Chapter 6 Cancel Other Surgeries and Clear the Schedule
Joe had a big grin on his face as he brought Cordelia over to Alaric, ready to make the introduction. But before he could say a word, Cordelia, usually so gentle and kind, spoke up first.
"I'm not doing the surgery."
Her words stunned both Joe and Janet.
Janet quickly jumped in, "Why not?"
Joe looked at Cordelia, clearly anxious, echoing Janet's question with his eyes.
Cordelia forced a smile as she glanced at Alaric.
"My schedule's packed. I just don't have the time."
"We've got plenty of top-notch doctors in our department. Dr. Watson's really good in this area. He'll be perfect for Ms. Martin's surgery."
Joe's face lit up at Cordelia's praise, and he was about to volunteer when Alaric's calm voice cut through.
"Cancel your other surgeries and make the time."
Alaric stood solidly in front of Cordelia, his expression unchanged but exuding undeniable authority.
He shifted his gaze from Cordelia to Joe, asking, "Can it be arranged?"
Joe glanced between Cordelia and Alaric, sensing some strange tension. But thinking of the bigger picture, he didn't hesitate, "Sure thing."
He then tugged on Cordelia's sleeve and whispered, "I'll handle your minor surgery tomorrow. Just focus on Ms. Martin's. The hospital's investment is riding on this."
Cordelia frowned, clearly resisting, and looked directly at Alaric.
"My mental state hasn't been great lately. Are you really comfortable trusting your girlfriend to me, Mr. Hughes?"
"After all, accidents happen in surgery. You should be careful."
Joe's face went stiff, and he quickly smiled awkwardly, apologizing to Alaric.
"Dr. Stone must be really tired. Please don't take it personally, Mr. Hughes."
Cordelia's face darkened as she turned to leave, spotting Dominic waiting for her not far away.
Dominic waved at her with a smile, noticing her fatigue. He walked over and gently tousled her hair, his eyes full of tenderness.
"Why do you look like you're about to collapse from exhaustion?"
"You seem exhausted; maybe we should cancel tonight's date."
Cordelia suddenly remembered Dominic had planned to introduce her to some real estate tycoons. Selling the Stone family's unused land could really help them out.
"No, tonight's date is definitely on."
"I'm not tired at all."
She immediately brightened up, heading to her office to change out of her uniform before leaving with Dominic.
Janet watched Cordelia leave, her tone slightly envious.
"Dr. Stone's boyfriend really loves her. He drops her off at work in the morning and picks her up in the evening."
As she spoke, she slowly looked up at Alaric standing beside her. His face was dark, his deep eyes tinged with some unknown anger, his gaze icy.
"I'll have Robert assist with your admission."
"I have other matters to attend to. I'll be leaving now."
Alaric's face remained cold as he stepped into the elevator without another word.
Janet stood there, watching the elevator doors close, her hand clenched tightly at her side.
Dominic led Cordelia straight to the restaurant.
Inside the private room, there were only three empty seats left; the rest were already taken.
Dominic entered the room, pulled out a chair for Cordelia, and apologized to everyone with a smile.
"Sorry, traffic was a nightmare. We're late. Thanks for waiting."
The attendees were all big shots in the Shadowpine business circle.
The Gray family, a long-established name in Shadowpine, had kept their connections strong despite not expanding locally in recent years.
Dominic, now the head of the Gray family, naturally commanded respect.
"No worries, we just got here ourselves."
"But since you're late, you owe us three drinks."
Dominic accepted with a grin.
As dinner commenced, Dominic was attentive to Cordelia. Their close relationship earned goodwill for the Stone Group from the attendees.
When the conversation turned to the Stone Group's projects, Cordelia spoke confidently, and with Dominic's backing, some attendees showed interest in buying the land.
"The city's development is shifting towards the northwest. The Stone Group's land in the south won't be worth much for the next decade, not a great investment."
"Mr. Gray just returned from abroad and needs to get up to speed with Shadowpine's market and development."
Alaric's voice cut in from the doorway, calm but with a hint of mockery.
His arrival made everyone stand.
"Mr. Hughes, you said you had urgent matters and couldn't make it. We started without you, our bad."The organizer quickly stood to greet Alaric, offering his seat.
"Mr. Hughes, please sit here."
Alaric ignored the offer, instead pulling out the chair next to Cordelia and sitting down.
Cordelia felt the tension rise and immediately straightened her back.
She knew Alaric wouldn't let her off easy!
She hadn't expected him to sabotage the Stone Group's business.
The atmosphere grew tense. Cordelia bit her lip and glanced at Alaric.
Alaric looked calmly at her, his composed demeanor as if he hadn't just disrupted her business.
The attendees resumed their seats, trying to ease the tension.
Cordelia pressed her lips together, steadying her emotions, and prepared to speak when Dominic beat her to it.
"Not necessarily."
"Mr. Hughes may have forgotten about the old church in the south."
Alaric's eyes darkened, his gaze lingering on Cordelia and Dominic for a few seconds.
Cordelia saw the mockery in his deep eyes. As Alaric prepared to refute Dominic, she quickly reached under the table and placed her hand on his leg.
If he kept talking, the land might not sell!
Her soft, delicate hand suddenly on his leg made Alaric's eyes twitch slightly. His inscrutable gaze fell on her slender hand.
The spot she touched felt like it was igniting a small flame.
Meanwhile, Cordelia maintained a calm demeanor, turning to him with a forced smile.
"Mr. Hughes, while the south isn't part of the city's central plan, converting the old church into a commercial district and tourist attraction could also hold commercial value, don't you think?"
Alaric looked at her, his long eyes narrowing slightly, as if contemplating.
Cordelia's nerves tightened.
She knew the Stone family's chance to sell the south land depended on Alaric's response.
Her beautiful almond eyes flickered and stayed fixed on Alaric. She was afraid he would say something to weaken her argument.
"Yes."
Alaric replied softly, his usual indifferent tone now slightly hoarse.
"Such a plan does have value."
Relieved, Cordelia slowly withdrew her hand.
But in the next moment, Alaric grabbed her hand directly.