All Chapters of THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

CHAPTER 31*******Inside, the atmosphere was dimly lit, the sterile smell of antiseptic intertwining with the metallic tang of fear. Ling lays there, her face pale against the bright sheets, her breaths shallow yet steady. “Ling,” Leo said softly, his voice soothing yet urgent. “Can you hear me?”She turns her head slightly, meeting his gaze, her eyes fraught with unspoken words. He watched as the paramedics worked quickly around them, attaching an IV, placing oxygen masks on her, huddled in the glow of blinking monitors. “listen the ambulance is here, and we're on our to the hospital. Just hold on tight, okay. you’re tough,” he continues, drawing on their shared memories. “Remember our last mission when I got shot three times in my heart, you said I was going to make it. Even though I thought I was going to die, you kept smiling. So I'm going to say the same thing to you. you’re going to get through this.”The paramedics exchanges quick glances, impressed with Officer Leo’s calm

AUNT MEI'S RESIDENCE The day begins to break, with the sun peeking over the horizon, casting a sleepy glow across the quiet neighborhood. Early birds chirps, greeting the new day, but in Aunt Mei’s cozy kitchen, the only sounds were the gentle crackling of the stovetop and the rhythmic clinking of utensils. Aunt Mei, in her late fourties, with streaks of silver threading through her dark hair, moves about her kitchen with a sense of urgency. She is busy preparing breakfast for her daughter, Detective Ling, who had been involved in a serious incident last night.Last night’s call from Officer Martinez had shaken her to her core. The words echoed in her head as she flipped pancakes and fried eggs. “She’s stable, her surgery was successful. I'll advice you come visit her early in the morning.” The gravity of the situation made her fingers tremble slightly as she poured the batter in the pan. Aunt Mei had always been against Ling joining the police force. Even with the strong reasons co

****“ Ahhh, Ling's aunty is one tough woman. I haven't seen this side of her before”, Martinez said , stretching the stiffness off his body.After exiting Ling's room, the four of them made their way into the parking lot where Martinez car is being parked. “I parked over here,” he said, taking the lead and gesturing towards the silver sedan nestled among the rows of vehicles.“You’re still the same guy who thinks he can park in the front row because you’re an officer, huh?” joked Leo prompting a laughter that lightens the mood as they followed Martinez.Once in the car, Martinez exchanges glances with Leo. Leo on the other hand, runs his hand through his hair but suddenly catches his glance and quickly removes his eyes, knowing what will come next.Settled in the car, Martinez turns the key in the ignition, and the engine starts , punctuating the silence that had settled in after their banter. He begins to reverse the car backwards before driving ahead. Minutes after still during t

*****Martinez adjusted his seat to ease his uncomfortability. His eyes became fixed at the chief's eyes.“Chief,” he replies, his tone measured, “it’s best if Leo doesn’t find out. His reaction might not help the case.” Chief Peterson became a little shocked considering Martinez’s words carefully. Leo was a good officer, but he was also passionate—sometimes too passionate for his own good. The chief had seen Leo’s anger flare when it came to criminals related crimes; it could easily cloud his judgment. “And you think he would go off the rails if he found out?” Peterson asked, curiosity piqued. “Not off the rails, exactly,” Martinez said, his voice dropping slightly as if sharing a secret. “But Leo has a history with Vinnie’s gang. It was his first case and up till ow, he is not able to catch them. More importantly, they hurt people he cares about. If he finds out we have one of them in custody, he might try to confront him directly. That could jeopardize the investigation.” Pet

THE HOSPITAL *****The gentle murmur of hospital lights filled the vibrant corridors of the hospital, where Dr. Mark Stevens was immersed in the gentle bustle of activity. Despite the early morning hour, the emergency department pulsed with a sense of focused intensity, as medical professionals worked in tandem to provide compassionate care.Nurses went about their rounds with focused efficiency, attending to patients in various stages of treatment. Physicians engaged in thoughtful discussions, sharing expertise and collaborating on complex cases. The subtle beeps of medical equipment blended with the quiet conversations of patients and their loved ones, creating a symphony of sounds that underscored the hospital's commitment to delivering exceptional patient-centered care.Dr. Mark Stevens' dedication to his profession was unshakeable. His profound passion for medicine had led him to specialize in trauma surgery, where he could provide critical care during life's most vulnerable mom