Chapter 16
Chapter 16
THE CARTER MANSION
The maid poured some tea into the elderly man's cup before gently setting the ceramic pot back on the table. The elderly man laughed at his daughter-in-law's remarks as he observed her take a biscuit from the plate and eat it. "Yes, Violet, I agree with you. After his time at the hospital, Mason will begin to mature. I told you it was a good idea to enroll him in the medical program after all. He will now complete the family and become a doctor." The elderly man waves his hand frantically in the air. "A doctor's family."
Violet chuckled at the word. “I know, father. Your plan is always good, but Roland should have joined as well so that everyone in the family would have a medical degree." Hearing Roland's name caused the elderly man to scowl. Violet became aware and immediately remained silent. She doesn’t understand why her father-in-law favors Roland less than he does Mason. Although he was born outside of wedlock, he is also his grandson. Violet switched the subject. "By the way, does Mason have mentors at the hospital? Someone who can impart knowledge to him when he needs it. You know he needs one. He is only just starting out.”
The elderly man's mouth curled into a smile. “Violet, you don't have to be concerned about that. I had already entrusted a woman with taking care of him. She works hard and has ambition.”
“A woman?” She asked. “Father, why am I just learning about this woman and who is she?” On the table, she dropped the cup. Violet reached for the ceramic kettle to fill her cup, but the maid came over to help her. Violet held up her hand to stop the maid in her tracks. “I will do it. Thank you.” With a smile, she gave the maid a quick glance before turning her attention to the kettle. She filled her cup again and set the kettle down once more on the table. “Father, who is this girl?” She reached for the cup and leaned her back against the chair. “I do not want her to interfere with Mason's ability to concentrate on getting better at the hospital, for whatever reason.”
"That will never occur." The elderly man gritted his teeth.
"You seem very assured."
He leaned in close to his daughter-in-law. “You know the girl.”
There was no change in Violet's expression. She was only bending to grab another biscuit. “Father, I know lots of girls.”
“She is the daughter of Mr. Khan.” Violet immediately turned her attention to her father-in-law when she heard that name.
Khan's daughter might actually be a great help to her son if it was the same Khan that she had imagined. Khan had been her friend for a very long time. Along with his younger brother, Philip, they had attended the same medical school.
She was devastated to learn that Philip had passed away, along with his wife. She also discovered that their only child, Eren, had lost his vision as a result of the accident.
Violent had always known Khan to be an intelligent man, so she had no doubt that his daughters would share this trait. Despite the fact that his brother Phillip had built the hospital, he never once allowed anyone to question whether Khan was the true owner or not, given how closely they were knit.
She was a very close friend of theirs, so she was aware of the fact that they were half brothers, which wasn't exactly obvious either. When Khan's mother, an Indian woman, passed away, his father wed Phillip's mother, an American.
“Go on. Which one of them?” Violet asked.
“The oldest daughter, I like her. Because of her high level of ambition, Emily is not the type to be sidetracked by anything.”
“But Father, you ought to have informed me of it at the very least. Mason is both my son and, as I am aware, your grandson."
The old man rolled his eyes. If he had told his daughter-in-law before making the choice, she would have objected. She had periodically stopped by the mansion ever since his son passed away from cancer four years prior to see how Mason was doing. Mason staying with his mother had been a decision he had argued against. He believed that since Mason was the heir, the mansion was the ideal place for him to stay.
His gaze shifted to the maid, who was standing some distance away from them. "What time is it?" After noticing how dark it was, he inquired.
“7:45 pm.” The maid gave a reply.
"And my son is still not home," As she reached for another biscuit, Violet sighed. When she saw that the plate was empty, she leaned back against the chair once more.
“He is a doctor. He may choose to remain in the hospital.”
“But, the hospital isn’t comfortable. My poor son will inflict back damage. I slept in a hospital bed while completing my internship there, so I am aware of how uncomfortable they are.”
The elderly man was becoming frustrated with his daughter-in-law. "You need to go right away. It has turned dark.”
Violet exhaled. “Why are you chasing me away, Father? If I stay here tonight, it won't hurt.” The elderly man's eyes narrowed as he heard what she said.
“No. I won't let you spend the night here. Return home."
Violet gave a vicious eye-roll. Her father-in-law hardly ever gives anything to her. Never once was he partial to her, and things got worse after his son passed away. “Fine. I'm going to go. But tomorrow, I'll be here again.”
“To do what?” She got up, and he looked at her and questioned. Violet reached for her bag while adjusting her dress.
“To see my son, Bye, father. Take good care of yourself. It is very important.” Violet turned to face the maid. "Take the old man inside; it's too cold outside. It will be too much for his health to handle.”
“Yes ma’am.” The maid motioned to the other maids as they drew nearer. She helped the elderly man to stand up and took him into the mansion as they bowed to pick up the table's empty plates and cups.
“Come on in.” Roland heard a knock at the door and looked up to see Mason. The file he was signing was where he buried his head once more.
Mason smiled as he approached Roland. He threw the bag he was carrying onto the couch. “You are still working?” Standing a few inches away from his brother, Mason questioned.
While looking at his brother, Roland closed the file. "What's keeping you at the hospital, anyway? Won’t you go home? Or will you be working the night shift?”
Mason shook his head. “No. You were the one I was waiting for so we could both go home.”
Roland sighed. “What are you up to this time?” He asked.
“Nothing. I swear. I am not onto anything.”
As he reached for his bag, Roland put the pen he was holding away. "Then get into your car and drive home. When you have a car, you don't need me to drive you anywhere.”
Mason returned to the sofa and sat down. "Please give me a ride, I really need it. I'm going crazy because of Emily." Roland laughed. “Do not laugh.” Mason said, as he cast a quick glance at his sibling. He placed his hand behind his neck and tried to crack his neck from side to side. “She made me do every task. There were also other newcomers present. She may be taking it personally, I believe.”
“And why do you think that?" Roland couldn't help but laugh.
“She was curious about how well I did on practicals after seeing my grades.” Then Mason sighed. “I don’t like her.”
Roland slid the files into the drawer and got to his feet. "She just wants you to get better, that's all. Don't give this too much thought. You will probably feel exhausted because it is your first day. You won't feel anything once you get used to it.”
Mason groaned. "You speak as if it is that simple."
“Because it is. When a doctor enjoys his work, he won't even experience fatigue. Look at Emily, for instance. She isn't worn out. She works like a robot. She is definitely working the night shift again tonight.”
“Well, you're not entirely wrong.” As Roland approached him, he got to his feet. "Let's go," said Mason as he picked up his bag and carried it.
“I'm still not giving you a ride home,” Roland said as they approached the door. “If Grandpa learns that you went to eat fast food once more, he will discipline me. You witnessed what happened the last time.”
“I am sorry for that. It was all my fault, but I am a grown man now. I am no longer in medical school, so I am free to do and eat whatever I want.”
Roland shook his head. "No, brother, you can't do what you want to do because you are the heir. Grandpa must always be obeyed. He'll be pleased with you if you do that. Let's leave.” Roland closed the door to his office and locked it. “I'll give you a ride this time, but after that, you're free to eat and drink as you please outside by yourself with your vehicle. And while you're having fun, remember that shrimp are off-limits. You react negatively to it.”
Mason groaned. "Let's move. Quit offering me advice. Dad.” He rolled his eyes. Mason teased, as they made their way out of the hospital, making them both laugh.