Chapter 81
“Couttner, no matter what I do, it’s all for your–far our future, Austin said sodily, reaching for her hand. “When we get there, don’t be afraid. Whenever you want to ask for, ask “
A hot of disappoinment flashed in Courtney’s eyes. She lowered her head and sanides faintly, for it was a smile more hitter than tears,
She thought, Dors Austin and the Lewis family really think Tam a fool!
Her hand shipped into her pocket, fingers benching against the small recording device Hayden had handed her.
“Trust no one,” Hayden said. “Especially not the Lewis Family”
“Courtney’s here, Janies Lewis said warmly as Conuincy entered the office. He was sitting in his wheelchair, radiating fake benevolence
His façade was so convincing that it could easily food most people.
Years ago, Robert Anderson had held a higher position and greater respect in Henisburg General Hospital than James ever did. But when the govenumens assigned Robert to lead a peacekeeping mission in Zombania, he’d taken Courtney and the team with him
The plan was straightforward; six months in Zomlonia to contain a deadly outbreak, after which they’d return home with well–deserved honors
Roben had been the hospital’s uncontested choice for the next dean.
Unfortunately.everything has changed.
What was supposed to be a six–month mission turned into a five–year nightmare. When Courtney and the others returned, the hospital was firmly under James’s control.
Courtney glared at James, seeing the monster in human skin standing before her. She clenched her fists tightly, controlling the urge to rush forward and kill him.
“Courtney,” James began, his tone contrite, “what happened was wrong. Vera made a terrible mistake. But the damage has been done so let’s work to resolve it. Tell us what you need, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you ”
si then. Marilyn Lewis walked in carrying a tray of fruit. “Courtney, have some fruit,” she said with a smile.
Courtney’s expression remained cold, her silence unwavering as she stared at Marilyn with a piercing gaze.
Marilyn frowned slightly and glanced at Austin, who broke the awkward tension.
“Courtney, don’t be afraid, Austin said, forcing a calm tone. “If you have any conditions, just say them”
James chimed in again, his voice taking on a pitiful edge. “You know how little we make at this hospital, Courtney. Even as the dean, my salary isn’t
much. But we’re willing to do whatever it takes to make things right. Just tell us what you need”
Their arguments were flawless. They had already played the sympathy card, and if Courtney asked for more than a million dollars, it would truly seem like extortion.
Courtney stayed silent for a long moment before typing a message and letting the Al voice play, “Vera hired someone to kill me. I was gravely injured. When the police arrived. Vera was still inciting others to commit crimes. She was arrested in the act. The evidence is indisputable
James and Marilyn’s faces darkened Marilyn, scrambling for damage control, forced a smile. “Vera was spoiled by us growing up”
Courtney’s voice played again. “What kind of parents and sister would raise someone as arrogant and vile as Veri–a murderer who incites disgust in everyone!”
James’s Lace contorted with displeasure, but seeing Courtney’s rising anger, he suppressed his frustration
“Courtney, James said, forcing a kind tone, Tve always thought of you as a good kid. I may not have been your direct mentor, but I’ve followed your career. I feel deeply sorry for what you’ve gone through. Vera crossed the line, and we understand that. Please, just tell us what compensation you want, and we’ll make it happen.”
His eagerness to redirect the conversation to money was palpable.
Courtney chuckled coldly, then typed another response. “How much can you offer me
Her question made James and Marilyn freeze, their practiced smiles filtering momentarily.
Marilyn quickly recovered. “Courtney, if it’s money you want, that’s easy. Name a number, and we’ll do our best to meet it”
11:10 AM
Chapter Hi
Doamnek s pistiener wiser then She typed another response
pouse and let the Al voice play. “Yar’re hoping I’ll demand a fror million, right? This isn’t time using thectartic 1000 Once Diame a figure, you’ll pretend it’ciliffs ult, transfer the money, and keep the records as evidence to an extortion. Then vont have ne sprested and thrown in jail. Ami right?”
Courtney’s words were brutally honest.
James’s and Marilyn’s faces immediately stiffened, their carefully crafted masks slipping away.
Even Austin seemed shocked, staring at Courtney as though seeing her in a new light.
Courtney looked at Austin. “Austin, five years have changed me. You’ve realized, haven’t you? I’m not the obedient girl I was back then, am
What hurt her most wasn’t just Austin’s actions–it was the repeated betrayals, the countless times he’d tried to harm her.
Whatever affection she once had for him had been entirely drained,
“Courtney, I didn’t mean-” Austin began, his voice laced with desperation.
Courney shook her head, typing on her phone before letting the Al voice cut then we have nothing more to discuss.”
him o
off. “If this is the kind of underhanded method you want to use.
She stood, intending to leave, but James gestured for Marilyn to block her path.
Courtney chuckled. She thought. Does James really think someone as pampered as Marilyn could stop me?‘
With a swift motion, Courtney pushed Marilyn aside and headed for the door,
Before she could open it, Austin grabbed her from behind, wrapping his arms around her tightly. Fear flickered in his eyes–not for himself, but for what Marilyn and James might do if Courtney walked out.
‘Courtney please,” Austin whispered, his voice trembling. “Sign the settlement. Let’s just end this peacefully.”
Courtney’s eyes blazed with fury. She typed again and let the voice echo in the room. “Are you planning to detain me illegally?”
James’s expression you no good”
grew
cold. “Courtney, let me give you some
some advice. Smart people know when to back down, Crossing the Lewis family will do
He leaned forward, his tone dripping with menace. This entire building is under my control. You might want to think carefully before you act.”
Bang! The office door burst open with a loud crash.
The security guards couldn’t stop Hayden; he entered with a strong presence and pulled Courtney into his arms. His cold gaze swept the room
“What are we discussing?” Hayden asked, his voice low and chilling. “I know sign language. I’ll translate for her.”
