Chapter 24
Concetta continued, unfazed, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Jeremy’s jaw hit the floor.
He couldn’t wrap his head around it.
Jeremy murmured in his heart.
“How could that be possible?”
‘Mr. Tate is calmly drinking soup-the one thing he hates?”
As a seasoned secretary, Jeremy prided himself on knowing his boss inside out. However, what happened now was beyond comprehension.
Lowell shot him a sidelong glance.”Got nothing better to do, Jeremy?”
Jeremy flashed a quick, polished smile.”Oh, I just remembered an urgent document at the office that needs signing. I’ll head out, Mr. Tate
He spun a flimsy excuse and bolted, his mind reeling.
“Out of all the women Sir Tate tried setting up with Mr. Tate,” Jeremy thought, “who would’ve guessed the one that finally caught his attention… is someone else’s wife?”
“Who would ever think about that, after years of cool detachment, Mr. Tate’s first spark is this bombshell?”
He’d seen it clear as day-Lowell’s gaze was locked on Concetta as she fed him, practically smoldering.
Suddenly, everything made sense.
He thought, “No wonder Mr. Tate brushed off a bullet wound at home but insisted on lingering here with that over-the-top bandage.
“That scratch probably healed the first night, yet he’s still playing patient.”
Jeremy couldn’t wait to see how Adolfo would react to this juicy drama.
He thought, “Rich people’s love lives are straight out of a telenovela.”
Concetta fed Lowell the soup, spoonful by careful spoonful, until it was gone.
He leaned back, almost wistful.”That’s all you brought?”
Concetta blinked, caught off guard.
She’d kept the soup mild for his condition, so it was plain, hardly a culinary masterpiece.
Her kids, spoiled as they were, had once thrown tantrums over it, smashing bowls and spitting it out.
“Mr. Tate, if you enjoyed it, I can bring more next time,” she said, her voice steady as she tidied the dishes.
Lowell’s gaze lingered on the faint burn marks speckling her delicate hands, his expression darkening. “Don’t bother.”
Concetta lowered her eyes, her emotions veiled.”I can’t thank you enough for saving me. Let me cover your hospital bills. When it’s convenient, maybe Mr. Lozano can send me the invoice.”
Lowell stared at her, then let out a breathless laugh.”Do I strike you as someone scraping by?”
He sounded amused, but there was a touch of frustration beneath it.
Lowell could tell Concetta was keeping her distance again.
“Well, Mr. Tate, if you ever need anything or if I can help in any way, please let me know, I owe you one,” she said, feeling a bit adriftt.
She’d never navigated a situation quite like this.
He didn’t want her money, and given his status, she wasn’t sure what she could offer.
Surprisingly, Lowell didn’t brush her off.
As she turned to leave, he tossed his phone toward her with a casual flick.”Add me as a contact, Ms. McFarland.”
She nodded and added his contact without hesitation.
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< Chapter 24
Just then, her phone rang.
Menu
In another ward, Lynne clutched a plate, her small face creased with worry.”Auntie Sharon, you’re really not eating? The chef outdid himself
today.”
Sharon shook her head, her face pale and drawn.”My stomach’s acting up. I’m not hungry. You kids go ahead and eat.”
Hyman’s eyes lit up with an idea. “Hey, my mom makes this amazing soup when we’re feeling off. Let’s get her to whip some up for Auntie
Sharon!”
Sharon hesitated, her voice soft.”That sounds like a lot of trouble. Concy’s probably still recovering herself. I’ll be fine skipping a meal or two.”
“No way, it’s no big deal!” Hyman insisted.”She owes you an apology anyway. Making soup is the least she can do.
“Her soup’s awesome-it’ll have you back on your feet in no time.”
He dialed Concetta’s number.
It rang and rang before she finally picked up.
Hyman, growing impatient, blurted out, “Mom, what’s taking you so long? Get to Baptist Health South Miami Hospital and make some soup for
Auntie Sharon!”
Silence hung on the line.
Then from the other end came the sharp beep of the call ending.
Hyman stared at his phone, dumbfounded.
