Tracy froze. He was accusing her of faking again?
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A bitter laugh slipped out. She never should’ve told him the truth. Never should’ve expected anything from him at all.
“Oh,” she answered lightly.
“Tracy, I’m explaining to you. What’s with that attitude?”
“My attitude isn’t good enough?” A mocking curve tugged at her lips. “Then tell me, what exactly counts as good?”
Chandler’s breath grew harsh, heavy enough to be heard through the phone.
Tracy cut the call. She shut her eyes, exhaustion dragging at her. Memories flashed unbidden Chandler holding her close, treating her tenderly-and then overlapped with the man he was now, cold, suspicious, unfeeling.
–
In just a few years, he’d learned to be this ruthless.
She had clung so hard because she wasn’t willing to let go. Not willing to hand him over to
Yvonne.
But unwilling or not, nothing could change the fact that he’d already betrayed her.
“Tracy.” Sean’s black eyes fixed steadily on her. “I booked you an appointment with a specialist. The consult is three days from now. Gary will take you.”
His voice brooked no argument.
Tracy met his gaze, damp lashes trembling, but quickly looked away. Her lips pressed shut.
Sean’s voice came low again. “Your uncle’s gone. From now on, I’m your guardian. You’ll do as I say.”
Instinctively, Tracy murmured, “I still have family.”
His laugh was sharp. “Them? You call that family?”
She had no answer. He was right-the Xander family was unreliable at best.
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17:03 Thu, Feb 19
Chapter 21 Want to Go Out for a Late-Night Snack?
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At that moment, Sam’s name lit her phone. Tracy picked up at once. His voice poured through, urgent.
“Tracy, I called you so many times and you never answered. Did something happen?”
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She glanced at the sterile white walls, her voice hoarse. “Stomach pain. They brought me to the hospital. Sorry for making you worry.”
Relief filled his tone. “As long as you’re alright. I explained everything to the organizers. It won’t affect you.”
“Thank you.”
After a pause, Sam said gently, “Which hospital are you at? I can come over, keep you company.”
Tracy’s eyes flickered toward Sean. “No need. Someone’s already here.”
They exchanged a few more words before she hung up. Then silence fell.
Gary soon entered, setting down a food container. “Mr. Johnson, Aunt Qin made millet porridge and your favorite dishes.”
Sean acknowledged him with a quiet hum.
Checking his watch, he turned to Tracy. “I’ve got work. A nurse will stay with you.”
“Thank you,” she said softly.
He slipped on his coat, his gaze sharp. “Tracy. Remember what I said.”
She blinked, confused. Which part?
But Sean was already gone, Gary at his side.
A nurse entered soon after, smiling warmly. “Ms. Xander, hello. I’m Emily, Mr. Johnson asked me to look after you.”
Tracy nodded with a small smile. “Hello, Emily.”
Emily opened the food box. The warm fragrance filled the room. “Your boyfriend’s very thoughtful-he knew you couldn’t handle much, so he had millet porridge made just for you.”
Gary had briefed her on Tracy’s condition.
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17:04 Thu, Feb 19
Chapter 21 Want to Go Out for a Late-Night Snack?
Tracy gave a wry smile. “You’ve misunderstood. He’s not my boyfriend.”
At best, he was a benefactor she owed.
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Emily looked startled, then let it go. She set the dishes out. “Would you like me to feed you?”
“No need. I can do it myself.”
Tracy took the bowl and spoon, blowing gently before sipping. The warmth spread through her stomach, easing the pain.
Meanwhile, Chandler seethed after Tracy cut the call. His handsome face was shadowed with
anger.
Fine. From now on, he wouldn’t bother with her at all.
He tossed his phone aside, poured water, and went back to work. The conference had given him plenty of contacts anyway-Jared and his circle had introduced him to industry heavyweights.
By ten, he finished his emails, rubbing his aching temples. Just as he shut down his computer, Yvonne’s video call came through.
He answered. Onscreen, Yvonne lounged on a hotel bed, dressed in a sheer bunny outfit, eyes glazed with desire.
With a slow smile, she lifted her wine glass to her lips, voice dripping sweet and sultry. “Still working? Want to come out for a late-night snack? Relieve some stress?”
Chandler’s tongue pressed to his molars, eyes dark. “Didn’t I wear you out last night?”
She tugged one strap of her slip down, then the other, her perfect collarbone and pale skin revealed inch by inch. Her smile deepened, lashes low, voice honeyed.
“Coming? Offer expires soon.”
Heat surged through him. “Send me the location.”
Yvonne rose, letting the thin dress slip to the floor. She sipped her wine, crimson drops running down to her lips, which she licked slowly.
“Same place. I’ll be waiting.”
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17:04 Thu, Feb 19
…
Chapter 21 Want to Go Out for a Late-Night Snack?
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Two days passed. Tracy rested at the hospital, well cared for by Emily. She had nothing to do but eat and sleep, everything else handled for her.
Chandler never called again. It was as if her absence didn’t touch his life at all.
Only Sam checked in, asking how she was feeling and when they could meet for a meal.
On the third day, Gary arrived at nine in the morning.
Adjusting his glasses, he said, “Ms. Xander, Mr. Johnson asked me to take you to Professor Martin.”
Professor Martin-the country’s leading cancer specialist, and the grandfather of Sean’s childhood friend, Chris.
“Alright.” Tracy set her water down and followed.
The elderly doctor, hair silver, glasses perched on his nose, still looked vigorous. Seeing her, he smiled and gestured. “Sit.”
4/4
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.
