Chapter 20
As Josephine left the hospital, she found herself caught in the rain without an umbrella. Just as she considered ducking back inside, she spotted the familiar Rolls-Royce waiting at the curb.
The driver opened the door, black umbrella in hand. "Mrs. Getty, please get in."
Without making a fuss, Josephine accepted the offer and slid inside.
Cedric sat in the back, eyes fixed on his laptop, clearly deep in work mode. Not wanting to disturb him, Josephine remained silent, sitting quietly near the door.
It was Cedric who finally broke the silence. "How's your progress?"
Josephine paused briefly. "Going well. Don't worry, I won't lose."
Cedric noticed the competitive spark in her eyes—something he hadn't seen in ages—and gave a noncommittal nod. "I have faith in your abilities, but remember—time waits for no one."
He wasn't a philanthropist; he wouldn't wait forever. Capitalists were always ruthless.
"I understand," Josephine replied, unsurprised.
The car stopped at the villa. As Josephine stepped out and watched the Rolls-Royce disappear into the distance, she turned to find Gideon standing there. She had no idea how long he'd been watching.
They faced each other in loaded silence.
Gideon approached slowly. Instead of the anger or interrogation she expected, he calmly took her hand. "Tonight, I'll join you for dinner."
She didn't live at Evercrest Manor anymore. Looking at Gideon's unusually serene expression, Josephine swallowed those words.
Dinner was uncomfortable. Even the most delicious meal becomes tasteless when shared with someone you'd rather not see.
Gideon poured her a glass of wine. "When the Hera Project is complete, I'll take you traveling. We can live abroad for a while."
Josephine looked up. "For how long?"
"As long as you want," Gideon said tenderly. "These past few years, I've been consumed by work, rarely spending time with you. Now that I finally have some freedom, I just want to enjoy our time together."
He took Josephine's hand resting on the table. Her touch was soft, making him reluctant to let go.
Josephine didn't pull away but asked calmly, "You wouldn't mind if we went away for a year or more?"
"As long as I'm with you, anywhere is fine."
The last time he'd been this romantic and affectionate was three years ago. As the company grew, Gideon had poured all his energy and time into the business. This sudden proposal to travel likely wasn't really for her benefit.
"Gideon, are you hiding something from me?" Josephine asked abruptly.
Gideon narrowed his eyes. "Why would you say that?"
"You haven't answered my question."
"Oh, you." Gideon shook his head resignedly. "We're married. What could I possibly hide from you?"
Josephine slowly withdrew her cold hand. Gideon's plan was clever—they'd go away for a year or so, and when they returned, Lorelei would have already given birth. For another woman and their illegitimate child, he was certainly pulling out all the stops.
She really wanted to ask if he ever got tired of the scheming.
Suddenly her phone lit up with a news notification. She glanced at it, her gaze freezing. She quickly grabbed the remote to turn on the television.
The TV cut to breaking news, the anchor's expression grave. "Breaking news: A young woman at Radiant Life Medical Center had her breast unnecessarily removed due to an AI diagnostic system error."
The victim was sobbing at the hospital entrance, holding a sign with blood-red letters: [THE HOSPITAL RUINED MY DAUGHTER'S LIFE!]
Gideon jumped to his feet, frantically trying to call Marshall, but couldn't get through.
Josephine took a casual sip of wine. "You should probably head to the office right away." Marshall had likely already fled. Even if he hadn't, he wouldn't dare show his face now.
Gideon rushed out while Josephine stood up. Outside, the rain poured harder, thunder cracking through the night. She sighed softly. A fool's mistake, yet an innocent young woman had to pay the price... Marshall would have to face consequences!
---
When Gideon arrived at the company, Marshall was nowhere to be found. His assistant was in complete disarray—the young woman was just the tip of the iceberg. After her, four or five more patients came forward, claiming they too had been misdiagnosed and undergone unnecessary mastectomies.
People quickly began investigating where the hospital had sourced its system. It didn't take long for them to discover it came from Starlight Group.
Not only was the hospital entrance blocked by victims and their families, but Starlight Group was similarly surrounded, with employees unable to enter or exit.
Security guards tried to hold people back but didn't dare touch the protesters. If they made contact, the victims would fall to the ground shouting accusations. Starlight Group, already under scrutiny, couldn't afford more trouble.
The guards were helpless as chaos erupted outside Starlight Group's entrance. Gideon worked through the night, finally convincing the victims to leave by morning with promises of accountability.
Exhausted, he returned to Evercrest Manor. The mansion was empty, filled with cold silence. He checked the bedroom; the bed was neatly made, untouched. He rubbed his face, suddenly feeling lonely. He grabbed his car keys and left.
---
Josephine was taking out the trash when she saw Gideon at her door, apparently about to unlock it. Before she could speak, he pulled her into an embrace.
"Jojo, I'm so tired."
She was about to pull away but stopped when she heard his words. Gideon closed his eyes, feeling the fullness and warmth of holding her, his weary heart finding momentary comfort. But the glass door behind him reflected Josephine's expressionless face.
Sometimes, Josephine had to admire Gideon. Apart from that initial embrace, he instantly recovered his composure, appearing completely unaffected.
Though he said nothing, she had to ask. "What do you plan to do next?"
Gideon was pouring water and paused briefly. "We'll compensate where needed, apologize where appropriate. Whoever is responsible will face the consequences."
"Can you really do it?"
The situation couldn't be clearer—it was Marshall's fault. A simple investigation would reveal his tampering, showing how his stupidity caused all this. But Marshall was Lorelei's brother.
"He's just an employee. Why would I hesitate?" Gideon took a sip of water, his voice cold. "Just because he's not coming to work doesn't mean I can't find him."
Josephine gave a slight laugh.
Gideon looked up. "What's so funny?"
"Even if you find him, then what?" Josephine sat down on the couch. "That fool—even if you make him take responsibility, will that calm public outrage? Your research team doesn't have the capability to clean up this mess."
Gideon stared at her. "What are you suggesting?"
"I can solve this for you, on one condition—you transfer the system's property rights to me."