Chapter 21
Edmund POV
I slid the papers across the polished mahogany desk toward Derek Benthoven, the owner of Benthoven’s Hospitals. He glanced at the contract, then back at me, eyebrows furrowed.
He stood up, stretching his hands towards me with a grin. “Although I have no idea why you’re buying just one hospital for such a high price,” he said. “It was definitely a pleasure doing business with you.”
I gave him a small nod, and shook his hands, my lips curling into a polite smile. “Trust me, the pleasure is mine.”
He leaned back in his chair, studying me. “I mean, I’ve been in this business for decades, and I’ve never seen someone just take over a single hospital like this. Usually, people expand cautiously, not… splurge.”
I smirked. “Sometimes, you take the bold step because the opportunity is worth more than money. I told him, “plus I see this as an addition to my conglomerate.”
Derek raised an eyebrow. “Opportunity?”
“Exactly,” I said smoothly. “The right opportunity doesn’t come around twice.”
He nodded slowly, though I could see he was still curious. “Well I’m sure you did your research before taking this bold step,” he said, “so I’m sure you know best.”
“Yes. Everything is accounted for,” I assured him. “I’d like to meet the staff today and introduce myself as the new owner.”
Derek laughed softly. “You’re serious about meeting them today? You know, some people would wait until the dust settles.”
I let a corner of my mouth twitch into a smirk. “I prefer transparency. Besides…” I paused, letting the unspoken thought hang in the air: there were more reasons than just business behind the acquisition of this property.
Derek shook his head, chuckling. “You’re confident, I’ll give you that. I just hope my CFO doesn’t have a heart attack.”
“I’ve given generous donations to your hospital countless times, Mr. Benthoven, the chief having a heart attack shouldn’t be an issue,” I replied, slipping the papers into my briefcase. “Everything will be in order. and I don’t plan on relieving anyone of their duties.”
He extended his hand. “Pleasure doing business once again, Mr. Montgomery.”
“The pleasure is mine,” I repeated, shaking firmly once more. “Now, I need to get to the hospital. Big day ahead.”
I left Derek’s office and made my way to the car.
The moment I entered the hospital, the first thing- or person rather that caught Mt her I my eyes was her. Amelia Garcia.
Even in her white coat, moving quickly down the hallway, she radiated energy, focus, and most importantly beauty.
I approached her casually, although my chest was doing that annoying tight–throbbing thing it did whenever I was around
her.
“We just got out of the ICU,” she said to a number of people, maybe family to a patient. “The surgery was a success, but he is still in a deep coma. But you don’t need to worry, we are going to make sure he pulls through.”
Her voice… even the tone, the confidence–it did something to me I wasn’t ready to admit.
1/3
3:56 pm PDM M
Chapter 21
I stopped a few feet away, letting my eyes moan over her for just a second too long. “Dr. Amelia Carria,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though a smirk was already forming on my lips.
She turned toward me, a hint of a smirk on her lips. “Mr. Montgomery, she said lightly, almost scoffing, she exewed herself from her task and walked toward me, and suddenly, the hallway felt impossibly small
I pulled out my phone, dialing her number, just as she pulled hers out too. I ended the call mid–ring “Wrong number, huh!” I teased.
“Mr. Montgomery,” she said again, sharper this time, a little too forced in her smile,
I dismissed my guards, letting them step back. “So. care to tell me why you’ve missed three appointments? 1 could’ve been dead, you know.”
She rolled her eyes. “Well, you look pretty fine to me,” she said, trying to be casual, but I caught that flicker of hesitation in her eyes
I stepped a fraction closer. “Trust me. I know.”
Her brows furrowed slightly. “Well, if you came here to beg me…” she paused, glancing at the busy ICU, then back at me.” trust me, I’m not interested. You can assign another doctor if you like. Doctor Angela would be more than happy to fill in
I chuckled softly. “Do you think that’s the reason I’m here?”
Her gaze sharpened, she eyes me suspiciously. “What do you mean?”
I let my lips twitch into a teasing smirk. “Let’s just say I’ve decided to take another approach… one that will make you want to spend some time with me.”
Her lips twitched, just the slightest bit. “What do you mean by that?”
“You’ll see,” I said simply, letting the words linger like a promise, or maybe a challenge.
Before I could tease her further, the chief rushed toward us.
“Mr. Mongomery, you’re here already,” he said, and then his eyes flickered to Amelia, and then to me. “hope there’s no problem?”
I waved him off, my tone casual, almost playful. “Oh no, no. Just saying hello to my very special doctor here.”
He chuckled lightly. “I trust she’s taking good care of you?“he asked.
“oh Yes! She’s the best,” I said again, letting sincerity slip through my usual polished veneer.
“Good, good,” the chief replied, nodding quickly. “So, are you set, sir?”
I turned to Amelia, grinning. “Set for what?”
“Oh, there’s a big announcement to be made,” I said smoothly, leaning just enough to catch her eye.
“Amelua, please can you have the staff gather here for a brief meeting?”
“Sure, sir,” she replied, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
“Great,” I said, a lazy smirk on my lips as I winked at her. “We will be in his office until then. Alert us when everyone is gathered.”
2/3
Chapter 21
I trailed behind the chief, leaving her standing there, clearly trying to figure out what I had planned. That thoughtful. puzaled look on her face made me almost break into a dance.
1 left her there, letting her imagine all the reasons I could be at the hospital.
The way she moved, the way she talked, the way she refused to be easily shaken, it made me want to unravel her, carefully. one layer at a time. A part of me knew it was reckless, but a larger part of me didn’t care. Not at all, as long as I got to be withs her, it was all worth it.
田
AD
Comment
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
