Chapter 44 Wesley's Outburst
Matthew slid into his car, holding his phone at a distance as Wesley's angry voice blasted through the speaker.
"I've never seen anyone as stupid as you. God, when you're out in public, please don't tell people you're my friend. I can't handle that embarrassment!"
Matthew held his phone even further away and rubbed his ear.
"Don't be so hot-tempered. I did exactly what you suggested—showing Olivia my love for animals."
"Your so-called 'love for animals' involves hauling truckloads of injured animals to the pet hospital? Were you trying to work your wife to death in the operating room?"
Wesley's roar grew even louder. Matthew worried that if Wesley were standing in front of him, he'd be spraying spit all over his face.
"Then what did you mean?" Matthew asked cautiously.
The phone went suddenly silent.
"Has your family's hospital researched your brain along with your allergies? Matthew, your emotional intelligence seriously scares me," Wesley said, his voice filled with pity, which made Matthew feel quite down.
"I meant you should find one stray animal—a sick one—and take it to the pet hospital. That would show her your kindness... But it's too late now. She probably thinks you're an idiot."
Matthew carefully considered Wesley's words, realizing his friend's method would have been more effective.
"Fine, buddy, you have a point. But have you forgotten I've never dated before?"
"Stop using your lack of dating experience as an excuse, you moron!"
Wesley continued cursing, his words sounding very harsh. Matthew set the phone aside and covered his ears.
If anyone else had spoken to him like that, Matthew would have ensured they wouldn't see tomorrow's sunrise. But Wesley was different—they'd grown up together, and his friend had earned the right to scold him.
When the cursing finally stopped, Matthew cautiously brought the phone back to his ear.
"So what should I do now?"
Matthew asked tentatively, and Wesley fell silent again.
Matthew waited patiently. After a few seconds, Wesley finally responded.
"Isn't your wife's brother still in the hospital? Since your wife is so busy, why don't you visit him on her behalf?"
Matthew nodded seriously when suddenly Wesley's voice exploded through the phone again.
"This time, just bring flowers or some fruit or snacks—nothing else! The most important thing is to talk with him and learn more about Olivia!"
Wesley's thunderous voice startled Matthew so badly that he almost dropped his phone.
"Relax, I'm not that dumb! It's just a conversation. I'll bring some fruit tomorrow, that's all."
With that, Matthew hung up and exhaled deeply. Various expensive gift ideas had flashed through his mind—sports cars, watches, and other luxury items.
"This guy is terrifying. He always knows what I'm thinking. I should keep my distance from him," Matthew muttered, scrolling through his phone contacts. After being scolded by Wesley, he needed someone to vent his frustration on.
Suddenly, Matthew's finger paused on a familiar number. A mischievous smile crossed his lips.
"You'll do just fine."
Matthew called Nolan. The phone rang for a few seconds before connecting.
"Matthew, you calling me? That's rare."
Hearing that smooth yet somehow irritating voice, Matthew's lips curled into a sneer.
"I met someone yesterday who claimed to be Nolan. We chatted for a bit. Turns out he has the same father as you and works for the same company."
Silence fell on the other end of the line. After a while, Nolan asked, "Did you run into a scammer?"
Matthew burst into laughter, nearly crying from amusement.
"You guessed it—definitely a scammer. The guy's been using your name to con who knows how many women. He tricked my wife's sister this time, and I happened to catch him. But honestly, he must have seen you before because he dressed exactly like you..."
Matthew channeled all his frustration with Wesley onto Nolan. His laughter was so grating that Nolan finally exploded.
"You bastard! When I get back to the country, I'm going to punch you hard. And that scammer—I won't let him get away with this."
Nolan angrily hung up after his outburst.
Matthew wiped away tears of laughter, feeling much better. Remembering Wesley's advice, he stopped by a nearby supermarket to buy fruit before heading to the hospital.
At the pet hospital, Olivia switched off the surgical lights and stretched her aching back. Emerging from the operating room, she noticed her colleagues looking just as exhausted as they filed out of other surgical suites.
Olivia was about to greet them when she overheard their complaints.
"I heard all these animals were brought in by some philanthropist."
"That's too charitable! Couldn't he donate his money to people in need instead of torturing us?"
"I heard that this philanthropist is trying to win over one of the female vets at our hospital."
"God, who is she? Let's find her and beg her to accept that rich guy's pursuit so we don't have to suffer anymore! Damn, my back is about to break."
Olivia lowered her hands and joined in the complaints as her colleagues approached.
"I'm exhausted. I never want to work overtime again."
After her colleagues walked away, Olivia waited for Peter to come out of surgery and quickly pulled him aside.
"Peter, please don't tell anyone where these animals came from," she begged in a hushed voice, pressing her palms together. "I might not be able to show my face around here again."
Peter nodded seriously.
"Don't worry, I absolutely won't tell anyone that these animals were sent by your husband!"
Just as Peter finished speaking, an angry shriek came from behind Olivia.
"Olivia, your husband is behind all this? My God, are you two trying to work us to death?"