The hospital director gestured toward a woman, saying, "She was the doctor on duty last night, Liora Valentine."
Xander strode in, glancing at Liora's work badge. "Come with me."
Confused, Liora asked, "Where are we going?"
Without waiting for more questions, the director pulled her along, insisting, "Don't keep Mr Silverton waiting."
Soon, they reached the director's office.
Elijah Silverton sat on the couch, his lean body taut. Only a keen observer would notice the paleness of his thin lips beneath the hospital's disinfectant scent that masked any trace of blood.
Clad in a dominating black suit, radiating authority from years of experience, Elijah could make anyone tremble with a single glance. His assistant whispered, "All surveillance footage from last night has been deliberately destroyed. This is Liora Valentine, who worked as a doctor on duty last night, both I and the director have confirmed it."
Elijah glanced up.
Liora gasped, realizing he was the CEO of Headence Group.
"You helped me last night?" Elijah scrutinized her.
Liora, avoiding direct eye contact, replied uncertainly, "Yes, it was me."
She wasn't sure about the details but knew establishing a connection with him could only be beneficial. This coincided with her internship at the General Hospital of the Second Military Region; everyone knew it offered better resources. If she could secure Elijah's help, transferring there would be a certainty.
"I can give you anything you want, including marriage," Elijah said expressionlessly, his cold face softening slightly at the thought of the previous night.
"I..." Good fortune overwhelmed Liora momentarily.
"Think about what you want; come find me when ready." Elijah stood and instructed his assistant to share contact information before leaving.
The hospital director escorted Elijah out personally.
"Mr Silverton..."
"Thank you." Elijah's face resumed its usual indifference. Pausing, he added, "She works here. Please keep an eye on her."
"Don't worry, I will," the director reassured with a smile.
In a hushed tone, Elijah's assistant reminded, "Sir, you're already married. Your marriage..."
He couldn't promise anything to Miss Valentine.
Thinking of the woman forced upon him, Elijah's expression darkened, a cold arc forming at the corner of his lips. "You suicidal fuck."
The assistant shuddered, uncertain whether Elijah referred to his forced marriage or the instigator behind the ordeal.
...
Freya Stone returned to the villa, now her new husband's residence.
"Madam," greeted the servant Linda as she entered. "Why weren't you here last night?"
"I had an emergency shift," Freya replied softly, her red eyes revealing exhaustion.
Seeing Freya's fatigue, Linda refrained from further questions. Freya went upstairs, contemplating the previous night as she soaked in the bathtub. Her cheeks couldn't stop heating up as she buried her head in her arms. Complicated feelings stirred within her-she gave herself away without knowing the man she married, betraying Elijah Silverton.
After showering, Freya dressed and went out. Seeing her about to leave, Linda said, "Are you going out, don't you want breakfast?"
Glancing at the time, Freya replied, "I'm afraid I won't make it to work on time."
Knowing Freya deserved respect as a doctor, Linda quickly prepared hot milk, saying, "Please drink it before you go."
Grateful, Freya softly said, "Thank you, Linda."
"No worries!" Linda smiled kindly.
After finishing the milk, Freya headed out, not directly to the hospital but to visit someone else first-her mother, currently in the ICU.
Checking her mother's critical condition, Freya's heart sank. Heart failure had reached its final stage, requiring a transplant they couldn't afford. Marrying Elijah Silverton was her father's condition for financial help, but now they needed a donor heart.
Looking at her mother, Freya vowed, "Mom, I will cure you."
Her phone rang.
"Freya, can you do me a favor?" came the voice on the other end.