Chapter 5

Kaylee knew Alex had an uncle - his grandfather's second wife's son. Despite being just a few years older than Alex, he was technically a generation apart.

He'd studied abroad for years. After returning, due to family circumstances, he took over the company. According to Alex, the business had been declining until his uncle implemented major reforms, transforming it into North District's leading enterprise.

Alex openly admired his uncle. Yet William Morgan remained mysterious - Kaylee had never met him.

After helping get Anne settled in the ward and changed into a hospital gown, Susanne insisted on staying overnight despite offers to call a nurse.

"I'm on call tonight and here tomorrow," Kaylee told Susanne. "Ring me if you need anything. I'll explain the stent procedure to Mr. William Morgan when he arrives."

"Thank you, dear."

Susanne walked Kaylee back to her office.

Returning to find Anne asleep, Susanne eyed the uncomfortable hospital cot. Having grown up privileged and married into wealth, she wasn't used to such discomfort.

Reflecting on the evening, Susanne felt Kaylee was truly perfect for their family. She needed to push Alex about the wedding.

She called him, and a woman answered.

"Isn't this Alex's phone? Who is this?" Susanne's refined voice tensed.

"I'm Alex's girlfriend. He's in the shower. I can pass along a message."

Susanne froze. "I'm his mother! Get him on the phone now, or he needn't come home again!"

The woman stammered apologies and rushed to get Alex.

When he came on, Susanne was livid. "Get rid of that woman immediately. Kaylee is the only daughter-in-law I'll accept. If you insist on marrying some questionable woman, you can both leave and never return!"

-

The next morning, after rounds, Kaylee stayed to explain the procedure to Anne.

"William's downstairs," Susanne entered. "He makes the family decisions now - his approval is all we need."

Kaylee smoothed her hair and went to greet him.

A man walked through the ward doors.

His black dress shirt was precisely tucked into matching slacks, emphasizing his lean frame and height.

Morning sunlight streamed through the windows, highlighting his sharp features, though his demeanor remained coolly elegant despite the warm light.

Kaylee froze.

Before she could react...

"William! You're here," Susanne called.

He nodded. "Hi, Susanne. How's my mom?"

Mom?!

Kaylee looked between them, too shocked to speak.

Susanne stepped forward, smiling. "Kaylee, this is Alex's uncle, William. I believe you haven't met before."

Kaylee, unable to respond, remained silent.

"William, this is Alex's girlfriend, my future daughter-in-law," Susanne continued proudly. "You must know of her - she graduated from North Medical and works here now."

"I'm William Morgan," he said in a cool, measured voice that revealed nothing about whether he'd known her identity before.

"Mr. Morgan... hello," Kaylee managed stiffly.

"Please, we're family," Susanne laughed.

Though they weren't - not since she and Alex had broken up.

Before she could explain, William spoke. "Tell me about my mother's condition and the procedure."

Grateful for the shift in topic, Kaylee explained Anne's situation. "The stent procedure is minimally invasive now. It's a well-established technique and our best treatment option."

"Who's performing the surgery?" His dark eyes met hers. "You?"

"Yes... unless you'd prefer another surgeon."

"No, I trust you to do it."

Kaylee froze. He spoke as if he knew her well.

Before she could respond, William walked toward the hospital room.

Though Anne had always seemed kind in their previous meetings, her face hardened when William entered.

"Why are you here? It's a minor procedure - just two weeks. The company needs you. Don't waste time here."

"I need to sign the consent forms," William replied.

Anne's expression softened. "Then sign and go. Work comes first. Don't visit during my stay."

"Understood."

William's expression remained unchanged, clearly accustomed to his mother's attitude.

Kaylee led him to handle the paperwork, Susanne following.

Afterward, Susanne said, "Kaylee, since you're off work - the mansion is so quiet with Anne here. Why don't you move back temporarily? Keep me company."

The Morgan estate was massive - over ten thousand square feet without the gardens, dozens of rooms. Kaylee had lived there before moving in with Alex.

Before she could decline, Susanne added, "Worried about Alex? I'll handle him."

Unable to mention the breakup in front of William, Kaylee reluctantly nodded.

Susanne turned to William. "You drove here, right? Would you mind giving Kaylee a ride?"

"Not at all," he replied promptly.

Remembering his cufflink in her bag, Kaylee accepted.