The double doors burst open as the guards rushed in, followed closely by Nanny Grace and my father’s assistant, Mr. Harrington. His face was pale with concern.
“Sir!” he exclaimed, his voice tight with urgency.
Within moments, a team of medical professionals descended upon the scene, efficiently transferring my father onto a stretcher and whisking him toward the emergency ward.
My instincts as a physician kicked in, and I automatically moved to follow them. But before I could step out of the hallway, the family doctor—responsible for my father’s monthly check-ups—came rushing past me.
“Dr. Sinclair, you should stay here,” he advised. “You’re a patient too, and we don’t want you drawing attention in the emergency ward.”
He was right. I was still in a hospital gown—a clear indication of my condition. I reluctantly acknowledged the logic in his words.
Thinking about it, I needed to secure my discharge recommendation as quickly
My eyes narrowed, silently conveying my thoughts. “I’m not asking as a doctor; I’m inquiring as a concerned family member.”Cristina seized the moment to scold and humiliate me in front of the doctor. “Stop it, Gazelle! Why do you act like you know more than Dr. Caldwell? You don’t even visit my husband. What right do you have to be concerned about? Are you hoping Dr. Caldwell will confirm some imagined complication?”Dr. Caldwell’s gaze settled on me as he replied, “It’s not unusual for someone of the Chairman’s age to experience fatigue and weight loss. I’ll prescribe vitamins and supplements to help stabilize his condition if that would reassure you.” My father frowned. “Dr. Caldwell, it’s best if you just leave the room. If there’s no problem with my body, then there’s no problem! Your arguments are only making my headache worse.”The doctor nodded respectfully. “I’ll return in four hours to check on you again, Chairman Sinclair.”Before leaving, he glanced meaningfully in my dire
I hurriedly grabbed my phone and slipped out through the fire exit. As I rushed past, the elevator doors slid open, and without hesitation, I stepped inside. I didn’t care where it was going—my only thought was to get away. My heart pounded violently in my chest, praying that neither Cristina nor the doctor had noticed my escape. The elevator moved upward, my mind still racing. It stopped at the next floor, and someone exited. A few moments later, I nearly screamed when a hand suddenly touched my shoulder. Panic shot through me, my breath hitching as I spun around—only to find Dante standing there, the only other person in the elevator.“Geez, Gazelle!” he said, raising his hands in surrender. “I was just about to ask which floor you’re going to since you didn’t press a button. Are you okay?”I shook my head repeatedly, unable to form a response.His brows furrowed. “Where’s your security detail?”“I left them at the Gynecology Department with Nanny Grace,” I explained. “I asked them
A lump formed in my throat, making it difficult to swallow as the terrible realization washed over me. I was shaken by the information that Maximus’ mother had been completely normal when she married Chairman Ferrero, yet within five years, her mental illness had drastically worsened. The chief continued, her voice gentle but firm. “When you decided to marry him, I wanted to stop you. I didn’t want your life to be ruined, Gazelle. But it was your choice… Besides, if he could run a multimillion-dollar company and oversee its projects, I thought there was no way he could have inherited his mother’s condition.” A chilling thought crept in. This may have explained why my mother had kept it secret that Maximus was the one who saved me from that island. Had she been trying to keep me away from him? Maximus must be terrified of his dark past. And now, the pieces were coming together—the lack of any romantic history, the absence of a single reported woman despite relentless media att
Dr. Caldwell clenched his jaw. “You’re an obstetrician. What do you know about a patient’s physical tests? Unless, of course, you think Chairman Sinclair is expecting a child?”I let out a quiet scoff. This man’s territorial behavior was revealing, but I wouldn’t let it distract me from my concerns.“You seem to forget that regardless of my specialty, I completed the same medical training you did. More importantly, as the only daughter of the Chairman, I have the final say,” I said, my voice turning cold. “I’m not here as a physician, Dr. Caldwell, and you’re not entitled to dismiss what I’m requesting.”My gaze dropped to my father, who sat on the bed. “Fine. Let’s say I have no right to interfere, but the patient does. Seeking a second opinion is standard medical practice.”Though my father appeared stable at the moment, I couldn’t ignore the subtle indicators; his skin bruised too quickly, a faint yellowish lingering. And I certainly couldn’t dis
“There’s nothing…” The assistant paused, deep in thought. “But I did notice that Ms. Cristina has been sending a smoothie to the chairman. He requested it every day, saying it made him feel stronger. Apparently, it’s one of the best drinks at Ms. Cristina’s restaurant,” Mr. Harrington explained.I exchanged a meaningful glance with Gianna across the room. No words were needed—we understood each other instantly.Turning back to Mr. Harrington, I gave firm instructions. “Order that exact same drink from her restaurant. I need to know its ingredients and preparation. Tell her the chairman is specifically requesting it.”“Understood, Ms. Gazelle.”I shifted my attention to Gianna. “Please ensure the samples go directly to Dr. Castillo… Dr. Caldwell’s people must not find out what we’re looking into, no matter what.”She gave a solemn nod before leaving quietly.With that settled, I buried myself in paperwork for the next few hours, reviewi
I allowed them a moment of privacy before confronting Dante again, still stunned by what I’d witnessed. “Leave us alone, Gianna,” I said quietly. She gave a quiet nod before turning and walking out of the clinic. She didn’t owe me any explanations, yet I couldn’t shake the nagging curiosity about how far her connection with the doctor went. “I don’t want to get in the middle of your situation,” I began carefully, “but I’m concerned about Gianna becoming distracted from her responsibilities. Perhaps that’s why Max doesn’t want her working with me anymore.” Dante ran his fingers through his hair with a sigh. “I understand your concern. The thing is, I was thrown off when I saw you with her right after your chief resident called you. So that you know, we were exes before you started thinking badly of me.” “Ex?” I echoed. “Yeah. She left the university, and then suddenly, I found her working alongside you.” I took a deep breath before revealing my true purpose. “I came here because
Entering a place like this reawakens my deepest fears. The enclosed space constricts my breathing—especially since it hasn’t even been a month since I was rescued from frostbite and pneumonia.Despite this overwhelming dread, I force myself forward.I must trust my strength now. My husband needs me, whatever darkness he’s battling.Daylight filters through the penthouse windows, yet the drawn curtains cast long shadows across the rooms, creating an unsettling atmosphere that feels suspended between day and night.A sudden crash shattered the silence.I flinched, my body tensing on instinct. My breath caught in my throat. Then, without a second thought, I dropped my luggage by the door and rushed toward the sound.My heart pounded as I pushed the door open. Even in the dim light, I saw the wreckage: shattered vases lay in glittering fragments across the floor, hotel furniture lay broken and overturned, and personal belonging
I stood up briefly and retrieved my abandoned bag to message Gianna, letting her know I was safe. She needed reassurance, and I didn't want her to worry.I also texted Dante: “I'm with Maximus now. I'll try to convince him to return to Bryston as soon as possible.” There was no need to wait for his reply, though Gianna had quickly messaged me that she was in her suite if I needed anything. Maximus's eyes fluttered open as I reentered the room, searching anxiously until they found me. Even though I was only gone for a moment, his face showed a hint of vulnerability. I walked back to the king-size bed.“Are you real?” he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.“Of course I am,” I assured him, recognizing he still hadn't fully anchored himself to the present.I lay beside him again, and he instinctively wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer.“This is the best I've felt in days… I'm not going anywhere, babe... I'll stay. Let's sleep together, hmm…”His embrace tightened a
The small hospital Gianna and I visited served expectant mothers. We guide them through their pregnancies, providing education on self-care and baby care to ensure their health. I was particularly aware of one woman who entered late, her large belly preceding her quiet presence. She sat silently, listening to the discussion, but her expression hinted at a mind preoccupied with other thoughts. Later, my colleagues and I distributed small tokens to the expectant mothers: booklets, checklists, and a few essentials for the upcoming labor. The first day ended uneventfully, and the second day went much the same. Seeking a break on the third day, I went to the garden. Gianna gave me some space, letting me sit alone on a bench. While there, I was surprised to find the usually quiet woman in a heated argument with another. “Let’s be clear. This baby is mine, always has been. Your inability to conceive is why you were chosen to carry my and Nico’s child! None of this was ever yours! Afte
I felt so free; my back arched as I moved gracefully on the bed, grinding beneath the steady rhythm of Maximus’ hard length, thrusting in and out of me. My backside met his thighs with every deep stroke as he took me from behind. I whimpered in pure bliss; my mind clouded, lost in the overwhelming pleasure that only Maximus could give. He’s playing with my body, igniting the places where pleasure flows. My hips swayed as my back leaned against Maximus, our eyes locking in the clear mirror. His mouth traced a path from my ear to my shoulder, tasting and teasing me with every brush of his lips. He knew every switch to flip, every spot to press—exactly where I ached for him to claim me… His hand curled around my neck as if claiming possession, and he whispered to me. A mysterious pleasure wrapped around me, rising from deep in my core. I could feel it—he wanted to conquer me. “Gazelle, you must always remember me no matter where you go. I will never forget the way you look right no
Mr. Laurent seemed to notice the judgmental stares some guests were casting their way. Miranda turned and pointed at Stella, who was walking toward us, ready to shift the blame onto the woman. “It was you!” she snapped. “You told me President Ferrero agreed to give me his sample! How did it end up like this? You tricked me!” Stella froze, visibly shocked. She even clutched her chest as if physically struck by the accusation. “Miranda, I didn’t do anything. We ran into each other at the hospital and made small talk. You were the one who told me why you were there. You asked for advice, that’s all.” Miranda faltered, visibly thrown off, her eyes darting back and forth as if searching for something solid to hold on to. For a moment, I genuinely believed Stella. But Miranda wasn’t done. “I asked for your help after that. You told me you’d help me.” “I didn’t!” Stella denied. “You helped me determine where Maximus’s samples were in the sperm bank! I’m not making this up!” Miran
Mr. Laurent asked for Miranda’s presence near us.The air was thick with anticipation, each second stretching uncomfortably. Mrs. Laurent’s face flushed with anger as I confronted her, but I didn’t waver. My gaze stayed fixed on Miranda. She shifted uneasily, the tension visibly crawling up her spine. Her polished façade was beginning to crack.
I stood still, speechless, as Mrs. Laurent’s words echoed in my head. I couldn’t give her the reaction she was looking for. “What does Mrs. Laurent mean that I don’t want complications in my life?” Whispers spread through the crowd like a breeze rustling autumn leaves. I caught Maximus’s eye and gave him a look that told him to stay back. He stopped, letting me handle the confrontation, though his fists clenched at his sides. “Madam, don’t you think you might be overstepping?” Royal’s voice carried a subtle warning as she positioned herself beside me. “Oh, come now, Ms. Roy. I’m only pointing out the obvious. Her family has already disowned Dr. Sinclair. I spoke to Chairman Sinclair myself; he told me he couldn’t control his daughter.” I didn’t know how close my father was to her, but what she revealed wasn’t exactly confidential. Since Mom’s death, my father has had a hard time controlling my decisions. People always assumed the Sinclair family cut me off, especially since I rar
The four men exhibited distinctly different reactions. Maximus maintained his nonchalant demeanor, Dante’s face registered confusion, while Ivan and Luca gaped in undisguised disbelief. After a moment of shared bewilderment, they all just shrugged and continued walking into the venue. Miranda approached them with a bright smile. “President Ferrero, you’ve finally arrived. Thank you so much for accepting my invitation.” Maximus gave a curt nod, clearly unaware of what she was talking about. Miranda scratched her head, visibly embarrassed. But before she could say more, Maximus and Dante walked right past her. “Wait!” she called after them, hurrying to catch up. “Geez,” Royal muttered beside me, shaking her head. “I thought she had more class than this. I know what this family’s capable of, Gazelle. They probably cooked something up just to corner Maximus.” ‘Hmmm... let’s see... Let’s watch the upcoming good show.’ Miranda quickly stepped before Maximus and Dante again, forcing t
Maximus and I visited the stylist’s villa to prepare for the upcoming gathering. Three gowns in different colors had been laid out for me. I was asked to try them all on in the fitting room, but apparently, Maximus had a weakness for me in stunning dresses. The moment I stepped out in the first gown, he didn’t waste a second—he tore it right off. He took me, pleased me, and pushed me to the very edge of my sanity. Remarkably, when I tried on the second gown, history repeated itself. “Ah, I don’t know what to do with you…” I muttered, shaking my head, my cheeks still warm with embarrassment from what had just happened. Perhaps I should’ve gone with The Pink Girls Code. Maximus and I were just... hopeless when left alone together. He swept me into his arms with effortless ease, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that was both tender and hungry. As he pulled back, he buried his face in the curve of my neck, breathing me in. “What am I supposed to do?” he whispered. “The moment I see
Perhaps Mr. Harrington had already anticipated how the board would react—that’s likely why he brought Maximus along when they met at the hospital. “Gentlemen,” I began, “My father entrusted me with the power to make decisions for this company. That’s why I’m here. He’s recovering, so I’d appreciate it if everyone remained seated. I’m not here to stir conflict—but judging by how this meeting’s been going, it’s clear who’s been disrupting the atmosphere.” I refused to let myself be underestimated—whether for being a doctor, a woman, or the only heir to my parents’ legacy. “Let's proceed," Mr. Harrington announced, attempting to establish order. "First on our agenda—" “I’d like to propose that we begin by discussing the replacement of Ms. Gazelle as acting chairman of this board,” one of the executives interjected coldly. “We don’t know her intentions or if she’s even capable of leading. We need to reconsider her role.” I steadied my breath, fighting the sting of their deliberate ch
Gazelle The way Maximus held me last night calmed all the chaos inside me. He was my darkness, but also my sweetest comfort. Earlier that day, Gianna accompanied me to the Sinclair company, where I also met Mr. Harrington. I reviewed the files and handled everything the chairman’s office needed for the day. I wasn’t perfect—I still had yet to learn so much. Fortunately, Mr. Harrington, the company’s lawyer and general manager, was always ready to guide me and explain what I didn’t understand. Before heading to the conference room, I quickly messaged Dante Castillo. ‘How’s my dad?’ I typed. His reply came shortly after. ‘The chairman is awake. His lungs are still weak, but he’s recovering.’ Relief flooded me as I thanked him, just as Mr. Harrington appeared to escort me to the meeting. Even from the hallway, I could hear voices filtering from the conference room. “Is the chairman here? We have documents that need his signature,” someone asked. As the door opened and I stepp