Donovan watched Chloe, guessing that she had had ulterior motives the night she slept with him. Otherwise, how could her phone have just so happened to be left in the room? Yet, her swift refusal made him reassess her to some extent. Of course, if she were to change her mind later, he would only despise her more. After all, playing hard to get was a well-worn tactic, and using it with him would only result in humiliation.
"Alright, then leave," he dismissed her coldly.
Back in her office, Chloe realized she wasn't angry, just chilled to the bone.
But since she had already refused Donovan's request, she decided not to dwell on it.
What mattered most now was staying at the company. After all, New East International Group's compensation package was unmatched throughout Maple Valley.
Chloe received a WhatsApp message from her older brother, Jacob Baker.
Jacob: [Chloe, the doctor says you need to come by the hospital at four this afternoon.]
This only added to Chloe's irritation.
Chole: [I'm still at work at four.]
Jacob: [Then you'll have to talk to the doctor yourself.]
Chloe knew it was pointless to argue with Jacob. It was three o'clock now, and if she had to be at the hospital by four, she'd need to leave at half past three, which meant asking for time off from the financial director.
The thought sent a tingling sensation down Chloe's scalp. She was undeniably exceptional. Graduating at the top of her class as an accounting major, she had introduced innovative accounting methods at work, garnering praise from her superiors. However, her frequent need to take leave posed challenges, particularly during this critical period when decisions regarding intern retention were underway.
Indeed, when she asked for leave, Financial Director James Turner said, " Chloe, your performance has been commendable, but your frequent absences are becoming a concern. How can I accurately evaluate your internship if you're not consistently present? You do intend to continue with New East Group, correct?"
"Director, New East Group is such a great company, of course, I'd like to stay. But I really have a pressing matter to attend to. I'll make up the time by working late when I return," Chloe said with a subdued tone.
James Turner granted her leave with reluctance, and Chloe left to take the bus to Maple Valley General Hospital.
Chloe's mother had been lying in the hospital's neurology ward for two years.
"Chloe, it's time to pay your mother's hospital bills again. Did you bring the money today?" Dr. Johnson, Chloe's mother's long-time physician who was familiar with their family dynamics, understood that it was always Chloe who took on the responsibility of managing their mother's medical expenses, not Jacob.
"No. I won't get my paycheck until a couple of days from now." Embarrassed by her lack of funds, Chloe hung her head low.
"Well, you need to hurry up. If you keep this up, the hospital will have to take action."
"I understand, I'll do my best." Chloe nodded, her demeanor subdued.
After visiting her mother, who had been on oxygen all this time, Chloe left. In two years of talking to her mother, she had yet to receive any response.
Chloe's father had once been a project manager on a construction site, and their family of four had lived harmoniously.
But six years ago, during a construction project, her father tragically fell from over twenty stories and passed away. The event had a devastating impact on Chloe's mother, leading to her subsequent disorientation and a car accident. The compensation from her father's death, combined with the settlement from the car owner, had sustained her mother's hospital costs for over five years, but eventually, the funds dwindled.
As the money began to run out, Chloe took on part-time work at school and tutored to pay for the hospital bills. Jacob suggested that they unplug their mother from the oxygen to save money, but Chloe thought that was inhumane and couldn't bear the thought. She felt determined to keep her mother's hope alive, even as the weight of responsibility and her own aspirations seemed to clash at every turn.
At that moment, Chloe held her mother's hand tightly in her own. "Mom, I'm preparing for the CPA exam now," she whispered with fervent hope in her voice. "You have to bless me to pass because once I do, my salary could multiply, and I could even be making a million a year. Then, paying for your medical bills will be no problem at all."
Chloe offered a smile to Hollis, who did not respond. For six years, Chloe had held onto the hope that Hollis would suddenly open her eyes and speak to her, caressing Chloe's head as she had when Chloe was a child.
"I have to get back to work. I haven't passed the CPA exam yet, and right now, it's crucial that I stay with New East International Group." Chloe bolstered her own spirits.
Staying at New East International Group meant a steady income. At the very least, she could pay the rent and afford her mom's medical expenses. But her frequent leaves of absence meant that keeping her position at New East was also becoming a challenge.