Chapter 24
"Didn't you say you wouldn't leave again so soon? Why such a sudden departure?" Adeline was shocked.
"Do you not want me to go?"
Adeline missed the hopeful look in his eyes. "Of course I don't. You've been treating Lily all this time. I trust your medical skills—I only trust you."
She never felt comfortable with other doctors.
Frank's eyes dimmed. "I see."
"Dr. Nelson, what about Lily if you leave?"
She had tried other doctors before, but found them unreliable.
Adeline was genuinely afraid.
Seeing her anxiety, Frank couldn't bear to upset her further.
"Don't worry. I've arranged a new doctor for Lily—my senior colleague. He's a good person, very principled. You can trust him with Lily's care."
Adeline was immensely grateful. "Thank you, Dr. Nelson."
Frank shook his head, his gaze falling on a small pot on the desk containing a round, spiky cactus.
"Adeline, I'd like to ask a favor."
"Anything. If I can help, I definitely will."
"I want you to have this."
He handed her the cactus.
Adeline had never kept plants before and felt awkward holding the vibrant green cactus.
"This..."
"I'm going to a remote mountain area to provide medical support. I don't know when I'll return, and it's not suitable for me to continue caring for it. Please, take care of it for me."
Worried the spines might prick her, Frank covered the cactus with a black felt cloth.
"I'm afraid I won't take good care of it."
"It's very easy to maintain. Doesn't need much attention. If you have any questions, you can call me." Frank said with a hint of dejection. "I wouldn't trouble you, but I don't have many friends here."
"Alright, I'll keep it."
His expression made it impossible to refuse.
"I'm leaving tomorrow. Don't see me off." Frank smiled. "I don't like farewell scenes. Adeline, I hope we'll meet again."
Goodbyes were always melancholic and lonely.
Adeline nodded. "We will."
She didn't know that after she left, Frank stared at her retreating figure for a very long time.
Only a whispered yearning remained in the office.
"We will meet again. We must."
-
Frank's senior colleague, Dr. Steven Lewis, performed a comprehensive examination on Lily. Only after confirming her recent recovery was satisfactory did he agree to let the child leave the hospital temporarily.
On their way home, Adeline stroked Lily's head.
"Finally out of the hospital. Happy now?"
Lily snuggled into her arms, grinning. "I just prefer being at home."
Hospital expenses were too costly.
She wanted to save Adeline money.
Back at home, Adeline inevitably had to tell Olivia about her contract with Edward.
Olivia was shocked.
"That guy still has feelings for you!"
Adeline sighed. "That's impossible."
"Why not? If he didn't still like you, why would he want you as his assistant?"
"Because I owe him money. Besides, I have a feeling this job won't be easy."
Edward hated her.
That hatred fluctuated but was always present.
Sometimes she couldn't feel it, but that didn't mean he had suddenly forgiven her.
He just buried it deep.
As for rekindling their old flame—she never considered it. She knew better.
That night, Anson sent a message.
[Ms. Brown, please report to the company tomorrow at 8 AM.]
[Understood, thank you.]
Adeline slept soundly that night.
In the morning, she woke up early to prepare breakfast, eating with Olivia and Lily.
After breakfast, Olivia said, "You go to work. Morning rush hour gets congested. I'll take Lily to school."
"Thank you for your help."
Adeline kissed her cheek and hurriedly left with her bag.
Olivia complained playfully, "Ugh, so sappy."
But she was smiling.
-
Adeline left an hour early. The commute normally took twenty minutes—perfect timing without traffic jams.
The journey was surprisingly smooth.
But just as she was about to enter the street leading to the company, a white luxury car came crashing toward them.
The taxi driver swerved hastily, and the two vehicles narrowly missed each other.
When the car stopped, the driver got out and saw the white luxury car. His face immediately drained of color.
This car was worth over a million dollars.
And now there was a scratch on its front.
A woman in uniform stepped out of the car. Her efficient demeanor suggested she wasn't someone to mess with.
"Let's see about compensation."
The taxi driver stood pale and speechless.
Adeline got out of the taxi. The window of the white luxury car lowered, revealing a gorgeous face wearing sunglasses.
Pushing her sunglasses down, Vivian exclaimed, "Oh, it's you. What a small world."
Adeline said, "We were driving normally. You were going the wrong way. This is your fault."
"Is that so?"
Vivian smiled slightly. "Then let's call the traffic police."
Adeline reassured the driver, "Don't worry. You're not at fault. Even if the police come, they can only fine them."
The driver looked grateful, calling her a good person.
But when Adeline tried to leave, the driver grabbed her arm.
"Miss, you can't go! You need to stay and testify for me. I was driving properly, following all traffic laws. They were going the wrong way!"
"I'm sorry, but I have a job interview. Call me if anything comes up—I'll cooperate anytime."
She voluntarily left her phone number.
But the driver wouldn't let go. "I know you're in a hurry, but I'm struggling too! My family depends solely on my income. Just wait a bit. After the police arrive and you give your statement, I'll let you go."
He had seen too many wealthy, powerful people bullying others and twisting facts.
He worried he wouldn't be enough on his own.
He needed Adeline to feel secure.
Adeline was frantic. She turned to see Vivian smiling at her.
That smile...
In an instant, Adeline understood. "You did this on purpose."
Vivian feigned confusion. "What are you talking about? I don't understand."
Adeline looked at the uniformed woman. "You're Vivian's agent, right? Do you condone such childish behavior? She's a public figure. If this gets out, it won't look good for her."
The agent adjusted her glasses. "Our car has been seriously damaged. Since it's a matter of compensation, we should wait for the traffic police."
She deliberately missed the point.
Everyone remained calm and unhurried.
Only Adeline was anxious, repeatedly checking the time.
As 8:00 AM—her reporting time—drew nearer, the traffic police still hadn't arrived.
Adeline walked to the white luxury car.
"Vivian, don't you think this is childish?"
Vivian leaned on the car window, grinning. "Not at all. I find it quite entertaining. Seeing you panic makes me feel wonderful."
She tilted her head, looking cute.
"Besides, we're just cooperating with the police. Everyone's busy—the driver's busy supporting his family, and I'm busy shooting commercials. Don't think your matters are the most important."
"Better settle in for the wait."
Today, she would be late.
Adeline wanted to leave forcefully, but the driver watched her like a hawk.
The clock struck 8:00 AM.
Simultaneously, the traffic police arrived, making it impossible for her to leave.
The police officer inquired about the situation. Adeline cooperated, trying to explain quickly, while texting Anson about the accident.
At Nexis Group.
Anson received the text while facing a visibly irritated Edward.
He quickly read the message aloud.
Edward laughed coldly. "Lying without even trying. Tell her if she's late on her first day, she needn't bother coming at all."