATs, no prom… It felt like a missing chapter.”
At the segment’s end, the reporter blurted, “Ms. Jean, may I have your autograph?”
“Of course.” Shermaine nodded.
The screen cut to a mob of reporters clamoring for signatures before shifting to the next piece of news.
A nurse gasped, cheeks flushed, “Dr. Zimmer, Shermaine is Dr. Jean, right?”
Luke Zimmer nodded. “Must be.”
“Let’s ask Dr. Shelly!”
“Good idea.”
They filed out, buzzing with excitement, leaving Jameson shell–shocked in his bed.
Dread pooled in Jameson’s chest. He thought, ‘Did they just say… Shermaine is Dr. Jean? If so, would she ever operate on me?‘ The answer was obvious.
In Danielle’s ward, a crowd of medical staff pressed for confirmation.
Even in a hospital gown, one leg encased in plaster, her beauty and elegance remained undimmed. She closed her book, smiling, “Dr. Jean and Professor Jean are one and the same.”
Danielle thought proudly, ‘Shermaine is just that brilliant!‘
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Danielle spent over an hour patiently fielding the doctors‘ and nurses‘ excited questions about Shermaine, her throat growing dry from all the talking. By the time she checked her watch, it was already past nine, and she had to visit Ross.
Earlier that day, Ross‘ stitches had been removed, and his wound was already healed. Though cleared for discharge, he had stayed pirt, with company executives shuffling in and out for reporting. Danielle’s cast, meanwhile, wouldn’t come off for another week.
Ross was likely at a video conference. Shermaine’s trip had left him swamped with work.
“Any more questions?” Danielle asked. “If not, I’d like to see my boyfriend.”
The group shook their heads. They knew bits of Danielle and Ross‘ story–Ross had nearly died for her. They had mistaken him for a playboy before.
Grabbing her crutches, Danielle headed to Ross‘ ward next door. These days, not teasing him made her feel like skipping a ritual.
Just as she reached the door, a woman in oversized sunglasses and a face mask collided with her, a cloud of cloying perfume following.
“Watch where you’re going, cripple,” the woman snorted, then paused, eyeing Danielle’s striking beauty despite the cast. “You here for Mr. Jean?”
That saccharine voice was unmistakable. Danielle immediately recognized who it was. It was Jessica, the actress who used to have rumors swirling around her and Ross. She thought, ‘Jessica’s here to see Ross?‘
At the thought of that scandal, Danielle remembered the photo of Jessica practically clinging to Ross. Her temper flared instantly. “So what if I am?”
“Sorry, sweetheart, first come, first served,” Jessica sneered, tossing her hair. “Don’t waste your time fantasizing about Mr. Jean. Men like him don’t stoop to your level.”
With that, she flounced into the ward, her voice dripping honey. “Mr. Jean, I came as soon as I heard you were hospitalized.”
Ross had expected Danielle. His frown deepened at the unfamiliar woman. “Who are you?”
Jessica removed her sunglasses and mask, setting a bouquet aside. “It’s me.” She purred, eyes full of exaggerated concern. “I rushed here straight from the set. How are you feeling?”
It took Ross a few seconds to recognize the actress from that engineered “scandal.” He hadn’t gone looking for her, yet here she was, showing up uninvited.
Before he could throw her out, Danielle strode in, looking furious. As his girlfriend, she wasn’t about to retreat.
Jessica shot Danielle a glare.
Ross immediately sensed trouble.
Danielle sank into the bedside chair, all sweet venom. “Ross, isn’t this your famous fling? No wonder she snarled at me in the hallway.”
Jessica stiffened. She thought, ‘What’s this bitch’s relationship with Ross?‘ Her expression shifted slightly.
Ross glared at Jessica. “You dared snarl at her?”
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Ross had always maintained a polished, courteous public image. Even after the scandal broke, he had done nothing to retaliate against Jessica, and since she had business ties to Jean Group, she had dared visit him at the hospital.
Jessica reassured herself silently, ‘Ross is the type to spare a woman’s feelings. He won’t humiliate me?
But his icy tone shattered that illusion. Her smile froze. “Mr. Jean, I wasn’t rude to her. Just a misunderstanding”
Seeing Danielle’s stony expression, Ross tried to explain. “Danielle, she and 1”
“I don’t care.” Danielle cut him off. “I want an orange. Peel it for me.”
“Okay.” The fruit bowl held a few oranges. Ross, who had never waited on anyone, fumbled clumsily with the peel but patiently separated a segment and fed it to her.
Jessica gaped at the scene.
Yet each bite only soured Danielle’s mood further. Jessica’s presence resurrected the sting of Ross‘ past rejections. “Enough. Entertain your famous fling without me.” She grabbed her crutches and walked outside.
Ross chased after her.
tried
Danielle’s hobbled pace was no match for him. As she tried shutting her ward door, he blocked it and slipped inside.
“Why follow me?” Danielle snapped. “Your guest is waiting.”
“There’s nothing between us,” Ross explained.
Danielle pouted, “She’s your scandal partner. That photo had her glued to you, and you didn’t push her away.”
She thought, ‘Now the woman is showing up uninvited. She’s clearly still obsessed.’
Ross blinked and couldn’t help thinking, ‘Glued to me? Jessica tried seducing me and even lunged, but I dodged. The tabloid shot was just a bad angle.‘
This was the first time Danielle had ever acted jealous. Her lingering,hurt over the scandal twisted his gut. He pulled her into a hug, murmuring, “I’m
sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing?” Danielle murmured, her voice softening as she lowered her gaze.
“I hurt you,” Ross said, pulling her closer. “That photo was just a bad angle. Jessica never touched me. There’s only ever been you, Danielle.” Only she had ever been allowed to throw herself at him, tease him, and kiss him.
Ross wasn’t experienced at coaxing girls, and a part of him worried Danielle might not forgive him this time.
Back then, the scandal had erupted right after their breakup. To outsiders, it looked intentional, like he was the heartless playboy Janice had accused him of being.
No wonder Danielle had iced him out, blocking him on WhatsApp, deleting his number, and refusing to see him. Though, technically, he was still
blacklisted.
Danielle tilted her head up, eyes narrowing. “Really? Only
“Yes,” Ross answered solemnly.
Her legs tired, Danielle leaned into him. “So your ex never held you? And that actress definitely didn’t?”
Ross nodded. “I promise it won’t happen again.” His voice was impossibly gentle. “No more jealousy, okay?”
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Danielle smiled, “Then swear it. No women near you except Shermaine.”
“I promise,” Ross said without hesitation.
“Only I get to hug you, kiss you, and sleep with you.” Danielle’s voice was soft but dripping with possession.
Ross chuckled, running a hand through her hair, “Deal. Want a kiss? Or… the sleeping part works too.”
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Danielle’s mind short circuited. She thought, ‘Now? Here? A kiss was one thing, but sleeping…
Her cheeks flushed as some steamy images flooded her mind.
That such words had come from Ross, the epitome of restraint, stunned her. This was the same man who had once been immune to her every advance, cold as a machine.
Suddenly parched, Danielle wet her lips, rising on tiptoe to fiddle with his hospital gown buttons. Their breaths mingled, “Now? Are you sure?”
Ross leaned in to kiss her. Weeks of her teasing, her sweet voice, and fleeting touches had worn his patience thin. He intended to show just how welcome her advances were.
Danielle turned her face away. “Ross, you’ve changed.”
Ross had realized this. The irony wasn’t lost on him. Like Shermaine and Joshua’s “famous turnaround,” though Joshua had always been quicker to
embrace desire.
“For you, I’ll change gladly,” Ross murmured. His usual scholarly reserve was still there, edged with aristocratic poise–qualities Danielle adored. Now, his words sent her pulse racing.
This change was hers alone. The thought melted her.
“Danielle,” Ross murmured, his voice tender as winter sunlight. “I love you.”
Danielle couldn’t resist. Overjoyed, she pressed a playful kiss to his lips. The sound echoed in the quiet ward, sparking an instant, electric tension between them. She whispered, “Ross, you can’t just say things like that.”
Leaning closer, Ross whispered, “So, do you want to sleep with me now?” His lips brushed her ear.
Danielle wanted him, but not here, not until they were both discharged.
Before she could respond, Ross captured her lips in a searing kiss, his warm, woodsy scent enveloping her. Gone was the cool detachment of the past. This kiss was a crashing wave, leaving her dizzy and clinging to him for balance.
With one leg still in a cast, Danielle shut her eyes, arms locked around Ross. When she finally broke for air, he simply cradled her head and drew her back in, deepening the kiss with molten intensity.
Meanwhile, Jessica, unable to sit still after Ross chased after Danielle, had followed them to the hallway. She thought, ‘No way I’m leaving empty- handed. Marrying a wealthy man is my golden ticket.’
She knocked, then tried pushing the door open. But it didn’t budge as if someone inside was holding it shut.
In the ward, Danielle, who had been leaning against the door, was startled. She wanted to push Ross away, but he didn’t budge. Instead, he braced his hands on either side of her, easing the kiss from feverish to languid, savoring her with deliberate, lingering sweetness.
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Ross‘ kiss was gentle, but his palms burned against Danielle’s waist, restless in a way they had never been before. Even their first kisa in the car had lon him unraveled.
He nipped at her ear, hot breath brushing against her shin. “Danielle, I meant what I said. Now is an option.”
Danielle’s blush deepened. “Your rumored partner is looking for you.”
Ross trailed kisses down her neck. “Ignore her.”
“My leg is still broken.” Danielle could barely stand. Without his grip, she would have collapsed.
Ross whispered, “Then come for me when it’s healed.”
Danielle melted further, though her lips curled in helpless amusement. If not for the damned cast, she would have forn his clothes off already.
Ross took in her radiant smile and stole another kiss.
Outside, Jessica said, “Mr. Jean? Are you there?” No answer, but muffled sounds came from within.
She thought, ‘What are they doing? Is that woman his girlfriend? No. Impossible. Rumor said he was single now!
She kept speaking, “Mr. Jean, can you hear me? Are you-”
Before she could finish, Ross, usually so calm and gentle, snapped in frustration, “Get lost.” His tone carried the unmistakable irritation of someone whose moment had just been ruined.
The snap was uncharacteristically harsh. Jessica froze. Then, she heard the click of the lock turning.
Inside, Ross put Danielle onto the bed, pulling her close again.
Danielle’s lips were numb from kissing, the kiss lingering until Shermaine’s call snapped them back to reality. Ross finally released Danielle, who was now boneless and breathless against the sheets.
Joshua and Shermaine were on their way to the hospital. Danielle grabbed a mirror, took one look at herself, and immediately yanked the covers over her head. “Go back to your room,” she urged Ross, flustered.
Ross calmly buttoned his shirt, the one she had tugged open during their make–out session, and chuckled, “Hiding under blankets won’t undo what just happened.”
Danielle pouted, “Look what you did! My lips are swollen. It’s so embarrassing to see Sheary like this.”
The room had been dim, lit only by moonlight. When Ross flicked the switch, the full extent of Danielle’s disheveled state became clear–her hospital gown slipping off one shoulder, her hair tousled. He gently adjusted her gown. “Yeah.”
Downstairs, Shermaine was swarmed by doctors and nurses clamoring for autographs. If it weren’t for Joshua’s strong presence, he might’ve even been pushed aside.
Luckily, an elevator arrived just then. Though the crowd was excited, they politely made space for Shermaine to get through.
When they reached the room, Shermaine noted Ross‘ good spirits. Though cleared for discharge, he had chosen to stay.
Joshua took one look at Ross, and the two exchanged a knowing glance. Sometimes, no words were needed between men.
After checking Ross, Shermaine said, “Glad to see you recovering so well.”
Ross replied, smug, “My girlfriend takes excellent care of me.”
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Shermaine raised an eyebrow. “Danielle’s leg is broken, yet she’s still looking after you. Don’t take advantage. Her tone was light, but the implication
was clear.
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“Where’s Danielle?” Shermaine asked.
Ross lied effortlessly, his expression unreadable. “She’s asleep.”
Shermaine smirked, catching the whiff of a cover–up.
Ross changed the subject. “Have you eaten?”
“I had something on the plane. We’ll grab a proper meal later.” After nearly twelve hours of sleep, Shermaine was wide awake. She didn’t plan to linger at the hospital, just a quick visit before heading back to Jean Villa.
A knock interrupted them. A doctor entered, clutching a file.
After listening to his statement, Shermaine asked, “Did you bring the patient’s records?” Though she hadn’t operated in a while, she still took on three or four surgeries monthly to keep her skills sharp.
The doctor nodded eagerly. “Here, Dr. Jean.”
Shermaine flipped open the file and soon froze. The patient was Jameson, She didn’t slam the file shut. Instead, she read every detail before closing it with finality.
“Will you take the case, Dr. Jean?” the doctor asked.
“No.” Shermaine’s tone left no room for debate. “Let him find another surgeon.”
“Well, I’ll inform him.”
“Mm.”
The doctor didn’t push. After getting an autograph from Shermaine, he left.
Ross studied Shermaine’s expression. The patient’s identity was obvious. He had known about his hospitalization but hadn’t bothered visiting. To Ross, the man had been dead the moment he abandoned his family. His suffering now was nothing but retribution.
Thinking of Janice, Ross asked, “Sheary, really no exception?”
“I won’t lift a finger for him,” Shermaine said coolly. “But for Grandma’s sake, I’ll save him after letting him stew in despair a little longer.”
With that, she and Joshua left for Jean Villa.
The doctor delivered Shermaine’s refusal to Jameson and asked him to find another surgeon.
Jameson’s face drained of color, his body going numb as if plunged into ice. He thought, ‘Just as I thought, Shermaine would rather watch me die.“‘
After the divorce, Ruth had moved out of Jean Villa. But upon hearing of Shermaine’s return, she had come back for the evening, preparing dinner for
Shermaine and Joshua.
Janice knew Jameson was critically ill. As his mother, she grieved, but she hadn’t visited him yet. When he got desperate enough, he would come to her.
When Shermaine and Joshua arrived at Jean Villa, Ruth and Janice showered them with warmth and pride. Shermaine’s triumphant return from Ustrana
was a cause for celebration.
“Sheary, have some soup first,” Ruth said gently, ladling a bowl for her. “Joshua, you too.”
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They settled around the table, the dinner full of laughter and ease.
Janice turned to Joshua. “I heard your father returned from the research institute?”
Joshua nodded. “We’re coming back tomorrow morning.”
It had been years since Janice last saw Stephen. She could barely recall his face. “Your grandfather always adored him. He would be overjoyed to know your father is finally home.”
Joshua had noticed Owen’s happiness that night.
Shermaine asked, “What field does Stephen specialize in?”
“Astronomy. He’s an astronomer,” Joshua replied.
Shermaine smiled. At least she wouldn’t run out of topics tomorrow. Astronomy had always fascinated her.
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At York residence, King Tiki had been a permanent fixture ever since Owen visited Riverswood Villa and instantly took a liking to the upgraded robot. Seeing his fondness, Shermaine had gifted it to him.
King Tiki had settled in nicely, humming to itself as it swept the floors with rhythmic precision. After cleaning, it meticulously sorted the trash and trotted outside to toss it into the bins. “I’m a hardworking little robot.”
Stephen watched the oddly humanoid machine with a mix of fascination and bewilderment. In one swift motion, he grabbed King Tiki mid–task, inspecting its mechanisms with intense curiosity. He hadn’t expected anyone to engineer a robot this advanced.
King Tiki whirred in protest, its routine rudely interrupted.
Owen said, “That’s Shermaine’s creation.”
Stephen’s expression remained blank. “Mm.” He had seen Shermaine in videos before.
Owen studied his son, uneasy. He thought, ‘Was it the decades in the research institute that stripped Stephen of human warmth? His face was unreadable, his tone perpetually icy. Well, at least he’s home. I shouldn’t expect more.’
The next morning, Shermaine and Joshua left for York residence early. On the way, Shermaine bought a bouquet of violets. Joshua had mentioned his late mother, Dionne Relish, adored them.
Owen had woken up in a foul mood. Overnight, King Tiki, perfectly functional yesterday, had mysteriously malfunctioned. He was counting on Shermaine to check the issue, though he secretly suspected Stephen had tampered with it after he had gone to bed.
Stephen sat unfazed on the sofa, flipping through a newspaper.
Just then, the butler said, “Mr. York, Joshua and Shermaine have arrived.”
Owen hurried to greet them, his face etched with worry. “Sheary, check what’s wrong with King Tiki!”
Shermaine frowned, “It’s malfunctioning?”
“Mm,” Owen sighed. “It was working perfectly last night.”
“I’ll take a look later.”
“Good. Have you two eaten breakfast?”
“Yeah.”
As they walked into the house, Joshua and Shermaine both noticed Stephen sitting on the sofa.
Lowering his newspaper, Stephen said flatly, “You’re back.”
Joshua’s gaze flickered, but he only said, “Dad.”
Shermaine followed suit with a polite greeting.
Stephen gave a curt nod before returning to his newspaper.
The interaction between father and son was so stiff it might as well have been between strangers.
Owen seethed silently but held his tongue, instructing Joshua to prepare for their visit to Dionne’s grave while Shermaine checked King Tiki.
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She dismantled the robot, examining each component. The parts were intact, but the chip had a blackened patch. She held it up, thoughtful.
“The chip’s fried?” Owen asked.
“Mm. It’ll take some time to fix,” Shermaine said. “I’ll handle it later.”
Owen nodded.
Half an hour later, they set off for the cemetery, Stephen joining them in the car. Not a word passed his lips during the ride.
Yet his gaze lingered on Joshua, studying him with an intensity that unsettled Shermaine. It wasn’t the gaze of a father observing his son. It was something else entirely.
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Shermaine had little experience with parental relationships, so she couldn’t quite judge what was normal, only observe silently. She wondered, ‘Did Joshua sense something off about Stephen too?‘
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Soon, they arrived at Serenity Cemetery. The morning was quiet, the grounds nearly empty.
Late autumn’s chill greeted them as they stepped out of the car, a gust of wind tugging at Shermaine’s floral dress. Clutching the bouquet of violets, she
took Joshua’s outstretched hand.
Stephen, however, had already strode ahead, disappearing into the rows of graves with familiar ease.
By the time they caught up, he was clearing weeds around the headstone.
The grave faced south, overlooking the distant sea, a sweeping, tranquil view.
Watching him, Shermaine felt a pang of contradiction. There was something raw, almost tender, in the way he stood before his late wife’s resting place.
Once the weeds were gone, Stephen froze before the tombstone, staring at the photograph.
Shermaine studied it, too. Joshua’s mother had been striking, gentle, and elegant. She thought, ‘So that’s where Joshua got those eyes. Dionne’s eyes were like a winter galaxy deep and luminous.‘
She laid the violets down.
Joshua stood beside her, voice steady. “Mom, this is my wife. Shermaine Jean.” With that, he said nothing more.
Their visit was brief. After paying respects, Joshua had to return to work.
As they turned to leave, Stephen spoke for the first time, “Go ahead. I’ll stay a while longer.”
Joshua handed him the car keys. “Take the car keys. We’ll grab a taxi.”
Stephen accepted without another word.
Hand in hand, Joshua and Shermaine walked away. At the cemetery gates, they parted ways. He had to go to the office, and she went to university.
Upon returning to the Department of Chemistry, Shermaine was immediately approached by the dean, Hector Katz.
Hector asked, “Shermaine, how about we fast–track your graduation? Take a few exams, and you could skip straight to a master’s or even a PhD program.”
Shermaine blinked, “Is that necessary?”
“Absolutely,” Hector insisted. “Undergrad is a waste of your time. Frankly, I could petition the university to award you a master’s degree outright, then slot you into a doctoral program. What do you think?”
If approved, Shermaine would become the first student in history to earn a master’s within weeks of enrollment.
Given her groundbreaking work on the twin prime conjecture and her reputation as a mathematician, not to mention her chemistry expertise rivaling tenured professors, it was entirely reasonable.
After a moment’s thought, Shermaine agreed. Skipping straight to a PhD did sound appealing. But the proper procedures were necessary.
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In Ustrana, Kylie stirred awake in a sterile white room, her body heavy with exhaustion. Before she could fully register her surroundings, darkness swallowed her again.
As she drifted back into unconsciousness, a woman in a white protection suit entered, followed by a masked, diminutive man. He reported, “Her shattered bones have been reinforced with mechanical linkages, and her combat capabilities are significantly enhanced. We’ve also implanted a neural chip. She’s practically a cyborg now.”
The man added, “Your Highness, once she recovers fully, she’ll be ready to serve your purposes.”
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Judy gave a slight nod. Tall and statuesque, her golden hair cascaded down her back as she took off the protection suit, revealing a form–fitting white officer’s uniform.
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The moment she emerged, a drone zipped toward her, projecting a blue holographic screen that displayed live footage from the lab.
A person reported, “Her Highness, we’ve successfully opened the crystal sarcophagus.”
Judy’s eyes gleamed. “Can it be activated?”
“Unfortunately, no.”
Opening it was difficult enough. Activating it would be challenging.
Judy frowned, “Why?”
The person explained, “The crystal sarcophagus left by the royal family. It only responds to bloodline verification. Without a direct descendant, it’s inert.”
“Can’t we brute–force the system?”
“Your Highness, if it were that easy, we wouldn’t have spent centuries searching for Apocalypse.”
Judy fell silent.
“The only option is to locate a living heir to the royal family,” the person continued. “But after millennia, the odds are slim. Mainframe data narrows it down to Wallington, but it’ll take roughly three years to pinpoint the target.”
Wallington was densely populated, after all.
Judy pressed her lips. “We don’t have that kind of time.”
The person sighed, “I’ll improvise.”
“Make it quick.” Judy nodded.
In Loang, Bruce held his phone to his ear, the voice on the other end weary. “The subject is quarantined in a safe house. But we’re still tracing his movements. No guarantee he didn’t infect others during his escape.”
Bruce asked, “What’s his current condition?”
The man replied, “Physical mutations. Severe genetic regression. The virus is ravaging his organs. If he loses control, he’ll attack indiscriminately, like a
rabid beast, but worse.
“His blood carries an unknown pathogen. Bruce, this is a time bomb. And our employer won’t halt the research. Worse, we’re operating on Wallington’s
turf. This recklessness will backfire.
Bruce had no idea what Kylie had tampered with in that lab to create such a disaster. Had he known, he would never have let her near the project. Exhaling a slow drag of his cigarette, he muttered, “I’ll head over tomorrow.”
The man on the phone sighed in relief, “Good. Maybe you can talk some sense into that lunatic employer. This experiment needs to end.”
As a Wallingtonian, Bruce couldn’t stand by while reckless experiments threatened his homeland or the people who had shown him kindness.
The lab was just across the border in the neighboring city of Basterel. If things went south, the fallout would engulf neighboring cities first.
Bruce turned to his subordinate. “Find out when Roy is leaving Ustrana.”
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The man pulled out his phone, making a few calls. Within minutes, he reported, “Mr. Xavier, Roy flies back tomorrow at 8 a.m.”
“Book me a seat on that flight,” Bruce ordered.
The subordinate nodded, then hesitated. “Should I try getting that lady’s contact details for you?”
Bruce shook his head. “You won’t succeed.”
“Roy might be easier to approach in Ustrana,” the subordinate suggested tactfully. Molly was a fortress, but Roy was less guarded.
Bruce paused, then dismissed the idea with another shake of his head.
Meanwhile, oblivious to Bruce’s scheming, Roy sneezed on a bustling street, his whole body shuddering. Pulling out his phone, he dialed Molly, who answered it after an agonizing wait.
Roy sniffled pitifully into the phone. “Momo, I’m lost.”
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It wasn’t that Roy was overly cunning. He just had no other way to see Molly. She had been swamped lately, but with his return flight looming, he had to meet her before leaving.
When Molly heard Roy was lost, she asked, “No one is with you?”
Roy replied, “Nope.”
“Can’t you hail a cab?”
“I lost my wallet.” Roy pulled it out and tossed it into a nearby trash bin, keeping only the cash inside.
Molly sighed, “What’s around you?”
Roy described the area.
“Stay where you are,” Molly told him. “Don’t move.”
Learning that Molly was coming to find him, Roy couldn’t help but burst into laughter, drawing confused looks from passersby. They stared at him like he was an idiot.
In her office, Molly grabbed her bag and keys, striding past her secretary. “Cancel my evening appointments.”
The secretary asked, “Even Beckett’s?”
“Especially his.” Molly had only agreed to dinner to shut her mother up.
“But-”
“Not your concern.”
Beckett, however, seemed to anticipate Molly’s stand–up. He went to her company to pick her up.
When the elevator doors opened, Molly hadn’t expected to see him standing there.
Holding a bouquet of roses, Beckett smiled, “Momo, what luck. The first person I see is you.” He offered the bouquet.
Molly ignored it. “I’m heading out. Dinner’s off.”
Beckett blocked the elevator door, ever the gentleman. “What’s so urgent?”
“Since when do I report to you?” Molly gave him a flat look.
“I just care.” Beckett softened his tone. “We might marry someday. Can’t you spare a little time to build something between us?”
“Marry you?” Molly snorted coldly. “Move.” She yanked his tie, hauling him out, then stepped inside.
Beckett followed. “I’ll come with you.”
Molly rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything. When they reached the parking lot, Molly peeled off in a red Ferrari, leaving Beckett fuming in her wake.
Left standing alone, Beckett’s face darkened. He muttered a curse, then pulled out his car keys and got into his black sports car, speeding off behind her. He wanted to see exactly where she was going.
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It was already dark outside, and thick fog began rolling in.
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Roy had been waiting for a long time, but Molly still hadn’t arrived. Dressed lightly, he shivered in the downpour and soaked to the bone, but he refused to budge.
When Molly finally arrived, his pink hair was plastered to his face, and his clothes were drenched. She marched over with an umbrella. “Why didn’t you shelter?”
She thought with a straight face, ‘Even my husky is smarter than him,‘
Roy looked up, then lunged, clinging to her like a soaked puppy. “You told me not to move. I didn’t want you to miss me.”
His pitiful act masked his inner glee, ‘I got to hug Momo again. She smells so good. Best day ever!‘
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Molly had a soft spot for Roy’s antics. She had encountered his type before, but she had never indulged them. Yet Roy’s charm struck the perfect balance -just earnest enough to be endearing, never crossing into desperation.
When he clung to her, she nudged him off. “Alright, let’s get you back to your hotel.”
Roy didn’t press further. Instead, he caught one of her fingers, beaming, “Momo, you’re the best.”
Molly said coolly, “You’re Sheary’s friend. Of course, I’d look out for you.”
The light in Roy’s eyes dimmed in an instant. He looked down, silent. Selfishly, he hoped that her kindness was for him alone. He knew Molly was aware of his feelings, and this was her way of drawing a line without outright rejection.
Molly thought, ‘Little cutie is sulking?‘
She didn’t coddle him, simply took his hand and led him to the car, umbrella in her hand. Moments later, the red Ferrari vanished into the night.
Beckett, who had tailed them the entire way, watched with jealousy burning in his eyes. He thought, fuming, ‘Who is that guy? Molly never goes out of her way for anyone, let alone let them touch her.‘
The image of Roy embracing Molly, and her allowing it, sent rage coursing through Beckett. Years of knowing her, and they had never so much as hugged. He had assumed she despised all men, and he was the exception.
Beckett thought, flooring the accelerator to follow, ‘That scheming bastard! I’ll end him.‘
The red sports car pulled up to the hotel entrance. Molly stepped out first, tossing the keys to a valet.
Roy followed, his clothes still damp from the rain. The moment the wind hit him, he sneezed, his body trembling with chills yet radiating heat. After nearly an hour in the downpour, a fever was inevitable.
Molly reached up, pressing her hand to his forehead. “You’re burning up.”
Roy leaned into her touch, savoring the chill against his overheated skin. His voice was hoarse from the onset of illness. “Momo, your hand feels so nice.”
Seeing him nuzzle against her like a contented puppy, Molly couldn’t help but chuckle. She pinched his cheek. “I should call you Roy the Puppy.”
Roy’s eyes fluttered shut. “Call me anything you want.” Besides, Roy the Puppy sounded like an endearment. He would gladly accept.
Molly shook her head in amusement. “I’ll call a doctor.”
“Mm.” Roy had hoped to use his fever as an excuse to cling to her further, but hotel staff swooped in, fussing over him with water and concern.
Roy rolled his eyes.
As Molly dialed her family doctor, the elevator doors slid open. She grabbed Roy’s hand and stepped inside.
Beckett, who had been following them all the way/stormed forward angrily. He spat, “Momo, so this is your urgent matter? A hotel rendezvous with this bastard?”
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oy instantly pegged the flashily dressed, broad–shouldered man as a rival.
He thought, ‘Who does this guy think he is? Talking like Molly’s cheating on him? Shermaine confirmed she’s single.’
Molly, having just hung up, regarded Beckett with icy calm. “This doesn’t concern you.”
“The hell it doesn’t!” Beckett roared. “Our families have all but finalized our marriage. Or did you forget?”
Roy’s face turned even paler at the word marriage.
Molly crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. “Are you dreaming? When did I ever agree to marry you?”
Beckett shot back, “You never refused, either.”
He had a point. Molly had let her family believe she would marry Beckett, especially since her father approved. Beckett’s assets merging with her career was too tempting a deal.
But Molly had no intention of going through it. Men were tools to her, and Beckett’s usefulness would expire soon enough.
Softening his voice, Beckett stepped closer and took Molly’s wrist. “I know what you want, Momo. I can give it to you. You’ve already used me. Why stop now? But I’m not doing it for free. Cut ties with this bastard and leave with me.”
The threat hung thick in the air.
Roy’s heart sank. If not for the fever dulling his reflexes, he would have lunged at Beckett right then. The man’s words struck a nerve.
Roy knew Molly wouldn’t abandon him now, but the fear lingered–Would she cut him out of her life one day?
Molly’s eyes narrowed at Beckett. “Take your hand off me.”
Beckett tightened his grip. “Mamo!”
“I won’t repeat myself.” Molly’s voice was icy.
Beckett’s face darkened, but he knew better than to push her. Reluctantly, he released her.
The walk back to the hotel room was silent, Roy’s mind churning.
Molly, ever unshaken, broke the quiet in the suite. “Change your clothes.”
Roy hesitated. “Will you leave?”
“Not until the doctor checks you.”
A subdued “Oh” was all Roy managed before retreating to his room. There, he fired up his laptop, digging into Molly’s so–called engagement.
Among Ustrana’s upper class, the arrangement was common knowledge. Everyone talked about Beckett’s true love for Molly. After all, he was willing to sacrifice his fortune for her. What devotion.
Roy’s scowl deepened with every click. Anything Beckett could do, he could do better,
A quick comparison proved it. Roy outstripped Beckett in wealth and looks. Only one flaw–Roy’s roots were in Wallington. In Ustrana, Beckett’s local influence was bigger than his. Beyond money, Roy had little to offer Molly.
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Frustration boiled over. But then again, Roy did have his special skills, and he had friends like Joshua and Shermaine, who carried serious weight.
Roy licked his parched lips, shut the laptop, and headed to the living room.
Molly lounged on the sofa, one long leg crossed over the other, a cigarette dangling between her fingers. Clearly, she was unaffected by Beckett’s outburst. That alone showed how cold–hearted she could be in relationships. And yet, somehow, Roy was hopelessly addicted.
Drunk on fever and longing, Roy stumbled forward, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Momo,” he mumbled into her shoulder. “I’m so jealous.”
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Molly could feel Roy’s straightforward affection for her. That was exactly why she felt she couldn’t get too close to Roy. No matter how cold her heart was, it would soften in front of him, and she couldn’t help but feel her pulse quicken.
If Molly really fell for him, she didn’t know how long she could maintain that feeling. She wa
afraid it might just be a momentary attraction.
Right now, Molly was in that stage where she was being forced to feel something against her better judgment. But she had her own standards and her own principles to stick to.
After all, she was someone who lived by rules. Breaking those rules usually led to nothing but trouble.
This time, Molly couldn’t push Roy away. He was using too much force as he pressed her down onto the sofa.
Roy looked at her with pitiful eyes. “I like you, Momo. Whatever that other guy can do for you, I can do too. Don’t use him anymore. Use me instead, okay? I’ll be good, and I won’t hold you back.”
Molly lay pinned beneath him on the sofa, and hearing those words made her head start to ache. “Get up first.”
Roy was too heated to think straight. There was no way he’d leave this sweet embrace now. He nuzzled against Molly’s neck, pressing his warm lips there while his hands traced her curves through her clothes, not exactly behaving himself as he murmured “Momo” over and over.
Desire stirred awake in her body. Molly frowned and kicked Roy hard in the stomach. He let out a muffled grunt and rolled right off the sofa onto the carpet with a thud.
Molly’s skirt had ridden up to her thighs. She sat up straight and smoothed down her clothes, her expression turning cold.
Roy hung his head. “Sorry, Momo.”
Molly just stared at him. He apologized so fast she didn’t even have time to scold him properly. “I don’t like people touching me. From now on, you can’t touch me without my permission.”
Roy looked even more dejected and could only nod in agreement.
Molly got up and went to the bathroom.
In the mirror, the usually commanding CEO had something unusually alluring in her eyes. Molly raised her hand and touched the skin where Roy’s lips had been. It still felt warm from his touch. She touched her waist too, where his hands had wandered.
‘That little troublemaker almost reached my chest just now,‘ Molly thought. She had to admit it–she’d felt something. What shocked her was that she’d actually felt something at all.
Molly had always thought she was frigid. Over the years, countless men had tried to seduce her, but she’d never felt even a spark of interest. In fact, she’d found them repulsive. Just looking at them made her feel sick.
But her body didn’t reject Roy.
‘Damn it,‘ Molly thought.
The doctor arrived quickly. He took Roy’s temperature and prescribed some medication. Then, he turned to Molly and said, “Ms. Hill, this gentleman’s fever isn’t serious. He should be fine by tomorrow after taking the medicine.”
“Okay,” Molly said. “Please make sure he takes his medication. I’m leaving now.”
“Momo, will you think about what I said earlier?” Roy asked.
Molly glanced at him. “We’ll see.”
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Roy could only watch helplessly as Molly left. Of course he wanted her to stay, but unfortunately, they didn’t have any official relationship yet, so he had to hold back his feelings.
After the doctor watched him take his medicine, he gave a professional smile. “Mr. Shay, get some rest. Call me if you need anything.” He left his contact information and departed.
Roy couldn’t possibly fall asleep. He picked up his phone and called Shermaine. “Shermaine, are you free?”
“Yeah, what’s up?” Shermaine replied.
“Shermaine, I made Molly angry. Could you find some time to contact her and put in a good word for me?” Roy said.
Shermaine chuckled and teased him, “What exactly do you want me to say about you?”
“Praise me. Make her think I’m a good guy, the kind who’s perfect for dating.” Roy was being completely strategic about this.
“Deal.”
“Shermaine, you’re the best!” Roy remembered what a complete jerk he’d been at the beginning and wanted to slap himself. “Shermaine, can you ask Joshua something for me? If someone bullies me here in Ustrana, would he come back me up?”
Shermaine had the phone on speaker, so Joshua could hear everything. He replied coolly, “No.”
“Joshua, I’m being serious!”
“So am I.”
Roy felt like he’d been getting knocked down all day long. “That’s okay, I still have Shermaine.”
Joshua let out a quiet laugh. “If you’re in such bad shape, just go to sleep. Don’t let people actually bully you when you can’t even fight back.”
‘Well, Joshua’s still Joshua,‘ Roy thought. He felt satisfied enough and hung up the phone before closing his eyes to sleep.
It was ten at night in Loang time, which meant it was around noon during the day in Basterel. Shermaine and Stephen were at the York residence.
Shermaine was working on fixing King Tiki. She’d actually gotten most of the repairs done already.
Since it had broken down anyway, Shermaine decided to upgrade its system once again while she was at it. This was King Tiki version 3.0.
After spending about an hour on it, Shermaine finished the reinstallation and booted up King Tiki.
When King Tiki restarted, he immediately chirped. “Oh, my beautiful Princess Sheary, I missed you so much!” He started snapping photos of Shermaine with rapid clicks.
Shermaine had added quite a few new features to him, “Go check if Grandpa needs any help.”
“Sure thing!” King Tiki headed outside and opened the door, running into Stephen.
Stephen stared at King Tiki and noticed that Shermaine had upgraded him again.
King Tiki bounced around Stephen and hopped down the stairs. When he reached the staircase, he switched modes and slid down smoothly. This new version made going downstairs much easier than before.
Shermaine glanced over at Stephen. “Dad, what’s up?”
“Time to come down for dinner,” Stephen said.
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“Okay.”
During dinner, Owen asked, “When are you planning to go back to the research institute?”
Stephen thought for a moment before saying, “I’m not planning to go back for a while.”
Owen looked surprised. ‘She isn’t planning to go back at all?‘ he thought.
Stephen said, “I’ve already requested leave from the research institute. I’ll be staying home for this period.”
“I guess pigs really can fly now, Owen thought, feeling quite pleased about it. That was perfect. Stephen would have plenty of time to strengthen the bond between him and Joshua. Otherwise, the two of them were like complete strangers, which was totally unacceptable.
After lunch, Owen also reminded Joshua to stay at the York residence more often during this period.
Joshua agreed. He was curious to see what Stephen was really up to.
Meanwhile, at Yaleview Hospital, Janice walked in carrying soup. She’d come to visit Jameson. He was her son, after all, and she figured he’d suffered enough and done enough soul–searching. She thought it was time to see him.
But she hadn’t expected Jameson to have transferred hospitals.
Janice asked the doctor who’d been treating him, “Which hospital did he transfer to?”
“Mr. Jean heard that Dr. Jean refused to perform his surgery, so he transferred to General Hospital in Horington this morning,” the doctor replied.
‘Horington?‘ Janice thought. ‘There are quite a few renowned doctors in Horington.‘
But just last night, when Jameson called her, she’d told him she would help him talk to Shermaine and get her to do the surgery. ‘Did this mean he didn’t even trust me anymore?‘ Janice wondered.
Janice was absolutely furious. She called Jameson and launched into a tirade the moment he picked up.
Jameson replied, “Mom, stop lying to me. I know exactly what kind of person Shermaine is. She definitely won’t help treat my illness. She’d be thrilled if I
died. I don’t believe that Horington’s doctors can’t match up to Shermaine.”
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Chapter 372
Chapter 372
Janice was ready to strangle Jameson for being so dense. “You just refuse to learn from your mistakes. Without Sheary, I don’t know how many years you’ve got left to live.”
(20)
Jameson frowned, “She doesn’t want to save me, so I chose to find specialists in Horington instead. If I wait for her to come rescue me, who knows when that’ll be.”
Janice snapped, “You’ve got some nerve saying that! After everything you’ve done to hurt Ruthie, Sheary, and Ross, have you even apologized to them
once?
“Not only haven’t you said sorry, but you’re still here complaining about what Sheary did wrong. How did I end up raising someone who can’t tell right from wrong?”
When Jameson was younger, he hadn’t been like this. But as he got older, he seemed to become more and more confused about everything. Even at this point, he still wouldn’t admit he was wrong.
“What’s the point of talking about this now? They’ll never forgive me anyway, and they’ll never accept me as their father. I don’t believe I can’t survive the rest of my life without them,” Jameson snorted.
At worst, he still had Jason. Even though he found Jason disgusting now because of the whole Natalie situation, Jason was still his blood. When he got old, he could have Jason take care of him. He couldn’t count on Shermaine and Ross anyway.
Jameson let his imagination run wild with paranoid thoughts. “Mom, even if you begged Shermaine to save me, do you really think she’d do it willingly?
“I’m afraid she resents me so much that she might deliberately make some little ‘mistake‘ during surgery. If I died, she wouldn’t even be legally responsible for it.”
Everything he said showed how much he distrusted Shermaine.
“You bastard!” Janice snapped. “Don’t you dare insult Sheary’s character! You think everyone in this world is like you and that vixen, spending all day plotting to hurt people.
“You can just stay in Horington and rot for all I care. When you die, I won’t even bother collecting your body.”
With that, she hung up on Jameson.
If Janice hadn’t been taking better care of her health lately, Jameson would’ve definitely made her sick with anger.
Since Janice was already at the hospital and Jameson wasn’t there, she pulled herself together and went to find Ross instead.
When people got older, they learned to comfort themselves. Jameson was a lost cause, but her grandchildren were doing well. Janice didn’t expect Jameson to turn his life around anymore. She just hoped she’d live long enough to hold a great–grandchild.
Janice made her way to Ross‘ room with practiced ease, but early as it was, he wasn’t there. The room was completely empty. She asked the nurse, who looked just as confused when she saw the empty room.
The thing was, Ross had recovered well after getting his stitches removed. All he needed now was to rest and avoid getting hurt again, so the staff had been pretty relaxed about monitoring him. They’d barely checked on him for the past couple of days.
“Mrs. Jean, I don’t know where Mr. Jean went either. Should I help you look for him?” the nurse asked.
This was Basterel’s territory, so nobody would dare mess with Ross. Besides, he was a grown man. He couldn’t just disappear. “No need, you can go about your business. He’s probably out for a run or something,” Janice said.
Since Ross wasn’t around, she decided to go check on Danielle first. She’d actually brought some soup for Danielle to drink today anyway.
But when she pushed open the door, she saw two people lying on the hospital bed. Right there next to Danielle was her own grandson Ross. Ross was
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tying on his side with his eyes closed, and Danielle was sleeping in his arms.
Well, well, well, Janice thought. ‘So that’s where Ross disappeared to. He snuck over here to share Danielle’s bed. What a guy. That’s my grandson for your
When the door opened, the nurse nearby saw them too and let out a gasp, covering her mouth with her hand.
Danielle drowsily opened her eyes and looked toward the sound. She saw Janice standing there with a kind smile on her face, along with the nurse.
Danielle was speechless.
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Even though Danielle was usually composed, waking up to find two extra people in her hospital room–one of them being Janice–made her ears turn red with embarrassment. She quickly tidied up her appearance. “Grandma.”
Janice responded with a warm “Mm–hmm.”
Danielle then pushed at Ross, who was still fast asleep. He was sleeping so deeply that she wondered what time he’d finally gone to bed last night.
As for why they’d ended up sleeping together, Ross simply couldn’t control how much he missed Danielle. Since he was right next door, he’d decided to climb into her bed.
Last night had been dark and quiet.
Danielle had been sleeping groggily when she felt like she couldn’t breathe properly. When she opened her eyes, she found that gentle, refined man sneaking kisses from her.
She was too tired to think straight. “Didn’t you get enough kisses during the day?”
Ross brushed her hair back. “I missed you so much I couldn’t sleep.”
“Are you just restless, or do you actually miss me?” Danielle fought off her drowsiness and scratched his chin playfully.
“Both.”
“Oh.”
Ross realized he shouldn’t have come. Even the faint smell of disinfectant in the air couldn’t mask the feminine scent that Danielle gave off. He’d originally planned to just check on her, steal one kiss, and leave. Now he couldn’t bring himself to go.
In fact, his body was definitely reacting. The more he tried to control himself, the stronger the rebound effect became.
He held Danielle close, his body getting hotter and hotter, radiating heat that seemed like it could dry a person out. “Danielle, as a doctor, shouldn’t you help your boyfriend out?”
“I’ll let you use the bathroom in my room and take care of it yourself,” Danielle murmured.
Ross just stared at her. That wasn’t the kind of help he’d been hoping for.
“Do you remember that time I kissed you in the car?” Danielle asked.
“Yeah.”
I should have just let myself give in back then,’ Ross thought. “I regret it,” he added.
Danielle let out a soft snort. “Well, regretting it won’t help you now. I’m not sleeping with you, so you’d better behave yourself.”
Ross stayed quiet for a moment, then sighed helplessly and gently ruffled her hair. Danielle was clearly holding a grudge. “Fine,” he said softly.
Danielle burst out laughing, shifted her position, and yawned. “I’m going back to sleep. You can go back to your room, or you can stay here if you want.”
In the end, Ross chose to stay. But tonight, he couldn’t sleep at all. Since he was going to be awake anyway, he figured he might as well stay and watch
Danielle sleep.
At some point, he pulled out his phone and somewhat awkwardly texted Joshua on WhatsApp with a question: [If Sheary was mad at you and wouldn’t let you hold her, how would you win her back?)
The message was deleted within a second of being sent. But Joshua had clearly seen it and replied: [I won’t make Sheary mad.]
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“Hmph, if he dares to upset Shermaine or make her unhappy, I’ll be the first one to teach him a lesson as her brother, Ross thought.
Though to be fair, since Shermaine and Joshua got married, the two of them really did seem to have a great relationship.
Ross typed: [Just asking casually.]
Joshua replied: [Sure you were.]
Ross: [What else would it be? As her brother, I obviously need to check on how things are going between you and Sheary, especially with you.]
On the other end of the phone, Joshua chuckled softly.
(+201
‘The great Mr. Jean can lie without even preparing his story,‘ Joshua thought. ‘He was still turned on and it wasn’t going away. He wants advice from me but he’s too proud to ask directly, so he’s backing down.
Joshua clicked his tongue and replied: [Speaking from experience, the most effective approach is to be shameless. When the moment’s right, push your luck a little.]
‘So that’s how Joshua managed to win over Shermaine and get married so quickly?‘ Ross thought. ‘That actually makes sense!’
He remembered last Christmas season when the two of them were heading to Xenhall. Joshua had driven all the way from Basterel to the countryside
just to pick up Shermaine and go together.
It turned out he’d been scheming even back then, shamelessly pursuing Shermaine with calculated persistence. His manipulation ran deep.
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After his chat with Joshua, Ross found himself completely thrown off his usual routine with a beautiful woman in his arms. It seemed like dawn was breaking before he finally drifted off to sleep.
Through his drowsy haze, he heard Danielle’s voice. Ross didn’t open his eyes and just pulled her closer against him. “Danielle, let me sleep a little longer.”
Danielle bit her lip and whispered in his ear, “Your grandmother’s here.”
It took Ross a moment to process this. He cracked his eyes open and sat up in bed. “Grandmother.”
Janice cleared her throat disapprovingly. “Just look at yourself. Danielle’s foot isn’t even healed yet, and here you are crowding into her bed. Do you think your six–foot–one frame doesn’t take up space?”
20)
Ross‘ hair was tousled, his hospital gown slightly disheveled. The usually gentle man now had an unexpectedly roguish charm about him. “Grandmother, this bed’s big enough.”
“That doesn’t mean you should come here bothering Danielle. You’re both unmarried, and this is a hospital no less. Aren’t you worried about what people will say?”
Her words carried more than a hint of pressure for them to get married.
Ross smiled, “Don’t worry, Grandma. My wife will only be Danielle.” He rested his hand on Danielle’s waist. “Everyone in this hospital knows Dr. Shelly belongs to me.” His gaze shifted to meet Danielle’s eyes.
Danielle didn’t argue because it was true. After the earthquake incident and her devoted care when he returned, the entire hospital had already gossiped plenty about their relationship.
“Well then, you’d better treat Danielle right. Don’t make the same mistake you made last time,” Janice warned.
“I understand, Grandma.” Ross wasn’t some heartless player. Last time, he simply hadn’t recognized his own feelings. He changed the subject. “What brings you to the hospital so early today, Grandma?”
Janice sat down and explained her reasons. The mention of Jameson immediately sparked her anger.
Shermaine had also learned about Jameson’s transfer to Horington, but she just smiled without comment. His decision was clearly based on his
certainty that she wouldn’t save him and his complete lack of trust in her abilities.
It didn’t matter to her anymore. Danielle genuinely didn’t care whether Jameson lived or died. He could do whatever he wanted.
Meanwhile, in Horington, Jameson had been admitted to Horington General Hospital. The specialists he’d been so confident about now planned to perform surgery on his kidney first to address that problem. The much more challenging heart surgery would have to wait for further evaluation.
Jameson was in terrible shape, completely weak and exhausted. What he never expected was that Natalie would also end up in Horington for treatment. Luckily, she had no idea he was there.
Natalie was dealing with complications from her allergic reaction. Dark pigmentation spots covered her entire body. The doctors back in Basterel couldn’t do anything for her condition, so she’d come to Horington hoping the dermatologists here could help.
“Doctor, you have to find a way to get rid of these dark spots on my skin,” Natalie pleaded.
The doctor reviewed her medical records and previous test results, then had her run through another round of examinations at the hospital. But the pigmentation was so deeply embedded that nothing worked–not medications, not treatments, nothing. He was completely stumped.
“Ms. Keller, there’s nothing I can do for your condition. Surgery won’t work, skin grafts aren’t an option, laser treatments are useless, and medications
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won’t help either. I’m afraid you’ll need to seek another opinion elsewhere,” the doctor said.
That was when Natalie completely lost it. She started screaming at him about how he was supposed to be Horington’s best dermatologist, but he couldn’t even cure a simple skin condition. She called him a quack and every other name in the book.
The doctor’s face went dark with anger, but he kept his composure and had the nurses escort her out.
Once they’d gotten her out of his office, Natalie just stood in the hallway yelling and cursing at everyone who walked by. She spent a full hour ranting before finally putting on her mask and heading to the bathroom.
(F20)
Natalie couldn’t bear to look at herself in the mirror anymore. She hated how hideous she looked now. She stared at the dark bumps covering her hands and scrubbed them desperately under the running water, rubbing so hard her eyes turned red from the effort.
Then, a woman spoke up behind her, “I know a place that might be able to cure your skin condition. Want to give it a try?”
Natalie spun around to see a nurse standing there. Without thinking twice, she asked, “What place?”
The woman handed her a business card. Natalie glanced at it and saw “Southern Horington Consla Laboratory” printed on it.
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After handing over the card, the nurse didn’t say another word and just walked out. She knew someone like Natalie would definitely go. There was no need to push her into it. Once Natalie showed up at the lab, she’d get a hefty payout.
Of course, everyone she’d referred before had been terminally ill patients. They were desperate to live, so they’d naturally agree to experimental treatments. But Natalie was different–she was completely healthy.
The lab had said they needed several healthy test subjects, and they’d tripled the payment for this type of referral. The money was too tempting to pass up. Natalie would be her first healthy experimental subject.
When Natalie took the business card, she felt a wave of hesitation. She worried it might be some kind of pyramid scheme, but when she looked it up online, the laboratory actually existed.
The website didn’t go into detail about what they did, but she noticed that several renowned experts and scholars had joined this research institute. Natalie’s curiosity was piqued.
If the experts at this research center could really cure her condition, then once her skin problem was fixed, she’d be able to make it big even without
Jameson. She figured it was worth checking out at least. If it turned out to be sketchy, she could just leave.
Since it was broad daylight, Natalie immediately called for a private car to take her to Consla Laboratory. The trip took two hours.
She found herself standing before towering gates that were at least six feet high. There wasn’t a security guard in sight, but she spotted a black security
camera mounted above.
On the other side of that camera, a woman in a white lab coat watched Natalie arrive. She buzzed open the gate and picked up her phone. “Our lab rat is
here. Go out and bring her in.”
When the door opened, Natalie felt uncertain but stepped inside anyway. She had no idea she was walking straight into hell.
Peter, a member of the Dark Organization who’d come from Ustrana, couldn’t do anything to stop what was happening. He’d been under surveillance for days because he’d opposed continuing the experiments.
They monitored his every move, and if Peter tried anything reckless, he’d probably end up as another lab rat himself–trapped here with a fate worse
than death.
So until Bruce arrived, Peter kept his head down and stayed out of it. But he had to admit, the old bastard had completely lost his mind. Before, they’d used sick test subjects for experiments. Now they were using perfectly healthy people.
Even though Peter was a killer, this situation made his skin crawl.
In the isolated testing area, Subject 009 was showing signs of evolutionary regression. Dense, monkey–like hair had sprouted from his hands, his fingernails had grown long, and he’d become completely unhinged. He kept slamming himself against the door until he was a bloody mess, then collapsed on the floor.
Soon after, experts in hazmat suits, masks, and protective goggles entered to examine and document his condition.
The subject wasn’t dead.
While this experiment turned people into monsters who even carried dangerous viruses, it at least kept someone alive who would have died within three months. They had given him a chance to keep living.
If they could just reverse his atavistic changes and eliminate the virus in his system, their Immortality Project would be complete. When that happened, human lifespans would extend to 300-500 years, and no terminal illness would threaten their lives anymore.
This would absolutely mark a giant leap forward in human evolution.
If Joseph, the financier backing this Immortality Project, was a selfish freak, then these experts helping with the experiments had sacrificed their moral
conscience for the sake of science.
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Chapter 376
The evening sun was setting as Shermaine left Basterel University. She was heading back to York residence.
Shermaine arrived before Joshua did. Stephen was doing what he usually did–sitting quietly on the sofa with a book in his hands. When he saw Shermaine come in, he simply nodded and went back to his reading. He always kept that formal distance from everyone.
Meanwhile, Owen was watching a drama called “Flower of Evil“. He had tissues in hand and was crying his eyes out. That was just Owen–he wore his heart on his sleeve.
When Shermaine walked in, he wasn’t embarrassed at all. “Sheary, this soap opera is absolutely amazing. You should come watch it with me.”
Shermaine rarely watched shows anymore, but she sat down next to Owen anyway and joined him. She pulled out her phone to scroll through it while watching.
Shermaine hadn’t forgotten Roy’s request, so she opened Twitter and messaged Molly: [Busy?]
Molly replied two minutes later: [Not really.]
Shermaine: [Roy didn’t cause you any trouble, did he?]
Molly said no. She called it a small matter–hardly worth calling trouble. Her response was so quick and casual that it seemed like Roy really hadn’t been a problem at all.
‘Roy seems pretty special to her,‘ Shermaine thought. ‘Anyone else wouldn’t get this kind of treatment.‘
Shermaine: [He’s really sweet, obedient and thoughtful. He’d make the perfect cuddle buddy for you.]
Molly: [?]
Shermaine: [You wanted bigger boobs, right? That method I told you about last time definitely works.]
Molly was completely speechless.
Shermaine: [You could ask Roy to help you. I’m sure he’d be more than happy to lend a hand.]
Molly was so fed up with Shermaine’s bluntness that she seriously considered buying a plane ticket to Wallington just to have it out with her.
Molly: [Are you seriously trying to be a matchmaker now?]
Shermaine: [Someone asked me to put in a good word for him with you. What else could I do? Besides, you don’t actually dislike him, do you? You know how you are. You don’t need to overthink everything. If you like him, just go for it.]
Molly had to admit she was getting more tempted by Shermaine’s arguments, but something was still holding her back. Even if sh someone, now wasn’t the time. She was swamped with work and had no time for a long–distance relationship.
Molly: [I’ll think about it.]
After a good night’s rest, Roy woke up feeling much better. His fever had broken and he was full of energy.
wanted to date
Today was supposed to be another day of hanging out with his teammates, but Roy couldn’t muster any enthusiasm. All he wanted was to stick close to Molly’s side, especially since he’d be flying back tonight and wouldn’t see her for a while.
But Molly didn’t answer his call. Roy felt like crying. ‘This is all my fault for being so impulsive last night,‘ he thought.
Roy sat outside a coffee shop, wearing a black baseball cap with his legs crossed, playing on his phone.
The internet connection was terrible, but th
didn’t stop him from dominating in Phantom Epoch with his go–to assassin character, racking up kills left
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and right.
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People kept approaching him throughout the day. Some were Wallingtonian, others were women from different countries. The bold ones came right up and asked, “How much for a night?”
Roy didn’t even look up. “Get lost.”
‘They want to pay for my company? In their dreams. Ridiculous,’ Roy thought with a snort.
Somehow, even with his hostile attitude, other women still found him harmless and adorable rather than intimidating. But one–night stands required mutual interest, and since Roy wasn’t willing, they wouldn’t force the issue.
mless and
Soon enough, several big guys surrounded him. “Hey dude, let’s go somewhere private and have a chat.”
Roy looked up at them and immediately knew they meant trouble. He frowned, “Get out of my face.”
“Trust me. You don’t want to play the hardball. Be smart about this and don’t make us get physical.”
Roy let out a cold snort, slammed his phone down on the table, and stood up to throw a punch at whoever had been talking.
‘t make a punching tonight quin
Being big and bulky didn’t mean much. Roy was proving to them that he wasn’t drinking anything tonight, and he was in a seriously bad mood.
By the time the fight wound down, the guys were ready to leave. But Roy stopped and said, “Next time you invite me somewhere, remember to be polite about it, got it?”
They could only nod.
“Give me two minutes, then I’ll come with you,” Roy added.
They looked at each other, confused.
Chapter 377
After Roy finished giving instructions to the coffee shop staff, he got in the car with the big guys.
The employee now held Roy’s phone in their hands. Following his instructions, they dialed the first number in his contacts.
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Molly really didn’t want to take Roy’s call today. He’d made such an intimate move without her permission, and she felt like she needed to punish him a little. Otherwise, he’d just keep pushing boundaries.
ཇོ་རྗེ
But the phone kept ringing, again and again.
Molly frowned and signaled for the meeting to pause. She finally answered. “I’m busy. You’ve got three minutes.”
Since she’d spoken in Wallingtonian, the person on the other end didn’t quite understand, but they spoke up anyway. “Hello, are you Ms. Hill?”
“Who is this?” Molly asked.
The person explained that they worked at the coffee shop. They said the phone’s owner had been taken away by several men, and his phone was left behind at the scene.
As soon as Molly heard this, she knew the people who took Roy were most likely working for Beckett.
Beckett really thought he was her man, actually going after Roy like this.
The person who had Roy taken was indeed Beckett. When Beckett saw Roy brought back looking perfectly fine and energetic, his expression turned
strange.
Still, it was good that they’d brought him back. He was going to make sure Roy would never dare set foot in Ustrana again.
Beckett noticed Roy looking him up and down with a disgusted expression. “Damn Wallingtonian, what are you staring at?” he snapped.
“Stay away from me. Why does a grown man douse himself in so much cologne? It reeks.” Roy pinched his nose, looking completely repulsed.
“I’m wearing the most expensive men’s cologne available. There’s no way it smells bad,” Beckett said viciously. “Who the hell do you think you are to criticize me?” He grabbed Roy by the collar.
“You sure are full of yourself.” Roy let him grab his collar without resistance. “If you’re trying to get me to stay away from Momo, I’ve got two words for you–not happening.
“Momo will never marry you. You’re not her type. No matter how much you try to win her over, she’ll never like you.”
Beckett’s temper flared at just a few words from Roy. “She doesn’t like me? You think she’d prefer some pretty boy like you?”
“Of course she would.” Roy smirked.
Beckett threw a punch straight at his face.
Roy didn’t dodge.
“I’m warning you. Momo is my woman. We’re getting married. If I catch you bothering her again, I’ll kill you.” Beckett’s voice was full of threats.
“I’m not scared.” Roy simply shrugged.
“Shit!” Beckett started hitting him harder, putting real force behind his punches.
Roy didn’t fight back at all. He just protected his head, only dodging when Beckett aimed for the more vulnerable parts of his body.
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The sight of Roy taking a beating without fighting back completely threw off the security guards who had been crying and begging for mercy just moments before. They even started wondering if this was some kind of trap.
Just as they were about to warn Beckett, Molly arrived. She saw Roy getting beaten and her anger exploded. She rushed over and kicked Beckett hard.
Beckett stumbled backward, his face going pale. He clearly hadn’t expected Molly to show up so quickly.
When Roy saw her arrive, a smirk subtly crossed his face. Then, he immediately switched to looking pitiful. “Momo, you came.”
Molly crouched down to check Roy’s injuries. His usually clean face was swollen from the beating, and his lip was split. She glared at Beckett furiously. “Who gave you the right to hurt him?”
“I..” Beckett hesitated. “Momo, I wasn’t trying to kill him.”
“You wanted to kill him?” Molly’s eyebrows shot up.
“Let me explain!”
Molly kicked him again, this time with real force. Beckett went down hard and stayed on the ground. He couldn’t believe what was happening. He’d beaten up Roy and Molly was this angry about it.
After dealing with Beckett, Molly turned to Roy with a stern expression. “I thought you could fight. Why didn’t you fight back?“..
“There were too many of them. I was scared.” Roy lied effortlessly. “They had guns, and I’m still getting over this cold. I hadn’t eaten anything, so I didn’t have the strength to fight.”
Roy kept playing the victim. “Momo, they really hurt me. Now you’re being mean to me too. Don’t you feel bad for me at all?”
Molly pressed her lips together. Her stern expression was starting to soften.
Beckett’s face turned red with rage. “You manipulative bastard! Momo, don’t let him fool you.”
Roy thought with satisfaction, ‘So what if I am? What are you going to do about it?‘
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Chapter 378
Beckett had dealt with scheming guys like Roy before, but this was the first time he’d seen a manipulative pretty boy get this kind of protection from Molly.
Molly kept warning him. “Don’t mess with him. If I catch you again, I won’t go easy on you.”
Beckett felt frustrated because right now, Molly wasn’t going easy on him either. She’d thrown that punch and kicked him as hard as she could.
Molly took Roy with her to her flashy red sports car parked next to the pharmacy. Roy couldn’t take his eyes off her, and knowing he’d be going back home soon made him feel even more reluctant to leave.
About ten minutes later, Molly came out carrying a bag. She got in the car and told him, “Bring your face over here.”
Roy leaned closer. Their eyes were just inches apart, and Roy almost couldn’t stop himself from kissing her.
Molly pushed him back a bit. “How can I put medicine on you if you’re that close?”
Roy couldn’t help himself anymore. He quickly kissed her cheek and lowered his eyes, speaking softly, “Momo, I miss you so much.”
Molly’s heart skipped a beat. ‘Am I really into this type of guy?‘ she thought.
“Didn’t I tell you not to touch me without permission?” Molly kept her face stern.
‘Never mind,‘ Molly thought. She pulled out cotton swabs and antiseptic. “Let me clean your wound first.”
“You’re welcome.”
His breathing grew heavier as he remembered last night’s warmth and softness. He really wanted to hold her and kiss her again. Molly was just too tempting.
Molly worked quickly, finishing applying the medicine to his face. “Are you hurt anywhere else?”
Roy’s eyes flickered. He said yes. They were just surface wounds that would heal in a couple days, but he could use them.
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Roy had been complimented. He got so excited his ears turned red.
Molly clearly didn’t know that a man’s waist was off–limits territory. She poked his waist again.
‘Lil bro, please. Stay calm,’ Roy told himself. ‘Stay down and don’t look up. Please!‘
Roy looked disappointed but still said, “I’ll miss you.” His eyes darkened as he struggled to control himself. “Next time I come to Ustrana, will you pick me up from the airport?”
Molly’s office was spacious with a separate lounge/area. The floor–to–ceiling windows overlooked half of Loang. When her meeting ended an hour later, she found Roy chatting happily with her assistants and secretaries.
The women watched as Roy moved effortlessly through their security network, his fingers dancing across the black and white keyboard.
His computer skills weren’t quite at Shermaine’s level, but he was still world–class. He’d climbed to third place in the global hacker rankings this year, moving up another spot.
The sea had sundaloy was just some pretty boy Mally had brought th, but it turned out he was incredibly talented in the tech field.
“I never asked you to do this for me.” Molly said.
Chapter 380
(→ 61%D
Hidden beneath a fog–covered abandoned building was an advanced laboratory. The man made another video call to Judy, his voice filled with excitement. “Your Highness, I’ve found a way to quickly identify royal blood.”
Bruce made an effort to strike up a conversation, and since Roy was in such a good mood, they ended up chatting the whole flight to Basterel. Roy even offered to give him a ride when they landed.
After Roy left, a car pulled up for Bruce. Instead of heading to a hotel, they drove straight to Horington.
Shermaine’s IQ was the highest in the world. She was the most perfect human being on Earth. Any child she and Joshua had together would have exceptional genes.
“Since you’re so interested in astronomy, do you think there’s another parallel dimension besides Earth?” Stephen asked.
This parallel space would have more advanced technology than Earth, though it would be filled with violence and war.
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Chapter 380
Stephen pressed further. “Why are you so certain?”
If she hadn’t encountered that crystal sarcophagus, Shermaine might not have been so definitive. Before she had real answers, she would have said “maybe” or “possibly.”
Stephen fell silent. Of course they didn’t know, because the real Stephen never ate beef jerky. This excellent human was terrifying, but he couldn’t blow his cover. “I haven’t been home in years. You think they’d know?”
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Shermaine opened the closet. Most of his clothes were pretty serious and mature since he was thirty now, but the fall and winter stuff from this year had more variety to it.
During their intimate moments, Shermaine loved tracing the tattoo with her fingers. When things got more heated, she’d even kiss it softly.
Shermaine touched it briefly. “You can handle the rest yourself.”
“Hey, Shermaine, we’re just waiting for you two.”
“Okay.”
After Shermaine hung up, she glanced casually at Joshua. He had his back to her as he pulled on his shirt.
Just as the fabric settled over his skin, she thought she saw something on his lower back. It looked like some kind of mark that seemed to shift between
dark and light.
Shermaine froze for a moment, then reached over to lift up Joshua’s shirt. But when she looked underneath, there was nothing there.
Shermaine shook her head and said it was nothing. “My eyes were playing tricks on me. I thought there was a bug on you.”
Chapter 382
While driving, Joshua turned to glance at Shermaine, his expression calm. “Sheary, we just did it last night.” He was implying that he wasn’t much more energetic than she was if she was feeling tired.
Shermaine pressed her lips together. When it came to that sort of thing, Joshua was always insatiable. She liked to think she had decent stamina, but with him, she was usually drained by the middle of the night–always the first to wave the white flag.
Joshua added, “Not just last night. The night before that, and the night before that too.” He’d certainly been paying his dues, night after night.
Shermaine rolled her eyes and turned away. She muttered, “Just keep your eyes on the road.” Then, she thought with a frown, ‘Maybe I was being a little paranoid. Maybe I’d imagined it. But if I hadn’t…!
Shermaine asked, “So, when are you getting your cast off?”
By now, it was no secret among their circle that Ross and Danielle were officially back together. Their love story in Lightspring City had become a heartwarming legend among their circle–a much–told tale of deep devotion.
Shermaine walked over and began chatting with Danielle. Danielle handed her a cup of something warm and, with a twinkle in her eye, asked, “So I heard Roy fell head over heels for that queen of chaos, Molly, at first sight?”
Tonight, everyone was paired up–except for Roy. Roy never expected Henry and the others to show up with dates. Left as the only single one, he felt a pang of loneliness. He sighed inwardly, ‘Damn, I really miss Momo.’
Feeling a bit left out, he recorded a video and sent it to Molly, who was in Ustrana, with a text. [Momo, everyone is here with their girlfriends except for me.]
Three minutes passed, and he received no
Roy: [Momo, are you busy?]
Roy: [Momo, I miss you so badly.]
Logically speaking, it was around 9 AM over there, so Molly shouldn’t have been too busy to reply to his messages.
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Over in Ustrana, Molly wasn’t working. She was swimming laps in her indoor pool. After finishing a round, she got out, wrapped a towel around herself, and grabbed her phone from the table. When she saw Roy’s video, she paused, slightly envious.
The view was incredible, but if he stared any longer, he was afraid he might actually get another nosebleed. And that wasn’t an exaggeration. Roy had always been hopeless when it came to resisting Molly’s teasing.
Molly teased, “Didn’t you say you missed me? Then why aren’t you looking at me?”
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Roy’s face flushed, but fortunately, the lighting on his end was dim enough that Molly couldn’t see it clearly through the screen.
With the screen between them, Roy didn’t have to worry about Molly noticing anything. He glanced up, hinting softly. “Momo, Loang’s pretty chilly. Make sure you don’t catch a cold, okay?”
“I’m indoors,” Molly replied casually. Whatever cold there was outside, she couldn’t feel it in there.
Roy’s heart melted, but he still tried to bargain for some alone time. “Momo, promise you’ll give me an hour later?”
Molly wasn’t going into the office that morning–she’d given herself the day off. After all, knowing how to make money also meant learning how to enjoy life. She replied simply, “Deal.”
He’d go around showing off Molly’s picture to anyone who would look. Sidling up to Henry, he held out his phone proudly. “Look at my Momo. Isn’t she gorgeous?”
Henry grinned. “Talk big all you want. Make it official if you can.”
With that, Roy huffed and went off in search of someone more agreeable.
Ross‘ first attempt at grilling chicken wings didn’t go well–both ended up charred. Unfazed, he just tossed them out and grabbed two more to try again.
Joshua, on the other hand, was rarely seen grilling, but with his natural skill in the kitchen, this was child’s play for him. Before long, the serving tray was stacked with perfectly cooked barbecue.
“We thanks.” He wasn’t about to fail s spend time he’d already got the hang of it. After all, practice makes perfect
Chapter 384
Now, with Danielle off laughing and playing games with Henry, Ross couldn’t take it anymore. He dumped the raw food on Joshua. “You handle the rest.”
Henry was still grinning, making small talk with Danielle like he didn’t have a care in the world. Ross, on the other hand, was not having it–his expression getting more solemn by the minute.
By now, the sky had turned navy, and autumn in Basterel meant the chill was really starting to bite. Around 10 PM, the party was winding down.
Joshua, sober as ever, had Shermaine tucked under his arm. She was warm and a little giggly from the drinks. He leaned close and murmured, “Let’s get you home, Sheary.”
17:24 Tue 1 Jul
The drive back was quiet and slow. Joshua headed to his place instead of the family estate, as it was closer. Once they pulled up, he carried Shermaine inside.
Joshua had sensed something off about his father from the very beginning, but he’d chosen not to call it out. And as for Shermaine, there was no denying she’d been acting strange all evening.
It sounded crazy, even to her. However, Joshua didn’t look surprised. Instead, he said quietly, “Sheary, there’s something I’ve never told anyone. Not even once.”
Chapter 385
During those three days he was unconscious, his wounds had almost completely healed. And not just slightly–he’d recovered at a speed hundreds of times faster than what should’ve been humanly possible.
Joshua was completely unapologetic. He leaned down and softly kissed Shermaine on the lips. “Yeah, I lied. I just needed an excuse to spend more time with you.”
Joshua smirked. “Whatever you want, Sheary. I’m all yours.”
At Roy’s place, Danielle took her seat at the poker table. The icy, untouchable beauty suddenly transformed into a fierce little gambler–though somehow, she still managed to look effortlessly graceful.
Danielle turned toward Ross with a playful pout, her voice soft and sweet. “Ross, I still wanna play.”
Ross, slightly tipsy and fully relaxed in his chair, replied lazily, “Half an hour.”
“Okay,” Danielle chirped happily.
That half hour New by. Before they knew it, it was almost 1 AM. Roy, now a little sleepy from the alcohol, rubbed his eyes and offered, “Hey, why don’t you guys just stay the night? There are plenty of rooms here, and I’ll have fresh clothes sent over.”
Rey threw Ross a wink. “Don’t say I never did anything for you. If you miss this chance, it’s gone for good.”
In the bathroom, steam clouded the air as Danielle patted herself dry. Her petite frame, with alluring curves, was faintly visible through the frosted glass door.
Danielle jerked back to dodge, accidentally knocking the shower gel bottle off the shelf It hit the floor with a resounding thud, echoing through the
Startled by the noise, she was just about to bend down to pick it up when she heard hurried footsteps approaching from outside, and the next instant, the door burst open.
17:24 Tue, 1 Jul 1
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Ross later.
Danielle’s lips curved into a slow, teasing smile as she leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear. “Did you like what you saw?”
That single whisper sent a flicker through Ross‘ eyes–deep, intense, barely restrained. With a hoarse voice, he said, “I do.”
Danielle arched a brow and shot him a playful look. “If you were in my place, could you sleep?”
Danielle began, “I just wanted to wait for you to come out and let you know I was going to sleep in the next-”
17:24 Tue, 1 Jul
“Night.” Danielle replied softly. She tried to roll over, but with her leg in a cast, the movement was slow and awkward. Their bodies were already pressed close, and her bent knee accidentally bumped into a hard part of him.
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Chapter 388
61%
The night stretched long. Eventually, Ross stopped and reached for the tissue box on the nightstand, gently wiping Danielle’s hand. He said, “Not the right timing. Maybe next time.”
huh?”
Early in the morning, Shermaine received a call from Ruben, the deputy director of Yaleview Hospital. He explained that a patient with a persistent high fever and coma had been transferred from Horington. After being admitted, the patient vomited blood and went into shock.
Shermaine walked over and examined the patient’s pupils, ears, and oral cavity. Then, she asked, “Could you show me the patient’s test results?”
“It was,” Ruben replied. “Scroll down to the bottom. The genetic test was ordered on the first day of admission, per the family’s request.”
Shermaine scrolled straight to the bottom of the report and scanned the results. “We need to redo both the bloodwork and the genetic panel,” she said firmly.
Admittedly, this case is particularly unusual among all the atypical cases Shermaine has seen. If she had to guess, it was likely a viral infection.
17:24 Tue, 1 Jul
61%
“We’ll be careful,” the medical staff responded.
Chapter 389
“You go on ahead. I’ll eat later,” Shermaine said. No food was allowed inside the lab, so after collecting the blood samples, she stepped back out.
and eliminate it before it could spread.
And it wasn’t just medicine. Shermaine had proven herself time and again across disciplines. She was an undeniable standout in any field.
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Chapter 389
For someone as exceptional as Shermaine to convene a high level meeting over a single patient’s condition made it clear this case was anything but ordinary.
Chapter 390
Yaleview Hospital filed a report with the Disease Control and Prevention Center (CDC). Once they were briefed, they arranged for one of their staff members to accompany the team to Horington the next morning.
“Oh, Danielle. You shouldn’t have brought anything! Come on in and take a seat,” Janice said.
Ruth smiled as she handed a piece of honeydew to Shermaine. “Here, Sheary. Try this honeydew. Is it sweet?”
- 2.
some.”
Ever since Ruth regained her memories, things between her and Richard had been lukewarm at best. She knew he still hadn’t given up on being with her, and after her divorce from Jameson was finalized, Richard only became more persistent in his pursuit.
“Ruthie, I’m outside your place,” Richard replied.
Ruth’s gaze remained cool. “You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?”
Richard replied warmly, “Actually, I just came by to drop off some treats for Sheary and Ross.”
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