Chapter 58 Spectacular
ANNA'S POV
“Just heard Isabel just stormed off, guess like she’s really giving everyone the attitude.” Dan said, walking into my room, his steps deliberate and his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.
I took off my blue light filter glasses and set my laptop aside, letting it rest gently on the surface of my desk. I ran a hand through my hair, pushing it back from my face, feeling the slight stiffness from hours of work earlier in the lab. The strands resisted slightly, a reminder that I hadn’t had a proper break in a long time.
“You know I don’t wanna sound somehow, but I am sure you know that what she’s doing is completely disrespectful to everyone,” I said, my voice calm but carrying a note of restrained irritation.
“Isabel doesn’t know the word respect, but we’ve learned to live with her the way she is,” Dan said, shrugging as if her constant defiance was nothing new to him.
“Even if she believes she’s right, it still doesn’t give her the right to treat Mom and Dad that way. Something needs to be done,” I said, crossing my arms, my tone sharper now, the frustration bubbling slightly despite my best attempt at composure.
“Don’t let that get you off today. Like I said, this is how she always behaves, she’ll soon burn out. By the way, sorry I couldn’t make it yesterday; I was busy with something. How did everything go?” Dan asked, leaning casually against the door frame, his expression open and curious, clearly expecting a report.
“Well, everything went spectacular,” I said, the corners of my lips lifting slightly into a smile that brightened my face despite the tension of the conversation. “The medication for hepatitis C reacted well with the patients. There were no flaws or complaints — only slow progress, and I think we’re up to a very good start.”
“Just like I thought you would. I didn’t doubt that part for a second. I’m really proud of how far you’ve come, and I know there’s still a lot of good to be done by you in this world,” Dan said, his tone warm, genuinely proud, and supportive.
“Thanks,” I replied, a genuine warmth settling into my chest. “At least I have a sibling who supports me.”
“Let’s talk about a more important matter,” Dan said, his tone shifting slightly, serious now, signaling that the next topic wasn’t just casual conversation.
And as he said that, my curiosity piqued, a small prickle of anticipation running down my spine. What important matter did he want to speak about?
“What matter?” I asked, tilting my head slightly, trying to gauge the seriousness of his expression.
“It’s about Ryan,” he said, pausing as if to see how I’d react before continuing.
“What about him?” I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral while my mind began to quietly process the question.
“What do you think about him?” he asked, leaning slightly closer, his tone casual but expectant.
“Oh, uhm,” I said, momentarily taken aback by the suddenness of the question, trying to gather my thoughts. “Well, I think he’s a cool person to talk to,” I added, shrugging lightly, attempting to keep it casual and noncommittal.
“That’s it?” Dan said, and I could almost hear the disappointment in his voice, the way he had been expecting more from me, expecting me to reveal something I wasn’t ready to admit.
“Was there meant to be more?” I asked, raising my eyebrows slightly, trying to buy myself time while gauging his reaction.
“Well, I thought there would be, but I guess it’s too early,” Dan said, and I immediately knew what he meant by that. He was speaking about the chemistry he thinks is going on between Ryan and me — the way everyone seemed to notice something that I was carefully ignoring.
“I don’t know what you were expecting, but one thing is for sure: I’m not even ready for any of that right now. My full focus is on my current and upcoming businesses,” I said, my tone firm, trying to emphasize the seriousness of my priorities and the intensity of my current workload.
“Nah, you can’t tell me that you don’t feel the chemistry that’s going on between you two. I mean, the writing’s already on the walls — it’s like destiny is calling you guys together,” Dan said, leaning back slightly, his tone teasing but insistent, almost like he was trying to convince me more than anything else.
“I don’t believe in destiny,” I said, shaking my head slightly, “Secondly, I’m sure Ryan is just as busy as I am, so I think you’re the only one seeing these signs. I just have too much on my plate right now to think about going on dates or living life in that way. There are a lot of things I need to work on. Tomorrow, I’ll be launching the new re-engineered drug formula for chronic eczema disease.”
“The one your ex took credit for,” Dan said, a hint of indignation in his voice, as if he couldn’t believe that someone would have dared to take credit for my work.
“No, this is better and more effective,” I said, my voice firm with pride and confidence, a spark of satisfaction brightening my tone.
“And it’s already ready? I didn’t see you planning or working on it, and it’s barely been days since you opened Quinn’s Med, which now has your lab,” Dan said, raising an eyebrow, clearly surprised at the speed of my progress.
“It’s something I’ve done before, so everything is still in my mind. It’s just like solving a puzzle twice — you just have to make some adjustments,” I explained, keeping my tone matter-of-fact, careful to convey my control over the situation and the confidence I had in my abilities.
Before he could reply, there was a small knock on my door, drawing both our attention instantly.
A maid walked in, her posture perfect, her small bow formal yet subtle. Her gaze was directed to the floor, a quiet respect in her demeanor as she addressed us.
“Sorry for disturbing,” the maid said softly, her voice polite, almost apologetic. “There’s a man parked outside the estate. He said his name is James Reed and he would like to speak with you.”