Chapter 55 Gift
Francis's hands wandered over Jennifer's body, slow and deliberate. She was wearing a long-sleeved dress today, the fabric thin and smooth, slipping under his fingertips in a way that made him linger.
Jennifer caught his wrist, her voice low but firm. "Stop it. What if someone walks in?"
Francis kept his expression perfectly neutral. "I'm performing a physical examination on my patient. It's my duty as a doctor. Is Ms. Brown thinking something inappropriate?"
He was turning it around on her, and she knew it. Her cheeks warmed, a flush creeping up as irritation tangled messily with embarrassment. She swatted his hand away. "Do you examine all your patients like this? Aren't you worried someone will accuse you of harassment?"
"I only do this with you," he said smoothly. "Didn't you enjoy it last night?"
Her breath caught when his fingers pinched the soft flesh at her waist. A laugh slipped out before she could stop it.
A knock at the door broke the moment.
"Dr. Carter," a nurse's voice called from outside, "the equipment's ready. Should we take Ms. Brown for her full body examination now?"
Jennifer stepped back instantly, smoothing the wrinkles from her dress. Francis watched her with amusement. "You're so flustered. If anyone sees you like this, they'll think we've been up to something."
She shot him a glare. He cleared his throat and said, "Come in."
The nurse entered, her eyes catching on the open cookie box on the desk. "Dr. Carter, you two have such a good relationship. You arranged the hospital's most expensive checkup for Ms. Brown, and she brings you cookies. They smell amazing."
Francis slid the box into his drawer. "Want some? Make your own."
Jennifer had baked them herself, and even if he couldn't finish them, he wasn't about to share.
The nurse pouted. "So stingy." Then she led Jennifer off for the tests.
When Jennifer stepped out of the MRI room later, Francis was waiting. The room was empty except for them.
"I need to talk to you," he said. "That man yesterday—his name's Leonard. He's the younger son of the EasyShop Plaza owner."
Jennifer's face drained of color. Even remembering yesterday made her stomach tighten.
Francis rested his hands on her shoulders, his tone steady. "Don't be afraid. You won't run into him again. The Hall family has agreed to cut ties with him and let me handle it."
"Will he be punished?" she asked quietly.
"Yes. I don't want too many people knowing what happened. Once the casino hears the Hall family's kicked him out, the debt collectors will make sure he learns his lesson."
Jennifer shivered. "Isn't that… too much? After all, he didn't actually…"
Francis's eyes hardened. "He offended me. If I let him off easily, anyone will think they can insult me without consequence. He brought this on himself—I'm just adding fuel to the fire. Are you feeling sorry for him?"
His arms tightened around her.
"That's not what I meant," she said, hurt. "Fine. I know you're just telling me, not asking for my opinion."
They parted on tense terms. He didn't follow her.
At home, the butler appeared with a package. "This was delivered this afternoon, Ms. Brown. Mr. Carter's gift for you."
Jennifer took the box, surprised. The sapphire-blue jewelry case had no brand logo—custom-made.
When she opened it, light exploded in her vision. A pink diamond, about three carats, flawless in color and cut, refracted a hypnotic sparkle under the lamp.
The butler's eyes flickered with awe. "This is worth a fortune. At auction, it wouldn't go for less than twenty million." He bowed. "I'll take my leave."
"Thank you," Jennifer murmured, still stunned.
It wasn't just the beauty—it looked exactly like the "Heart of an Angel" necklace from that romance film she loved, the symbol of love between the leads. She'd once posted about it on her WhatsApp Status, never imagining Francis had noticed and commissioned it for her.
What did it mean? Was this more than desire? Jewelry like this wasn't something you gave casually.
When Francis came home, Jennifer met him at the door, helping him out of his coat. "That gift isn't it too expensive?" she asked carefully.
He loosened his tie. "I thought you'd like it." In truth, he'd ordered it long ago—it had just arrived today.
"I do like it," she said quickly. "I've never received something so expensive. I don't know how to repay you."
His arm slid around her waist, his fingers tilting her chin up. "Make me happy. That's the best return."
Her lips parted, soft and unpainted, a natural rosy pink. Francis's mouth claimed hers.
If his words were a hint, the kiss was a demand. Jennifer knew exactly what he wanted—what he'd wanted earlier in his office, and last night. She didn't resist. She hooked her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. His coat slipped from her hands and dropped to the floor with a dull thud.
Francis lifted her thighs, making her wrap them around his waist. The hem of her dress slid upward, teasing bare skin. They kissed against the side cabinet before he carried her to the sofa. She bounced once when he set her down, then his weight pressed her into the cushions, his mouth hot and insistent.
Her breathing grew ragged, her head swimming. When his hand reached behind to unhook her bra, she pushed lightly at his chest. "You haven't showered yet."
He bit her collarbone in mock offense. "Are you disgusted with me?"
"I'm not," she protested. "But don't you have that… cleanliness thing?"
The impulse cooled slightly. He did feel the faint sweat on his skin. He stood, unbuttoning his shirt. "Fine. I'll shower. You wait for me in bed."
"Okay," she said, lowering her gaze, cheeks warm. Just thinking about his intensity made her blush.
Francis couldn't resist kissing her again before heading to the bathroom.
He emerged minutes later, towel in hand, running it through his damp hair. "There's a party in a couple of days. You'll come with me. It's hosted by an elder I'm close to, so be on your best behavior."
"Alright," Jennifer said. "Who is it? What do they like?"