Chapter 32
"Ms. Spencer? Yara's test results are in. If you have a moment, you could come by the hospital."
Victoria set the file aside, her lips tightening into a thin line. "Okay, thank you. I'll find some time to come over."
She hadn't expected the report to be ready so quickly. Her hand curled into a fist on her desk before she consciously forced it to relax, taking a long, slow breath. The doctor's tone, at least, had been calm, devoid of the urgency that usually signaled bad news. It didn't seem like there was a major problem.
Maybe she could leave work early. The thought was a tempting whisper, pulling her toward certainty. She needed to see that report with her own eyes.
Lately, Victoria's designs had been exceptional, bringing a significant influx of business to the firm. When she approached Xanthe to request the afternoon off, her boss didn't scold her but instead offered a warm smile.
"I've seen how hard you've been working, Victoria. If you have something to take care of, go on and take the rest of the day. You can come in tomorrow afternoon." Xanthe signed the leave slip with a flourish. "Get some rest. I have another important project for you in a couple of days."
"Thank you so much," Victoria said, a wave of gratitude washing over her. "I'll keep doing my best."
The drive to the hospital took less time than she'd anticipated. As she arrived, she nearly collided with Dr. Kai Rodriguez, who was stepping out of his office.
"Dr. Rodriguez," she began, gesturing toward his office door. "I'm here to see Yara's test results. Do you have a minute to talk inside?"
He recognized her immediately, his professional smile softening.
"Here is Yara's diagnostic report, along with the matching results," he said, his tone gentle as he handed her a thick file. He watched her discreetly, his gaze kind. She was, he had to admit, a striking woman. It was no wonder Rhea had taken such a liking to her. Perhaps Mr. Windsor really would be captivated. "Take your time looking it over. If there's anything you don't understand, just let me know."
Victoria accepted the file and scanned the pages, her eyes racing over the medical jargon. The summary was positive: Yara's overall condition was stable, the donor's health was excellent, and the compatibility was high. The sheer volume of text was overwhelming, so she forced herself to focus only on the most critical sections.
"Given Yara's age, my recommendation is to proceed with the surgery as soon as possible," Kai said, his voice soft but firm. "Of course, if you have other considerations, we can adjust the timeline. This is just my professional advice." He gave her a sincere look. "You have my contact information. Let me know what you decide."
Victoria didn't need to think. The answer was already there, solid and unshakable. "Please schedule the surgery, I'll handle everything else. All that matters is my daughter's health."
Her only priority was Yara's well-being. As for Aiden… a shadow crossed her face, her expression hardening. She wouldn't let anyone interfere with Yara's chance at a healthy life. Even if the odds were stacked against her, she would fight. No one would stand in her way.
Unaware of the storm brewing inside her, Kai nodded. He took back the file and pointed to a specific paragraph. "We'll need to be particularly careful with Yara's diet during this period."
The moment she stepped out of the hospital's automatic glass doors, Victoria had her phone in hand. Her expression was a mask of cool composure as she dialed a familiar number. It rang several times before a clipped, impatient voice finally answered.
"What is it?" Aiden sounded busy, his tone frayed with annoyance.
"Yara's results are back," Victoria said, fighting to keep her voice even. "The doctor says we need to schedule the surgery soon. You made me a promise. It's time to keep it." She gripped her phone, the plastic shell growing warm against her skin. "I need a confirmed date for the surgery. That shouldn't be too difficult for you, right?"
Silence stretched across the line, thick and unnerving. When Aiden finally spoke, his voice was laced with a cold, mocking amusement. "I did promise you, that's true. But I never said I would be responsible for everything." He let out a short, derisive laugh. "I found the kidney donor. As far as I'm concerned, my part is done. I won't be responsible for anything else. That includes the surgical fees."
He enunciated the last words with deliberate, cruel precision.
"Aiden, what are you talking about?" Victoria's jaw clenched so tightly it ached. "Are you saying that just because you found a donor, you can wash your hands of the whole thing? Yara is your child, too!"
She knew he was ruthless, knew he had never truly cared for Yara. But she had never imagined this. Even as he fought for custody, he was capable of this breathtaking betrayal. How dare he. The fury inside her was a wildfire, threatening to consume her completely. Her eyes burned, and her voice trembled with the effort of holding herself together.
"I've said my piece," Aiden stated, his voice flat and devoid of emotion. "I'm not getting involved any further. You figure out the hospital costs yourself. There's no point in discussing it." He delivered the final blow with chilling indifference. "If you can't pay for the surgery, then you might as well sign over custody now. Save her the misery of having a useless mother like you."
The line went dead.
Victoria stood frozen on the sidewalk, the city's noise fading into a dull roar. She took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to stifle the rage. 'Aiden.' Her vision swam with red. She wanted to tear him apart.
But that wouldn't help Yara.
'No. I have to find a way.' The surgery was happening. She would make it happen.
After a moment of frantic thought, she flagged down a taxi and gave the driver the address of her office building.
"You’re asking for a two-month salary advance?"
"Yes. Something has come up."
Chase was on his way to retrieve a file when he heard the familiar, strained voice. 'Ms. Spencer?' He paused, his curiosity piqued, and peered through the narrow gap in the blinds of Xanthe's office. It was her.
Victoria stood before her boss, her gaze fixed on the floor. "My daughter needs surgery, and I have to cover the fees," she explained, her voice low and tight with shame. "I was wondering if it would be possible to get an advance on my salary. Or even a loan. I'll pay it back as soon as I can."
Her posture was one of complete desperation. She had clearly run out of options.
Chase didn't stay to hear the rest. He turned on his heel, grabbed the report he'd come for, and headed back to the elevator, his mind racing. He felt distracted and unsettled as he entered the executive suite.
"Is there a problem?" Edward's voice, cool and sharp, cut through his thoughts. He glanced up from the document he was signing, his gaze pinning Chase to the spot. "The report."
The icy tone was enough to snap Chase back to reality. He hesitated for a fraction of a second. "Mr. Windsor, I just overheard something downstairs about Ms. Spencer."
Edward's hand, poised to sign his name, stilled for a moment. "What is it now?" He asked, his voice a low monotone. He didn't even look up, but Chase felt a strange sense of relief.
"It seems Ms. Spencer's daughter needs an operation soon. She was in Xanthe's office asking for a salary advance. She didn't look well." He watched his boss's face, searching for any reaction.
Edward remained silent for a long moment. When he finally spoke, his expression was unreadable, his voice as placid and cold as ever. "Do you have too much free time on your hands?"