Marcia stood anxiously at the entrance of the emergency room, her entire body trembling uncontrollably.
As soon as she entered the neighborhood, someone had rushed over to her. Seeing Marcia, the man called out, "Are you the one living with Claire from Building 3?"
Marcia froze for a moment before urgently asking, "Yes, I am. What happened?"
"She was sent to the hospital! You should hurry and check on her. Honestly, how could you leave her alone so often when you know she's pregnant? If it hadn't been for the water leak from her faucet, no one would've known if something happened to her in there!"
The security guard's words left Marcia stunned. She quickly pressed, "How is she? Which hospital?"
Hearing the address, Marcia barely had time to respond before Calvin had already started the engine, heading straight for the hospital—a place that had once plunged her into despair.
It was the same hospital where she had once undergone an abort
Marcia followed Claire back to the hospital room. Since Claire was still unconscious, Marcia moved a chair to her bedside, gripping her hand tightly and not daring to let go.The nurse smiled at Marcia. "Miss, she won't wake up for a while. Are you planning to stay with her?"Marcia bit her lip and nodded. "I'm afraid she'll wake up and need water or something... um, can I stay the night here?""Of course, Miss. By the way, did you pay her hospitalization fee?" The nurse seemed a bit embarrassed. "Since it was an emergency, you can pay tomorrow morning. She'll need to stay a few more days for some shots—one for fetal protection and another for nutrition.""Yes, I'll pay. Just give me the bill," Marcia replied.She took the bill from the nurse, looked at the amount, and nodded. "I'll go pay right away..."The nurse smiled gently and gave Marcia some final instructions. "Miss, if her temperature rises or drops suddenly, please press the
Kevin and Marcia chatted outside the hospital room for a bit. Upon hearing that Elijah's phone was unreachable, Kevin looked surprised. "He's not still mad, is he?"Marcia shook her head, equally worried. "I'm not sure. Anyway, Kevin, I'm thinking of taking a few days off to stay with Claire at the hospital. If he hasn't seen my text, could you talk to him when you get to the office? Please?""Don't worry, I'll head over now. Don't stress. Eli's just being like this because he cares about you."Marcia smiled weakly. "Thanks, Kevin. I really appreciate you helping out today."Kevin looked at her with an unamused expression, but she quickly added, "I won't say more, I promise. You should get some rest."He nodded and advised, "You should get some rest too. You don't look well. If you end up sick, who's going to take care of Claire?""I'm fine! I'm fine!" Marcia straightened up and smiled at him, trying to look more energetic.Kevin seem
She couldn't help but blurt out, "What are you doing here?"Myron tilted his chin up. "Isn't someone sick? I came to check on her."Marcia froze. "Who's sick?""Claire, of course." Myron said it as though it were the most obvious thing. He took the hot water kettle from Marcia's hand and opened the door on his own. "Kevin sent a message. We have a group chat. It's where we arrange our gatherings and nights out. Didn't you know?"Marcia thought to herself that whether or not she knew wasn't the point!The real question was—why was he here, with Claire in the hospital? She glanced down at the bouquet in his hands: pink roses, Claire's favorite!This made Marcia even more confused. As far as she knew, these two had barely spoken to each other, let alone had any connection. Claire and Myron barely exchanged a word."How did you know to visit Claire? And these flowers..." she trailed off."They're pink roses. Aren't they beaut
While everyone was anxiously concerned about Claire's health, Alan was growing increasingly frustrated.The banquet last night, which he had hoped would leverage Elijah's name to boost Clearvista's image and attract more investors, had only backfired, making things worse.It wasn't uncommon for rumors of scandals to circulate in the business world, but the way this one had played out was far too damaging.The company's image had taken a major hit, especially since many of Clearvista's projects were tied to government contracts.Under the intense pressure from Azure, three projects that Alan had been in talks with had suddenly evaporated overnight.With a grim expression, he slammed the phone down, his anger and frustration building up with nowhere to release it."Elijah! This is all your fault!" he yelled, slamming his fist onto the desk with a thud.The secretary, who had been about to knock on the door, hesitated when she heard his
At the hospital, Marcia managed to hold on until Claire was out of danger before finally passing out.Before closing her eyes, the only thought in her mind was that the nurse from yesterday was right—Jeff was truly incredible. His medical skills were exceptional, he was a real lifesaver!Thanks to Jeff's timely arrival, Claire's fever subsided by evening. When Jeff declared that "the patient is out of danger," Marcia and Myron almost hugged each other in relief.While waiting for Claire to regain consciousness, Marcia offered her a little water. But before Myron had even realized what was happening, Marcia collapsed. After another chaotic scene, she was moved to the adjacent bed. As soon as Jeff had left the room, he was called back in.Standing over the unconscious Marcia, Jeff took his time with his stethoscope, listening carefully before turning to Myron."She didn't faint," Jeff explained.Myron was anxious. "Then what happened to
Elijah's face darkened even more when he heard the beeping sound on the other end of the phone again.He knew Myron was doing this on purpose, but as he scrolled through the photo Myron had sent him, worry gnawed at him.Although he had figured out Alan's scheme and canceled his trip to London last night, the matter was far from resolved. Elijah couldn't relax.London was home to Sin Group's core technology, and while Alan wasn't particularly smart, he was underhanded and ruthless.On top of that, his father had been urging him nonstop, so Elijah had booked the earliest flight to London. That meant he missed Marcia's call.When he landed, his father, Louis, personally picked him up. Elijah didn't even have a chance to check his phone. By the time he found out about Marcia's condition, it was already noon.Now, Elijah sat in a conference room, listening to the marketing department's profit report. The board members had gathered around him, and sitting directly across was his father, Lo
As Myron carried the takeout bag toward the hospital, a chill ran down his spine.He rubbed the back of his head, glancing at the ominously shadowed hospital looming in the night. Muttering under his breath, he said, "Damn it, this better not be some bad omen."Quickening his pace, he made his way to Claire's ward. By the time he reached the final stretch of hallway, he was practically running.Just as his hand touched the doorknob, a wave of relief washed over him—but before he could twist it open, a light tap landed on his shoulder."Aaaahhh!"Myron let out a startled scream, drawing the attention of a nearby nurse, who immediately rushed out of the duty room, with Jeff following close behind.Under their puzzled stares, Myron hastily clamped a hand over his mouth, trying to act nonchalant. He let out an awkward laugh. "Oh, uh, I thought the hallway lights were voice-activated!"Across from him, Elijah stood silently, a faint, amused smile tugging at the corners of his lips. His sil
Marcia inhaled the familiar scent beside her, momentarily unsure whether she was dreaming or awake.It felt like one of those dreams where she was back in the hospital, with Elijah by her side, taking care of her.She rubbed her eyes, sat up, and saw Claire smiling at her from the bed across the room. Marcia blinked, still a little dazed."Patricia! You're finally awake! Are you hungry? I had breakfast sent over," Myron's voice broke through her haze, pulling her firmly into reality.And then she saw him. Elijah was lying right there beside her, very real.Unable to resist, Marcia reached out to touch his face. She wanted to say something, but a joyful laugh escaped her instead, her eyes curving into crescent moons filled with happiness.Her expression was enough to make both Myron and Claire burst out laughing."Patricia, don't take advantage of him while he's asleep!" Myron teased. "Just kick him off the bed already. Men always get lazy after they're married! We're all awake, and he
Her hand fumbled across the bed, finally reaching the bedside lamp. "You lunatic! It's your fault, not mine. Why do you always blame others? Kate left with someone else—what does that have to do with me? Let go of me!"She rolled her eyes in defiance, but her arms were too weak to resist. Just a little more, and she could grab the lamp...Alan's eyes burned crimson with rage. "It's all your fault! I was fine with Kate before you came along! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have given her to Harold. That bastard said he just wanted her for one night, but now he won't return her! He's no different from Elijah—both beasts! No, fools! Secondhand goods, and yet they enjoy it so much! Is every woman I've been with so desirable? Marcia, tell me—who's better, huh?!"He lost all reason, furiously trying to tear off Marcia's pants. But in his drunken state, he couldn't manage. Frustrated, he pressed against her through her clothes and shouted, "Say it!
Meanwhile, back in his room, Booth snapped out of his daze.Covered in sweat and grime, he had no interest in showering after his conversation with Jane. Instead, he slumped onto the sofa, staring blankly into the distance.It was unclear how long he sat there before irritation drove him to his feet. Booth stormed into the bathroom, peeled off his shirt, and splashed cold water onto his face. Suddenly, something didn't feel right.Jane was staying on the 17th floor—that much he remembered clearly. So why had he seen her waiting for the elevator on the 22nd floor? This was a hotel, not a crowded office building where people often rode the elevator in the wrong direction just to secure a spot.A suspicion crept into Booth's mind—Jane was hiding something from him. He couldn't explain the feeling, but his instincts rarely failed him.Pulling out his phone, he tried calling her, only to find her phone was turned off."Damn it,"
Calvin walked into the hotel lobby and spotted the manager, Charles, speaking on the phone at the front desk.The moment Charles saw Calvin, he hung up immediately and greeted him respectfully. "Sir, would you like me to arrange a car for you?"Calvin raised an eyebrow. "Your efficiency is quite impressive.""My apologies for earlier, sir. I hope you'll forgive us," Charles said with a polite smile.Calvin replied casually, "You were just doing your job, ensuring the guests are taken care of. By the way, she...""Please rest assured, sir. We'll take excellent care of her. Mr. Elijah has already instructed us," Charles responded quickly, knowing exactly who Calvin was referring to.Calvin chuckled. "Seems like he's not too busy in America.""He's just concerned about his wife, that's all. Sir, this way, please. Your car is ready." Charles gestured respectfully. Calvin glanced in the direction Charles indicated, seeing a black Mercedes-Benz van parked at the entrance.Calvin gave Charle
Jane reached out to steady Marcia's back and said softly, "Sir, my name is Jane. May I ask for yours? I joined Sin Corporation the same year as Patricia—quite the coincidence, isn't it?"Calvin frowned slightly at Jane's sudden familiarity but answered curtly, "Calvin."Unbothered by his aloofness, Jane smiled and scanned the room numbers as they walked. "Oh, here it is—2711! Calvin, I almost forgot. Do you have her room card? Without it, we can't get in."After a moment of hesitation, Calvin handed Marcia's bag to Jane. "It should be in her bag. Check inside."Jane accepted the bag cheerfully and rummaged through it. "Found it!"She held up the card and swiped it against the door lock. With a soft beep, the door to 2711 clicked open."Come in, Calvin," Jane said, stepping aside.Calvin nodded and entered quickly, not noticing that Jane discreetly slipped the room card into her own pocket instead of returning it to the bag."Lay her down on the bed," Jane suggested. She glanced at Cal
Calvin didn't drive. Partly because he had been drinking, and partly because it had been a long time since he had been this close to Marcia.Marcia was light as a feather on his back as he slowly carried her toward the hotel.He had grown used to keeping track of Marcia's every move, but her heart had always been out of his reach.As a child, Marcia would cling to his arm with a sweet smile, half-coquettish, half-pleading, as she said, "Calvin, when I grow up, let's get married, okay?"She was just speaking innocent words of a child, but he took them seriously.Her casual remark stayed with him all these years. He had waited for her to grow up, imagining her as his perfect bride. But when she finally did, she showed up holding Alan's hand."Calvin, this is Alan. I...I want to marry him. You're the most important person to me, so you're the first to know," she said.Back then, Alan was a nobody, his humble demeanor barely concealed by his clean, smiling face.Calvin couldn't recall wha
Some people completely lose their memory once they get drunk.After just three glasses of red wine, Marcia had already lost all self-control.Kevin was slightly better off, still holding on to a sliver of rationality as Booth supported him. Kevin managed to exchange a few polite words with Bill and Cliff, ensuring they left the Cote Bistro with the contract in hand.Only after confirming its authenticity did Kevin collapse onto the sofa in the lobby, refusing to move no matter how hard Booth tried.After a chaotic mess, Booth entrusted Kevin to the lobby manager and went back to look for Marcia, only to find Calvin already carrying her. "I'll take her back to the hotel," Calvin said indifferently before striding off.Booth instinctively wanted to follow but was stopped by a waiter. Apparently, someone else had passed out in the private room.Pushing open the door, Booth found Myron slumped awkwardly in a corner, dozing.What's worse than one drunk person? Two drunk people—and worse st
Kevin's eyes were slightly red, but he let out a hearty laugh. "Look at what you're saying. It's an honor for Azure to have you both here today!"With that, he downed another glass of red wine.Marcia hadn't expected him to drink so heavily and looked at him with concern. Just as she was about to intervene, Myron gently shook his head. "Gentlemen, Kevin is like a brother to me. We're mainly here to catch up today, so I won't say too much. Let me also raise a glass to you both! Even though Eli isn't here, I hope you'll consider working with us on my behalf."After speaking, Myron downed his glass in one go. This time, Bill and Cliff clinked glasses with him and took a sip of their own drinks.Bill set his glass down and chuckled. "Myron, I'll toast with you today, but next time, you'd better bring a wife, or marry Nancy already! Otherwise, don't even think about getting me to drink again."Cliff, after finishing his glass, was stopped by Alison, who took over drinking on his behalf.Ma
After laughing, Marcia felt she had been too distant with Calvin, so she smiled at him and said, "Calvin, since you've returned to the country, I haven't properly hosted you. When are you heading back to Liverpool? Let me treat you to a meal before then.""I'll contact you after I get there," Calvin replied with a gentle smile, raising his glass toward her.Marcia nodded firmly and responded enthusiastically, "Alright."Just then, there was a knock at the door.Knock, knock, knock...As they were chatting, Booth pushed the door open and entered."Ma'am, everyone has arrived!" Booth announced.Marcia and Kevin exchanged a glance before quickly heading toward the door. Three individuals entered slowly as introductions were made, and the group exchanged pleasantries before taking their seats with smiles all around.Due to Elijah's influence, the guests were exceptionally polite. Myron also played the perfect mediator, lightening the atmosphere with a few jokes, making everyone laugh.Mar
Calvin looked at Marcia's surprised expression and let a faint smile tug at the corners of his lips. "Are you really that shocked to see me?" he asked softly.Marcia shook her head with a light laugh. "I should be asking you that! You disappeared from the hospital that day without a word. What brings you here?""Elijah personally invited me. It's hard to say no to his invitations, don't you think?" Calvin chuckled. "I'm here representing Shine Glow Group."Kevin, who had been wearing a playful expression, paused for a moment, raising an eyebrow curiously. "SG Group?""The owner of SG, John Linton, is my uncle. He's not feeling well and specifically asked me to attend in his place," Calvin explained, extending a hand toward Kevin. "I'm Calvin, Marcia's childhood friend."Marcia couldn't help but laugh. "We grew up as neighbors. He's closer to me than a real brother. But wait—how did I not know John was your uncle? You don't even share the same last name!""It's through my mother's side