Chapter 112 Malice
At Central Hospital.
Nora took a short break at home before heading to the hospital.
Howard greeted her with indifferent politeness, handing over the research material from the past two days for her to read through on her own.
"Just so you know, the terminal brain cancer patient is doing well; he's able to eat normally now."
Upon hearing this, Nora nodded in approval. "That's good to hear."
Howard, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, "How long do you think he's got?"
Could she, who had worked miracles for a terminal brain cancer patient, estimate his lifespan?
Nora fell silent for a moment. "It's hard to say; everyone is different, and so much depends on how they are cared for."
His expectations were dashed by her response. Howard couldn't help feeling a tad disheartened. "You might as well have said nothing."
Had he expected too much from her?
Remembering Nora's recent trip with Aaron, he prodded further, "How's Aaron's leg treatment?"
The sudden mention of Aaron brought back memories of their time together.
Her eyes softened. "His recovery is going well. He should be back on his feet after some time."
Detecting the tenderness in her expression, Howard's eyes narrowed, an alert flickering in his gaze.
"Nora, let me warn you, you're just a doctor. Don't entertain inappropriate thoughts. Aaron and my sister have been childhood friends, and our families are about to unite through marriage."
A warning from him?
A wave of discomfort moved through Nora.
"Dr. Hamilton, on what grounds do you warn me? And what exactly are your concerns?"
Disdain flashed through Howard's eyes. "As Suzy's brother, it's my duty to consider her interests. I'm concerned you might not understand the situation and covet what's not yours, potentially ruining other's relationship."
Was she being cast as the home-wrecker now?
Nora took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "Dr. Hamilton, setting aside the fact that Aaron and your sister aren't married yet, even if they were about to be, if their relationship is strong, no one could come between them. But if there's no love, forcing it is a recipe for disaster, isn't it?"
At her words, Howard's expression shifted subtly. "Nora, are you lecturing me? Is it wrong to ask you to mind your own business?"
Her voice was cool and detached. "Dr. Hamilton, you're not my father, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk down to me like I owe you something."
Howard choked on her response. He was speechless for a moment.
Just then, Nora's phone buzzed.
She glanced at it, suppressed the discomfort in her chest, and stood up. "Excuse me, I need to take this call."
Stepping out of the office, she exhaled deeply, softening her tone. "Jenny."
It was Jenny on the other end of the line.
"Nora, I heard you went on a business trip with Aaron. Are you back?"
"Yeah, I'm back at the hospital," Nora replied.
"I'm actually here at the hospital too; I'll come find you."
"Okay."
After hanging up, Nora collected herself. She lost herself in quiet contemplation. Why had she snapped at Howard? She knew her role; she was the doctor who had saved Aaron.
If Aaron really did end up in a marriage of convenience with Suzy, she had no intention of being the other woman.
Five minutes later, Jenny arrived.
"Nora."
"Jenny, what brings you to the hospital? Are you feeling alright?" Nora asked with concern.
"Don’t worry, I'm fine. Edric was visiting Kim, and he insisted I join him," Jenny said with a roll of her eyes.
Kim? The actor with ties to a certain Paul?
A flicker of thought passed through Nora's eyes, "Did Paul's mother pass away?"
"We've worked it out. Paul and I are getting married next Tuesday, and then we'll set a date for the wedding," Jenny beamed.
Nora's fingers curled involuntarily, almost voicing her suspicions.
But she swallowed the words before they could escape.
"Jenny, I'm moving this weekend. Why don't you and Paul come over for dinner? I'd like to have a word with him to make sure he treats you right."
Without concrete evidence, she couldn't startle the quarry.
It was better to find a way to expose Paul's true colors to Jenny.
"Sure, I got it. But go easy on him, okay?" Jenny teased, linking arms with Nora.
Nora tapped her forehead. "Are you already defending Paul when you're not even married yet?"
"How could that be? You'll always be my Number one," Jenny asserted, looking affectionately at her best friend's sweet smile. Nora's red lips formed a tight line.
She hoped her friend wouldn't be too heartbroken if it turned out Paul was indeed a problem.
"Nora."
A deep, magnetic voice called out from not too far away. Nora's gaze lifted to find Edric approaching with a charming grin.
Dressed in a casual suit, he looked exceptionally dashing.
"Edric," she greeted him with a nod.
"Back from the business trip with Aaron so soon? How did it go?" Edric inquired with a smile.
"It wasn’t bad. Mr. Gordon managed to win back the deal," Nora replied.
"Good to hear."
Edric, sparing his words, turned to Jenny, "Jenny, let's go."
"Where to?" Jenny asked, clearly reluctant.
"We're going to get you styled for a reception I need you to attend with me tonight," Edric explained.
Jenny furrowed her brows. "Mr. Hawk, why do I have to accompany you to this reception?"
"Because I'm your boss, and my orders are not up for debate," Edric asserted authoritatively.
Jenny glared at him. "Mr. Hawk, I quit!"
Edric's eyebrows arched, and his laugh turned sly. "You want to quit? I could let you go, but I'm curious which company would dare hire you afterward."
"You!"
"Come on, we're leaving!"
Frustrated but powerless against his dominance, Jenny reluctantly waved at Nora and scampered after Edric.
Watching their retreating figures, a subtle smile played on Nora's lips.
The way those two interacted had an odd feeling of a couple.
Over at Gordon Enterprises, Aaron was in his office dealing with company affairs.
Noe knocked and entered to have him sign a stack of documents, handing over an invitation as well.
"Mr. Gordon, there's a business reception tonight, and your presence is requested."
Aaron glanced at the invitation and set it aside. "Decline it."
Right now, all he longed for was to finish work and get home early to be with Nora and their three kids.
"Mr. Gordon, perhaps you should consider attending. You haven't made a public appearance in a while, and the rumor mill isn't good for the company's steady growth," Noe hesitated before suggesting.
Aaron paused, and he acquiesced after a moment.
"Will you need a date for the reception?" Noe asked promptly.
As Nora's image popped into his mind, Aaron was about to respond when someone knocked and entered.
"Aaron, you’re finally back from your trip! How did it go?"
Suzy came in, her smile beaming.
Aaron gave her a brief glance. "It went smoothly."
As Suzy approached, a glossy invitation catching her eye.
"Aaron, are you going to the cocktail party tonight?"
"Yeah."
"Do you mind if I tag along?"
"No need, I've already got my companion."
Aaron glanced over at Noe. "Noe, why don't you pick up the kids for Nora? I'm taking her to the cocktail party."
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