Chapter 22
"As for Yara's kidney donor, I'll figure it out once I get custody."
Aiden’s tone sharpened with suspicion. “You sign the custody waiver first, and then I’ll handle Yara’s treatment. How about that?"
He was eager to secure Yara’s custody as soon as possible, so he could settle the matter of the shares sooner.
To avoid any complications, he had to find a way to make her agree right away.
Victoria lowered her eyes, a bitter smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Just as she thought—Aiden definitely had ulterior motives.
Victoria had never seen him so eager for Yara's custody before. Why the sudden change of heart?
What did Yara really mean to him?
Victoria closed her eyes, her tone firm. "Do you think, after what happened last time, I can still trust you? If you don't agree to my terms, I don't think we have anything more to discuss."
For once, she was being tough.
When it came to Yara, she wouldn’t back down!
Pressing her lips together, she added, “Until Yara’s illness is cured, I won't agree to give you custody. Now, it's up to you whether you'll agree or not."
She appeared calm.
But if Aiden were sitting across from her right now, he would definitely notice her trembling hands and tightly pressed lips.
She was nervous too.
Aiden, oblivious to her inner turmoil, fell silent, frowning as he weighed his options.
Should he agree or not?
He didn't care about Yara's health, nor did he care whether she could find a kidney donor.
But he needed the shares mentioned in the will. Aiden's gaze fell on the floor in front of him, his thin lips pressed lightly together.
Only this way could he fully consolidate his position in the Smith Group.
"Well?" Victoria didn't wait for him to think, speaking up. "As long as Yara's illness is cured, I absolutely won't fight you for custody. This shouldn't be a losing deal for you, right?"
Her tone barely maintained its calm, but the tension in her heart hadn't lessened at all.
Cold sweat seeping from her palms almost made her unable to hold onto her phone.
Despite her tough words, she still hoped Aiden would agree.
Nothing was more important than Yara's health.
Aiden gritted his teeth. "Fine, I agree."
His tone was gloomy, carrying a threat. "But before that, I don't want any accidents to happen. Understand?"
Victoria let out a long breath, the smile at the corner of her lips becoming more genuine.
She answered decisively, "Of course! But first you need to find a kidney donor, then we can talk about what comes next."
This matter was settled for now.
Aiden snorted coldly. "You'd better know your place!"
The call ended, leaving Victoria in silence.
Only now did she notice her back was drenched with cold sweat.
The office was empty, and even the wind that blew in met no obstacles, brushing past her and bringing waves of cold.
Victoria pressed her lips together, pushed aside unnecessary thoughts, lowered her head, and continued working on her design draft.
At the same time.
Outside the Smith Group CEO's office.
Bianca stood at the door, withdrawing her hand from the doorknob.
Her expression was ugly, and she was still holding the meal she'd brought for Aiden.
Why was it about Victoria again?
Aiden wanted custody of Yara?
Why?
Could it be that he had actually grown fond of the child Victoria bore?
Bianca's delicate brows furrowed tightly. She looked up and stared deeply at the door for a moment, then turned and left without hesitation.
No way.
She had to investigate this properly.
If Yara really ended up living with them, it would drive her crazy!
She absolutely would not let anyone threaten her future children’s claim to the family fortune!
A flash of viciousness crossed Bianca's eyes.
Even if it was also Aiden's child, it made no difference!
It was time to finish what she hadn't completed at the hospital before.
As she walked out, she pulled out her phone. “Hello? I need something done. The price is negotiable…"
The hospital wasn't crowded today, but the doctors were still hurrying about, moving between various wards.
Bianca leaned against the wall, then slipped into an office.
Her movements were light, her expression normal—no one noticed anything wrong.
"Ms. Johnson, you weren’t clear on the phone earlier. Why not spell it out? I’ll see what I can do?"
The middle-aged man in a white coat smiled obsequiously, showing a hint of greed. "After all, different tasks mean different payments, right?"
Bianca frowned in displeasure and spoke irritably, "I'm just asking you to switch that child's medication with vitamin tablets. As for payment, don't worry—you won't be shortchanged."
The man wanted to say more, but she had already lost patience.
Bianca's beautiful eyes glared. "If you don't want to agree, I'll find someone else. Stop dragging this out."
Afraid the opportunity would slip away, the man agreed without much thought.
Only then did Bianca smile with satisfaction. She took a bottle of medicine from her bag and handed it to the man.
"As long as you do this properly, I won't treat you badly. But if you mess it up..."
Bianca's red lips curved slightly as she threatened, "You won't want to know the consequences."
The man stiffened and nodded repeatedly.
Bianca turned on her heel, leaving him trembling behind her.
As she stepped into the corridor, her mood brightened.
She had specifically instructed the man to make sure to act when Victoria wasn't there.
Now.
Let's see how Victoria could save her daughter!
Thinking of Victoria’s potential despair, Bianca’s smile grew.
Meanwhile, in another hospital office.
"Mrs. Windsor, if you really want to confirm, why not just arrange a DNA test? Coming to look like this every day isn't really practical."
Kai frowned slightly, looking somewhat helpless. "Besides, what can you really see through a window? Why don't I just arrange..."
Rhea's purpose was clear, and she shook her head. "That child seems shy around strangers. It's not good to act rashly. I'm waiting for the right moment."
Her steps weren't fast, but they were steady.
Kai was also helpless, but he had urgent matters and had to leave first.
He had barely walked a few steps.
Suddenly, Rhea's brows furrowed tightly, and her steps quickened.
Usually, that little girl's hospital room door was always tightly closed. Why was there a gap today?
Something was wrong.
The bodyguard beside her followed closely, scanning the surroundings.
"You two, go check it out quickly!"
Rhea's age was what it was—though her health was good, her speed still couldn't match that of young people.
The two bodyguards exchanged glances. One quickly pushed open the hospital room door, while the other stood by Rhea's side to protect her, alertly scanning the entire room.
"Who are you!" A sharp cry suddenly came from inside the room.
Rhea's heart sank heavily. Without thinking, she rushed in.
No way!
No, she would not let anyone harm her granddaughter!
She would protect her, no matter what!