She envied Nina for having such caring family members. She knew it was because she was Nina's friend that they treated her with such care."Come on, don't shed tears. A girl's tears are precious," Mr. Walker could not bear to see a girl cry.But Eve could not stop.Nina was the kind of person who easily empathized with others. She knew that Eve had no parents, only Grandpa George as her sole relative. Feeling sympathy, she wanted to introduce her to her own parents."Don't cry. Haven't you shed enough tears today?" Nina did not want to see her cry.Eve wiped away her tears, sniffled, and hugged her milk tea. "Thank you, Mr. Walker and Mrs. Walker. I'll come again next time."Zion and Julia saw them off at the door. As Eve descended the stairs, she could not help but cry again. Nina handed her a tissue.Nash, on the other hand, remained indifferent. "If you cry like this, and your grandpa sees it, don't blame Nina for bullying you."Nina was trying to comfort the girl, but Nash
She handed the bag to Eve.Eve, however, had some concerns and asked, "Weren't you next to me making a phone call yesterday? I turned around and you were gone. Are you sure it was me who disappeared?"Stella did not tell the truth. She did see Eve being bullied, but she did not lend a hand. Being a girl herself and not having anyone with her, intervening would have brought trouble upon herself. She could only watch coldly, waiting for an opportunity to slip away unnoticed.She could not let Eve know that she was aware of the danger she was in but acted as if nothing had happened. She smiled and said, "Yes, I was in an important business call. It lasted for over half an hour, and after I hung up, I didn't see you anymore. I thought you couldn't wait and went back first, but your bag was left with me, so I brought it over.""What happened, Eve?" Stella asked as if she knew nothing.In the past, Eve would have believed Stella's words without question. Stella was her senior schoolma
Stella's words left her momentarily at a loss for how to respond. Based on her understanding of Eve, she was simple-minded. As long as someone was kind to her, she would reciprocate that kindness tenfold. Yet, she had asked such a question. However, Eve's words did make sense. When they were still abroad, Stella did not know that Eve was Mr. George Gibson's granddaughter. Eve was young and inexperienced in the outside world, with significant differences in lifestyle habits. She was not accustomed to it, lacked friends and often kept to herself. She was said to have grown up without parents, making her seem vulnerable and helpless, with a much more tragic background than most. In contrast, Stella came from an affluent background, leading a comfortable life from childhood, and was doing well abroad. Someone like Eve needed help, and Stella could earn her admiration by providing it. Eve saw her as a support, and Stella felt a sense of accomplishment from that. She had always felt
She used to think that Eve was obedient. But since she returned to the Gibson family, she no longer was. Stella's eyes gradually turned cold. After venting about Eve, she began to dislike Nina even more. If it weren't for Nina, Eve would still be an obedient little bunny in front of her, doing whatever she was told. Ruining her good things!---While Nash was in the study and not around, Nina was shopping online with her phone. She bought a few parenting books. She rubbed her belly, though it was not very noticeable yet. Perhaps sensing her pregnancy, she felt that heaviness in her stomach. With the child inside, she felt reassured. Naturally, the books she bought could not be sent to her home, so she could only have them sent to Yvonne's place. She asked her to help with receiving them, and when she had time, she could go and see her, and take a look. She sent Yvonne a message to remind her. Yvonne replied, "Got it! When you send it to my place, I'll take a look too. Pregnant
The more Nash doubted, the more flustered she became. She instinctively clenched her fists tighter and explained, "My parents know I like it, they always make it whenever I go back. I guess I've just had my fill of it. Why the sudden interest in my diet?"Nash raised his gaze to her, gently smoothing her temple with his hand. "Nothing, just noticed you've been going through some changes lately. Just making sure you're alright."But Nina, don't keep things from me."As she watched his caring gesture, feeling both intimacy and suspicion in his words, she could not help but feel a pang of anxiety. She stared into his eyes, deep and inscrutable, as if he already knew what she was hiding.No, that could not be it. If he knew, he would not react this way. He did not usually pay that much attention to Nina. Maybe he was just suspicious.Putting on a forced smile, Nina said, "We commute to work together every day. What could I possibly hide from you? You're being paranoid.""Remember t
She handed the keys back to him. "Tell him it's not necessary."Quincy looked a bit uncomfortable as he tried to push the keys back into her hand. "Just take this one. Mr. York has transferred ownership to you. If you don't accept it, I won't be able to explain it to him."Mr. York had made it clear to him that, one way or another, Nina had to drive this car. If she refused, it would not reflect well on him for failing to carry out his duties.Nina bit her lip, taking the car keys and casting a wary glance at the new vehicle. What was Nash's intention here?Was he suggesting she drive such a nice car to work just to invite suspicion? Quincy sensed her hesitation and spoke up before she could. "We're running late for work. I'll drive. It's convenient for me to drop you off."Taking the keys from her, Quincy hurriedly got into the car, waiting for Nina.Nina could not fathom Nash's motives for suddenly asking her to drive such a nice car. She knew he was generous, but she also ha
Recognizing the urgency in Taylor's tone, Nina glanced up at her once more. Taylor's gaze was fixed on Nash's office, suggesting she wanted Nina to go in there.Normally, Taylor wouldn't drag Nina into office matters unless it was a topic circulating among colleagues. This time, it seemed serious.In such situations, Nina tended to remain oblivious, which spared her from overthinking and putting herself in tough spot.Nina remained at her desk, typing away on her computer, and responded casually, "Why would I need to go to his office? I'm hardly in charge of Nash's affairs, am I?"In reality, Nina wanted to subtly suggest to Taylor not to take office gossip too seriously.Observing Nina still focused on her computer, indicating no urgency, Taylor felt compelled to continue, "Miranda came over early this morning. Nash asked her to his office, but she hasn't come out yet. Something's definitely up in there."Taylor did not want Nina kept in the dark. If Nina was just Nash's wife, s
Being caught by the press was a big no-no. Nina watched the video quietly, opting not to chime in. Whether Miranda was involved with the male actor did not matter much to her. But Nash's reaction, was he getting jealous?Nina had no interest in checking if they were in the office or why Nash was upset. That would just spell trouble. She reminded herself not to overthink it.Meanwhile, Taylor and Cynthia discussed Nash and Miranda's relationship. The office door swung open once more, this time by Miranda herself. Taylor and Cynthia fell silent."Nash, there's nothing between us. It's just tabloid nonsense. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. Please don't be mad," Miranda's voice wavered as she tried to calm Nash down.Taylor could not help but roll her eyes. Miranda was quite the performer, so fake.Nash's expression was stern, his eyes grave as he replied in a deep voice, "This is the last time. I don't want to see this kind of gossip again.""I'll be more careful," Miranda e
The trash can sailed through the air, scattering its foul-smelling contents across the police station, filling the air with a pungent odor. Several young officers flanked Kieran from both sides, trying to grab hold of his arms. But Kieran thrashed wildly, his surprising strength allowing him to break free from one officer’s grip. With a sharp elbow strike, he hit another officer square in the stomach. The officer grunted in pain, stumbling back a few steps but gritted his teeth and held his ground. The scene in the reception hall descended into chaos. Civilians seeking assistance huddled in corners, some shrieking in fear. Mrs. Stone stood to the side, wringing her hands and stomping her feet in desperation. Her voice, pleading and panicked, was drowned out by her son’s shouting. “Kieran, stop this! Calm down!” she cried. But Kieran was too far gone, consumed by his manic performance. He couldn’t—or wouldn’t—hear her. The situation was teetering on the brink of tot
Karina stared at the flood of messages, feeling nothing but disgust and revulsion. Kieran’s texts were growing increasingly obsessive, filled with unhinged threats, unreasonable demands, and even veiled warnings against her safety. No. She couldn’t allow the Stone family’s harassment to continue unchecked. Taking a deep breath, she decisively dialed the police. She provided the authorities with a detailed account of the Stone family’s relentless harassment, including Kieran’s disturbing demands and the threatening content of his messages. The officers assured her that they would investigate promptly and provide her with protection if necessary. With the police now involved, Karina finally felt a sliver of relief. *The response was swift. The blare of sirens pierced through the city’s noise as several police cars raced toward Kieran’s address. Flashing red and blue lights reflected off the surrounding buildings, drawing curious stares from passersby. Guided by
The Stone family wasn’t just greedy. They were relentless, always pushing boundaries and expecting more.Karina sighed. “It’s not that I can’t stand up to them, but sometimes it feels unnecessary. There are things that just can’t be explained.”Wilfred didn’t press further. “Pack your things and come with me. I have to travel for a project negotiation that will help our hospital continue expanding.” He was determined to firmly establish himself in Birkham, not just for his professional ambitions but also because Nina was there. Wilfred wanted to protect her and mentor his students, ensuring they could safeguard Nina’s children in the future. “But didn’t we already promise a patient that we’d perform surgery?” Karina asked, a little hesitant. “I’ll arrange for someone else to handle it.” While Karina might have been the better choice for the surgery, Wilfred had other options, including pulling Caleb in at the last minute. “Alright,” Karina replied. Since Wilfred had
Sera blocked Karina’s path, her expression cold and disdainful. “You think you can just use that money to brush me off? Do I look like someone who needs your measly cash?”She grabbed Karina’s arm tightly, her nails biting into her skin. “Let me make this clear. If you don’t do what I’ve asked, I’ll ruin you, Karina. Completely.”Karina’s fear was palpable, but the thought of endless torment and manipulation was even more terrifying. She met Sera’s fierce gaze with a calm, unyielding stare. “Do whatever you want. But let me remind you, the money you gave me? I’m willing to go down with you if it comes to that. My life might not be worth much, but you’ve worked so hard to get into Wilfred’s hospital. Are you really willing to throw that all away?”Sera faltered. She had worked incredibly hard to get where she was. Countless sleepless nights studying, memorizing every detail of her medical texts, and enduring the challenges of difficult patients had pushed her to the brink. She often
Sera’s gaze was so sharp it felt like it could pierce through Karina. Karina hadn’t expected her momentary greed to create such a mess. If she couldn’t stay a doctor, she would have no source of income, and her life would spiral further out of control. “Please, don’t do this. Tell me what you want, and I’ll keep helping you. Maybe… I could spike his drink for you again, or set up another opportunity,” Karina said, grabbing Sera’s hand out of desperation. Sera clearly wasn’t short on money. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to give Karina such a large sum back then.All she wanted now was to secure her position at the hospital.Sera pulled her hand away, a mocking smile on her face. “Set up another opportunity? Do you think Wilfred would fall for it twice? Do you take him for an idiot, Dr. Norman?” Wilfred wasn’t an idiot, and ordinary drugs didn’t seem to affect him much.Karina felt utterly helpless. One wrong step had led to another, and now she had no idea how to
“Starting today, you’ll officially resume your position as my assistant. I trust you’ll adapt quickly,” Wilfred said firmly. Karina’s eyes lit up with a hint of surprise. “Dr. Wilfred, really? I’ll do my best to fulfill the responsibilities of the assistant role.” Wilfred stood up and walked over to her, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Familiarize yourself with the current work schedule and the relevant materials. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. I have confidence in you.” Karina hesitated, a trace of worry crossing her face. “But… I’m not sure this is a good idea.” Wilfred already had an assistant. If Karina agreed to take the position, wouldn’t that make her a target for trouble from his former assistant? And then there were all the people at the hospital who were infatuated with Wilfred. Lately, she had already been spending more time with him, drawing enough attention as it was. If she officially became his assistant, she’d surely
Back home, the first thing Karina did was take a shower, cranking the water temperature to the highest setting as if that was the only way to wash away the grim memories of the night.She scrubbed her arms fiercely, the spots where those repulsive men had touched her. Even through her clothes, the thought made her feel sick. Again and again, she lathered herself with soap until her skin turned slightly red, but no matter how hard she tried, the discomfort in her heart lingered.After her shower, Karina changed into clean pajamas and sat on the edge of her bed, unable to sleep. Her gaze fell on her phone. She hesitated for a moment before sending a text to Wilfred.“Dr. Wilfred, I’m truly grateful for your help tonight. I’ll never forget it.”After sending the message, she set her phone down, hugged her knees, and curled up on the bed. Returning to the hospital had always been her dream, but now she worried whether she could truly meet expectations and not let Wilfred down.As she
The men exchanged uneasy glances, hesitating for a moment before reluctantly mumbling, “Sorry,” to Karina. Wilfred watched their retreating figures with thinly veiled disgust. Turning to Karina, he asked gently, “Are you okay?” Karina shook her head lightly, brushing it off. “I’m fine, Dr. Wilfred. Thank you.” Wilfred let out a soft sigh. “Come with me. You shouldn’t be working here.” Karina nodded, following him out of the private room. Wilfred guided Karina through the bustling bar. The pounding music and chaotic chatter seemed distant and muted, fading into the background as they moved. They made their way to the parking lot, where Wilfred opened the car door, carefully helping Karina into the passenger seat before getting in himself and starting the engine. As Karina buckled her seatbelt, she turned to Wilfred with a look of curiosity. “Dr. Wilfred, didn’t you say you had things to handle at the hospital? How did you get here so quickly?” Wilfred kept his ey
When Karina stepped into the room, one of the men, his gaze hazy from drink, chuckled and said, “Well, so this is the beauty they sent over?”Karina forced herself to stay calm and replied politely, “Good evening, gentlemen. Here’s the drinks you ordered.” She began placing the drinks on the table one by one, hoping to finish quickly. Before she could finish, another man grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward him. “Come, have a few drinks with us, sweetheart.”Karina’s heart raced as she pulled her hand away with force. “Sir, I’m just here to deliver your drinks. I don’t entertain guests.”The men burst into laughter. “What bar do you think you’re in? There’s no such thing as not entertaining here. Don’t play coy, sweetheart. Sit with us, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely.”Fear surged through Karina as she instinctively stepped back, trying to maintain some distance. “I’m really just here for work,” she said, her voice trembling. “Please respect me!”But the men, emboldened