Chapter 47
Inside the Lewis residence, Vera seethed, dropping onto the couch and sending a pillow flying, “Why doesn’t Courtney just vanish already?” she muntered irritably.
Taking off his glasses, James sauntered over. “Always so quick to lose your temper. You should take a page from your sister’s book–she’s always so composed,” he chided
Vera morted derisively. “She just got lucky this time. Her lover slipped away before they could be caught”
James kept his voice even, saying. That man’s not someone to be brushed off”
“Dad, have you looked into him?” Vera’s voice quivered with unease..
“He’s from the wrong side of the tracks in Evermount, an orplum with no safety net. He’s got nothing to lose, so he’s got no fear.” James‘ voice rumbled, deep and ominous.
“He got tangled up in smuggling in Zomlonia a few years back, served his time, and then went back. He’s not a man to be trifled with James added.
Then James paused, keeping some thoughts to himself. In any case, he knew Hayden wasn’t someone to be underestimated
“He’s just a thug. You really think I’m scared?” Vera scoffed. “This isn’t Zomlonia. With the Lewis family’s clout, we can squash someone like him like a bug. I’ll take him out first and then Courtney.”
“And you need to keep Austin in your corner. He’s agreed to divorce Courtney, but he doesn’t want her dead,” James said, glancing at Vera, his gaze resolute, “You two need to stay on the same page with this
Vera responded with a hint of guilt in her voice. “Gori
An assistant burst in, his face tense as he addressed Jarnes. “Sir, we’ve got a big problem. Someone’s been gunning for us from behind the scenes. Coveside Health Center’s been accused of practicing medicine without a license, taking bribes, overcharging patients, and even intimidating them”
“Reporters are already camped out at the entrance of Coveside Health Center The assistant voice wavered.
James knew if the truth got out and the situation spiraled, it could damage the
e entire Lewis Group’s interests,
“Is Marilyn handling it?” James asked, his voice laced with concern.
“She’s on it. She’s talking with the complainants and the whistleblowers, trying to figure out their motives and demands the assistant said with a
James frowned, has expression stern. “When something like this happens, it’s not about solving the problem, but it’s about dealing with the people
who caused it. You follow
The assistant hesitated, nervously asking. “Sir, what exactly do you mean?”
“Marilyn will know what to do James wasn’t worried, thinking this was just an isolated incident. He could find some leverage, settle it, and be done with it. He waved his hand dismissively, telling the assistant not to make a big deal out of it
“Dad, is everything really okay?” Vera asked, her eyelid twitching with unease.
“Every year we face situations like this. Nothing we can’t handle. Just a bunch of malcontents,” James said with a deep, dismissive one.
Vera nodded. Then I go pick up Phoebe.”
James gave a nod of approval.
At the Henisburg Medkids Child Care Center, most of the kids who attend were the children of hospital staff, and some pharmaceutical reps would do whatever it took to get their kids in here, trying to establish connections with the hospital crowdl
As school let out, almost everyone in the pharmaceutical circle with kids came to pick them up.
Austin was the most image–conscious of them all, and he was the most well–known young attending physician at Hendsburg General Hospital. He was known to be handsome and kind, naturally attracting the attention of nuny fenule pharmaceutical reps.
A seductive and charming woman named Lillian Abbott also came to pick up a child and approached Austin with a smile. “Dr. Gilbert, you’re here to pick up Phoebe again
Austin offered a polite smile. “Yes, I am.”
“Where’s your wife?” Lillian glanced around, relieved not to see Vera, and she tried to get closer to Austin
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Chapter 47
“The right here, Vera said, her face darkening as she strode over and pushed Lillian away, her voice threatening. “What’s up? Think you can flirt with my husband when I’m not around”
“Vera, Austin said with a frown, signaling for Vera to hold her tongue, aware of the onlookers.
“She was almost all over you” Vera said in an
anger
Austin sighed. “Alright. Phoebe will be out soon. Let’s not let her see this side
Vera h
ra huffed and reluctantly shot Lillian a disdainful look.
c of you
yout
Lillian rolled her eyes, but she only dared to complain silently, thinking, “Who does she think she is She can only flaunt her family’s status.
“Dr. Gilbert, your wife is truly beautiful,” a male pharmaceutical rep said, smiling as he tried to ingratiate himself with Austin by complimenting Vera Vera preened, flicking her hair with pride.
Suddenly, a voice blared from a megaphone behind them. “Who’s his wife anyway?”
The shout drew everyone’s attention as Lorraine walked over with Courtney, holding a megaphone.
Courtney had dressed up that day with her long hair casually pinned up, giving off a casual, effortless vibe. She was naturally beautiful, and even in a simple dress, her elegance surpassed Vera’s.
Vera was the type of woman who was loud and spoiled, and she had never been able to compare to Courtney since school
Courtney came from a good family and a scholarly household, and she was raised in her grandfather’s military circle. She radiated confidence and resilience from within, something lacking in women like Vera.
“Dr. Gilbert, who’s your wife? Lorraine handed the megaphone to Courtney and asked with a sneer.
Austin looked flustered, nervously eyeing Courtney. “Courtney, what are you doing here?”
Vera also glared at Courtney. “What do you want?”
Courtney held up her phone, playing back the messages Lorraine had helped her record. “I am Austin’s wife, and I’m here to accompany my husband in picking up our child. Is there a problem?” Then Courtney brandished their marriage certificate for everyone to see.
