The ER lights stayed on for twenty minutes.
The doctor said if we’d waited another thirty, she would’ve gone straight to the ICU.
I left two of my security guys at her door and had my housekeeper, Mrs. Shaw, stay with her.
“Mrs. Shaw, Lauren doesn’t eat cilantro. She hates radishes and bell peppers. Her stomach’s sensitive–small meals, ma often.”
“She’s the girl I’ve chosen to be my daughter–in–law. Take care of her like you take care of me.”
Mrs. Shaw nodded, dead serious.
I stepped into the hallway to make a call.
My
y came back fast.
- d.
ting?
That fast?
I walked t
The
s here.”
e’s visiting. Brought h
broth with herbs.”
Auto–added to the Library
I saw Tessa sitting by the bed.
other held a spoon. She was trying to feed
d away, barely able to speak.
from scratch. It’s good for you. Yo
soft and sweet. She pressed th
it away again. Broth so
ed immed
- ul.
27.27%
3’s okay One more Open up
Put it down
Tess looked up, wil innocence
“Madam, I just made Ms. Brooks some soup since the wаrt feeling welt I didn’t mean anything by t
1 ignored her and looked at Mrs Shaw
“Smell it‘
Mrs Shaw leaned in. Her frown got deeper
Madam, there’s comfrey root in this. And foxglove
“With Lauren’s
could’ve put her in the ER
Tessa’s
just found a recipe
healthy
what you were doi
hip. Her voice turn
you’ve been targe
- r. Holt is his
don’t get
I smiled.
You
pushed through
jaw tighte
trusts me. That’s what this is
r he wants.”
ver patient.”
27.27%
Tessa shook her head her wick why
Mr Hot I just wanted to help Lauren feel better 1 found the recipe seine
1 really didn’t know what those herbs do
Spencer turned to me brushing it
Mom Tessa’s not a doctor. She didn’t know
It was a mistake You don’t have to make it a federal case
I pointed at the bowl
“Let her drink it herself
Spencer didn’t answer.
After a few seconds, h
Don’t bothe
Tessa
and lowered his voice
Some people don’t appreciate it
lip. Sweet and wounded
in sorry I upset Madam.”
May and take care of Lauren myself Make it up to her.”
Saved his hand, impatient. “Let’s
ot that merger tomorrow.”
and followed him out.
passed me, she tilted her head
ps curled
Her eyes said everything
See? He always picka
The door close
I walked
cheeks were flushed with fever
INSTALL
27.77%
The Lauren I remembered laughed with her whole face. Her voice was loud. She walked like she owned the sidewalk
Every day, she’d joke about wanting to check out hot guys.
Now she was drowning in a hospital gown. Her wrists were so thin I could wrap my hand around one. She couldn’t even
push away a bowl of soup.
i pulled the blanket up around her.
Half asleep, she mumbled something.
…I’m sorry. I’m so useless.”
I cler ched my fist.
Spencer. Tessa.
If you want to mess with Lauren, fine.
don’t blame me for what comes next.
27.27%
‘I grew up with no one. No family. No home. And then I found you.”
“If I lose you… I don’t want to live.”
Spencer pulled her close. His eyes were full of pity.
I’m not marrying Lauren.”
“You’re the only one I love.”
I walked in.
They both turned.
Spencer froze.
“Mom. What are you doing here?”
“The wedding’s at noon.”
“I’m not going.”
Spencer pulled Tessa tighter.
This wedding isn’t happening.”
Tessa’s lips twitched. She was smiling behind her tears.
‘Spencer.” I looked at him. “I’m asking you one last time.”
Are you going?”
He raised an eyebrow.
ll go on one condition.”
ive Tessa ten percent of the company.”
essa’s the one I actually want to marry Lauren’s just a business deal you set up
auren can have the title But the real assets go to Tessa‘
let out a cold laugh
en percent? Holt Group is worth eighty billion. You want me to give eight billion to an executive assistant”
he deserves it.”
Chapter 4
36.36%
It was the top story by midnight. Fifty thousand views in twenty minutes.
The comments were brutal.
[Spencer really threw away a fortune for his assistant.]
[What was he thinking?]
[So he chose love over eighty billion dollars? That’s either romantic or insane.]
[Lauren is gorgeous and from a good family. What was he thinking?]
I smiled.
This was just the beginning.
The next morning, I walked into Holt Group headquarters.
I had Tessa called to the conference room.
She showed up fast.
Perfect makeup. Three–inch stilettos. A latte in her hand.
She looked like any other day.
Then she walked in and saw legal, HR, and security all sitting around the table.
She hesitated for half a second Set down her coffee.
‘Madam, you wanted to see ine?‘
I didn’t ask her to sit
I just slid a paper across the table
Notice of Termination
She glanced at it Laughed Picked it up and crumpled it into the trash can
Chapter 7
63 549,
*Also, your brother just flew back from overseas. Looks like he’s-
The line was still talking
But Spencer was already off the couch.
“Get the car. Now. We’re going to the wedding‘
Chapter 4
36 10%
“Also, your brother just flew back from overseas. Looks like he’s
The line was still talking
But Spencer was already off the couch.
“Get the car. Now. We’re going to the wedding.”
36.36%
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.
