Stanley visibly flinched, nodding quickly, eager to agree. “Of course, Mr. Scott. You’re absolutely right-there’s no greater virtue than caring for one’s parents. We’ll focus on treating her mother first. We can discuss payment later.”
Marcel, standing nearby, was caught completely off guard. Who was this, Mr. Scott? He had never seen Dr. Stanley-one of the most respected scholars in the entire southwest region, with a prestigious international background-bend so quickly for anyone. Yet, with just a few words, Stanley seemed to have changed his stance entirely. Marcel couldn’t help but interrupt, still confused. “But Dr. Stanley,” he stammered, “the hospital has its regulations.”
Stanley shot him a sharp look, his voice hard and unwavering. “Regulations? Rules are made by people, Marcel, and they can be changed. How many patients have we turned away because they couldn’t afford care? A hospital’s mission is to save lives, not chase after money.”
A murmur of agreement rippled through the gathered crowd, followed by scattered applause from the other patients’ families who were watching the scene unfold.
Marcel’s face flushed an angry red. He remembered clearly that Dr. Stanley wasn’t singing this tune at the last staff meeting.
Kayden, calm as always, and added, “And as for this doctor’s behaviour, it’s clear he lacks the moral integrity to continue practising. Dr. Stanley, don’t you think we should-”
Stanley cut him off before he could finish. “I know what you’re getting at, Mr. Scott. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”
Stanley wasn’t about to take any chances. If Kayden ever decided to bring up the humiliating bet he’d lost, his reputation-which he had spent years crafting-would be in tatters. And without his reputation, he was nothing.
“You’re fired, Marcel,” Stanley said coldly, his voice like ice. “Pack your things and leave the hospital immediately.”
“Dr. Stanley, please, if you’ll just let me explain-” Marcel started, his voice rising in desperation.
Before he could finish, the girl rushed forward, her eyes overflowing with tears. “Thank you, thank you so much,” she cried, turning toward Kayden.
Without warning, she dropped to her knees in front of him, her entire body shaking with emotion. “I don’t know how to repay you,” she sobbed. “All I can do is bow and offer my deepest gratitude.”
Kayden, looking slightly uncomfortable, immediately reached down and gently helped her to her feet. “There’s no need for that,” he said softly. “If you’re going to thank anyone, thank Dr. Stanley. He’s the one making sure your mother will get the care she needs.”
The girl turned toward Stanley, her face still wet with tears as she bowed deeply. “Thank you, Dr. Stanley. You don’t know what this means to me.”
Stanley, usually so composed, felt his own eyes misting up. He gave her a small, kind smile. “You don’t need to thank me,” he said, his voice cracking just a little. “Now go, get your mother ready for surgery.”
Even as the emotional moment unfolded, Marcel, still unable to accept what was happening, muttered under his breath, “Dr. Stanley, this is insane. She clearly can’t-”
“I’ve heard enough!” Stanley snapped, his patience finally wearing thin. “You’re done here, Marcel.”
Without another word, Stanley turned on his heel and grabbed Kayden by the arm, pulling him aside to a quieter corner of the hallway. His voice dropped to a whisper, his tone far more deferential than before. “Mr. Scott, about what happened last time… I need to apologize. Thank you for not… exposing me. If that had gotten out, my reputation-”
Kayden waved him off, his voice calm and steady. “Don’t worry about it, Dr. Stanley. You’ve done good work here today.”
Stanley’s face flushed with a mixture of relief and embarrassment. After a pause, he hesitated, and then asked, “But you could have treated her mother yourself, couldn’t you? Why didn’t you step in?”
Kayden’s expression turned serious, his voice taking on a thoughtful edge. “Sometimes, it’s better to let things take their natural course.”
Just then, a familiar voice echoed from down the hall. “Kayden!”
It was Georgia hurrying toward them. Kayden glanced at her, and then turned back to Stanley. “It looks like I’m needed elsewhere. We’ll talk again soon,” he said, his tone light as he took his leave.
Georgia approached, her expression a mix of curiosity and… something else. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice soft but tinged with guilt.
“I just stepped out to take a call,” Kayden replied calmly.
Georgia’s eyes flicked toward Stanley, who was retreating down the hall. “Do you know him?” she asked, clearly puzzled.
Kayden glanced over his shoulder, watching Stanley disappear around the corner. “We go way back,” he said simply.
“Oh,” Georgia murmured, still processing the situation.
There was a brief silence, and Georgia’s voice wavered slightly as she spoke again, her tone almost hesitant. “Kayden, I just want you to know… Sheldon and I, we’re just classmates. There’s nothing between us, not since I married you. I haven’t even spoken to him.”
Georgia had made up her mind. No matter what Kayden’s background was or whatever secrets he might carry, she wasn’t going to doubt him anymore. She owed him her life-he had saved her when she needed him most. From that moment on, she wouldn’t let him go.
Kayden smiled, just a small, reassuring smile. “It’s all right,” he said.
Georgia blinked, taken aback. That’s it? she thought. How could he be so calm? Shouldn’t he be at least a little bit jealous or upset? His reaction seemed too casual, too detached. But then… if he didn’t care, why would he have risked everything to save her? The thought lingered for a moment, but she brushed it aside. Maybe she was being unreasonable.
She softened her tone. “By the way, how did you manage to get me out of there? There were so many of them. Did you call the police?”
Kayden paused before nodding slightly. “Yes, I did.”
Georgia’s eyes widened. “And they arrested everyone?”
“They did,” Kayden replied smoothly, keeping his expression neutral.
“That’s a relief.” Georgia finally exhaled, her shoulders relaxing. She looked genuinely thankful, and Kayden didn’t want to shatter that moment of peace.
He knew the truth wouldn’t sit well with her, and frankly, she wouldn’t believe him even if he told her the whole story. Georgia never seemed to take his words at face value. In her world, his explanations were always too far-fetched. So, why bother complicating things?
“Oh, right,” Georgia said, shifting gears. “Can you come with me later to meet Jamie?”
Kayden didn’t hesitate. “Of course,” he said with a nod.
…
The Adams Family Villa.
Old Mrs. Adams sat comfortably in her grand chair, her expression serene, almost grandmotherly. She certainly had the air of someone at peace, but the cane resting lightly in her hand hinted at the authority she still commanded.
The Adams family had been riding a wave of success lately. Their business ventures were flourishing, and in just a few short weeks, they had expanded into new industries-luxury hotels, high-end entertainment venues, and more. It was clear to anyone paying attention: the Adams family had firmly cemented itself among the upper echelons of society.
“Jamie, is there something you need to tell me?” Mrs. Adams asked, her voice calm but carrying an unmistakable weight.
Jamie, standing before her, straightened his posture. His expression was serious as he spoke. “Yes, Grandma. There’s something important I need to report.” He hesitated for a second, and then continued. “Georgia… she’s run off. With the idiot. They’ve taken a large sum of money with them.”
Mrs Adams’ calm demeanour didn’t change, but her eyes sharpened.
Jamie pressed on. “She says she’s had enough of being pushed around in this family-forced into one arranged marriage after another. She claims she’s earned all that money herself, so she took it and left. She and her… husband are gone.”
The smile on Mrs. Adams’ face slowly faded. She turned her gaze fully on Jamie, her voice steady but colder than before. “You’re telling me Georgia did all this? And I had no idea?”
Jamie had been rehearsing this moment ever since he had returned the day before. He’d weighed his options carefully, crafting the story in a way that would make the most sense to his grandmother. At first, he considered telling her that Georgia had been kidnapped-perhaps by rivals or hired thugs.