Chapter 8 Two Births in Three Years
"We're not divorced yet!"
Cordelia's frail frame was wrapped tightly in Alaric's suit jacket, making her look even smaller.
Alaric clenched the jacket tightly, his deep eyes showing a hint of anger. No man would tolerate his wife flirting with another man right in front of him, and today Cordelia had crossed that line.
"I get it."
Cordelia tugged slightly at the jacket, and Alaric reluctantly let go, frowning. She lightly bit her red lips, her beautiful eyes lowered to avoid his gaze, and walked past him.
Her nonchalant tone irritated Alaric. He tugged at his tie with a stern expression and looked at Saskia, who was standing nearby.
"Make her something to eat!"
During tonight's dinner, Cordelia had been busy promoting the Stone family's property and hardly ate anything.
Saskia quickly responded, "Yes, Mr. Hughes."
Cordelia went upstairs, entered the bedroom, and tossed Alaric's jacket onto the sofa before heading straight to the bathroom. When she came out of the bathroom, Saskia had already prepared a late-night snack.
"Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Hughes noticed you didn't eat much tonight, so he asked me to make you something."
Cordelia paused, opened the bedroom door, and walked out. She was pregnant, and even if she had no appetite, she needed to eat something. By the time she went downstairs, Alaric was nowhere to be seen. She didn't ask about him either.
Janet's surgery was scheduled for three days later. While Joe was planning the procedure, Alaric sat in to listen. Joe had directly assigned Cordelia to be Janet's surgeon. "Dr. Stone, you've performed thousands of similar surgeries since you joined the hospital. I believe you'll do a great job with Ms. Martin's surgery too."
"For the upcoming evaluations, I'll share some of my experiences with you."
Cordelia frowned, closed the patient's file, and looked at Alaric. She spoke slowly.
"I'll take on this surgery, but Mr. Hughes needs to stay. We need to talk privately."
Janet, sitting quietly next to Alaric, looked confused when Cordelia specifically asked for Alaric to stay.
"What about me?"
Cordelia didn't respond. Alaric looked at her calmly and reassured Janet.
"You wait outside for me."
Janet nodded, got up slowly, and left, looking back repeatedly. Joe and his team also left, leaving only Alaric and Cordelia in the large conference room.
Cordelia, dressed in a pristine white coat with her hair neatly tied back, exuded a more dignified and serious aura. Alaric glanced at her briefly before looking away.
"What do you want to talk about?"
Cordelia reviewed Janet's medical report. The surgery wasn't particularly difficult, and she didn't understand why Alaric insisted on her performing it.
However, since they were so insistent, Cordelia decided to make some demands.
"I can perform Ms. Martin's surgery, but I have a condition."
Alaric raised an eyebrow and glanced at Cordelia before speaking indifferently.
"The Stone Group?"
Cordelia nodded.
Alaric looked at her and smirked. "Dr. Stone, you're overestimating yourself."
A minor surgery, and she wanted his help with the Stone Group. Cordelia remained calm, her beautiful eyes lowered without any emotion.
"It's Mr. Hughes who overestimates Ms. Martin. Since you're so insistent on me doing the surgery, I don't think you'll refuse my request."
With that, Cordelia stood up and left the conference room. Janet had been waiting outside. When she saw Cordelia come out, she greeted her with a smile.
"Dr. Stone."
Cordelia smiled back, but it was a hollow smile.
"If Mr. Hughes truly loves you, he'll agree to my condition. Ms. Martin, there's no need to worry."
Behind her, Alaric's voice rang out.
"Fine. I agree to your condition. But if anything goes wrong with her surgery, you know the consequences."
Alaric gave her a cold look.
Cordelia smiled slightly. "Mr. Hughes, rest assured. Not only will I successfully complete Ms. Martin's surgery, but I'll also make sure she can have two kids in the next three years!"
Alaric's eyes darkened, his expression complex as he glared at her before leaving. Janet hesitated, looking between Cordelia and Alaric before following him.
"Alaric, what did you promise Dr. Stone?"
Alaric truly loved her! Cordelia watched them leave, a self-mocking smile on her lips, before turning back to her office.
She had just sat down when Evelyn called.
"I heard from Dominic that he took you to a business dinner last night. The contract for the property in Southside is ready. Thanks for your hard work."
Evelyn's tone was unusually gentle. Cordelia bit her lip and responded softly.
Evelyn paused for a few seconds before speaking again. "How are things between you and Alaric lately?"
Cordelia bit her lip, took a deep breath, and said slowly, "We're okay. No divorce for now."
Evelyn laughed coldly.
"I heard Alaric's first love is back in the country. He always thought you and Ruth forced them apart. He can't resent his grandmother, so he takes it out on you."
Evelyn's words hit hard, and Cordelia felt a pang in her heart, her expression stiffening.
"Evelyn, I—"
She was cut off by Evelyn.
"In three years, you haven't made him love you. Now that woman is back, your situation will only get tougher."
"I've found you a top-notch divorce lawyer. Men can be replaced, but if you lose your money, it's gone for good. Cordelia, be smart."
"I have a meeting to attend. Goodbye."
Evelyn didn't give Cordelia a chance to respond and hung up. Cordelia sighed, put away her phone, and rubbed her temples, feeling frustrated. Evelyn's words made sense, and she couldn't find any reason to argue.
She patted her cheeks to wake herself up and threw herself into work. There were two more surgeries to handle that afternoon, and Cordelia needed to focus.
Fortunately, both surgeries were relatively simple. After finishing, her assistant handed her a special drink to replenish her energy.
Cordelia waved it away, refusing. These energy drinks weren't good for the baby.
She had made up her mind to keep the child and be a single mother. As she walked back to her office, she saw Janet sitting outside, looking relaxed despite her hospital gown, exuding a surprising vitality.
No wonder Alaric liked her so much.
Janet saw her and smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly as she spoke hesitantly.
"Dr. Stone, I asked other doctors before, and they said my surgery might affect my future fertility."
"You told Alaric that I could have two kids in three years after the surgery. Is that true?"