Chapter 546 There Is Always Calm Before the Storm
Brooklyn's morning shift at Brooklyn Hospital was pretty chill. All the patients had been checked, and there were just a few prescriptions left to pick up from the pharmacy for those with special conditions.
After updating the patient records, Brooklyn left the office. As she stepped out, she saw Arabella standing alone in the hallway, talking on the phone, sounding pretty upset.
"I've told you countless times, I'm not going. "
"You promised me I could make my own decisions. Why are you forcing me?"
"This is my life. You have no right to control me!"
Arabella kept shouting, but her words became too fast and muffled by her sobs, making it hard for Brooklyn to catch the details.
Feeling awkward for eavesdropping, Brooklyn decided to head to the balcony and wait for Arabella to finish her call.
After a while, the hallway fell silent as Arabella hung up. Brooklyn was about to step out when she saw Arabella walking towards the balcony.
In a hurry, Brooklyn pulled out her phone and pretended to scroll through it.
Arabella was surprised to see Brooklyn there. Her face still showed traces of her earlier emotions, but she forced a smile. "Dr. Mitchell, what are you doing here?"
Brooklyn waved her phone. "Just taking a break, catching up with Sebastian. What about you? Were you on a call too?"
Arabella relaxed a bit and shook her head. "Not really. I did take a call, but it was different from yours."
Brooklyn studied her expression and joked, "Judging by your face, did you fight with your boyfriend? Want me to give him a piece of my mind?"
"No, I don't have a boyfriend. And if I ever do, he better not dare to treat me like that, or he'll regret it!"
Seeing that Arabella didn't want to talk about it, Brooklyn shrugged and didn't press further. "You stay here and enjoy the view. I'm off to the pharmacy."
Arabella nodded. "Wait, Dr. Mitchell, can we have lunch together later?"
"Of course, I'll be back after I get the meds."
"Great! I'll wait for you in the office."
As Brooklyn walked away in her white coat, Arabella watched her until she disappeared into the elevator. She sighed deeply, wondering why there could be such a difference between two women.
Arabella leaned against the balcony glass, staring at the scenery.
At the pharmacy, Brooklyn located the medication and reached for it. Just as she grabbed the box, she felt a tug. Looking up, she saw Zach and chuckled.
"Zach, why are you competing with me for this?"
Zach smiled warmly and handed her the box. "Why are you here picking up meds yourself? Where are your two trusty assistants?"
Brooklyn frowned slightly and put the box in her coat pocket. "Even assistants have their off days. They can't be on duty all the time."
As they searched for their respective medications, they chatted.
Zach picked up a box, read the label, and then held it. "You're too kind to your assistants. They're spoiled now, hence the mood swings."
Brooklyn laughed. "People used to call me the Ice Queen. Now that I'm a bit softer, it's not right. It's tough being a person."
With Zach, Brooklyn felt at ease. Whether chatting or working, the awkwardness between them had faded, and she truly valued him as a friend. Having a close friend like Zach was rare, especially one of the males.
As they talked, they overheard two nurses in the storage room.
One whispered, "Did you hear? Dr. Rivera is still in prison. A friend told me she might serve seven years. It was supposed to be over ten, but she got a reduction. Still, seven years is a lot. A woman's prime years wasted in prison."
"Dr. Rivera was harsh, but thinking about it, prison is no place for anyone. It's karma, I guess."
"No one dares to mention Dr. Rivera here anymore. If Dr. Mitchell hears, it won't be good."
"Shh, Dr. Mitchell is not someone to mess with. She has Sebastian backing her. Scary thought."
Brooklyn stood still, holding a box, lost in thought. She exchanged a knowing look with Zach, both deep in contemplation.
After a moment, they spoke simultaneously.
"Dr. Rivera."
"Dr. Rivera."
They fell silent again. Zach asked, "Do you know how Dr. Rivera is doing?"
Brooklyn had heard from Sebastian. "Sebastian arranged for her sentence reduction."
Though it was justice, Brooklyn felt uneasy. Her earlier joy was replaced by a heavy heart.
Zach, having gathered his meds, looked at her through the shelves. The harsh fluorescent light highlighted her delicate features, her long lashes casting shadows over her sad eyes.
"Brooklyn, you're not cut out to be a bad person. You're too kind-hearted, but being kind doesn't mean you should put yourself in danger. You need to protect yourself."
Brooklyn was moved by his words and smiled bitterly. "Maybe that's why I need someone a bit more assertive."
Like Sebastian.
Zach paused. "I'm not on duty this weekend. I'll visit her in prison."
Brooklyn looked up sharply. "You're going to see her? Alone?"
Zach rubbed his temples. "Ophelia has a case there and asked me to drive her."
Brooklyn's eyes lit up with curiosity. She walked around the shelf, her face full of questions. "What's going on with you two? Are you planning something long-term? I think Miss Montague is great. You two complement each other well, don't you think?"
Zach felt overwhelmed. If Ophelia's lack of domestic skills meant he had to fill in, then yes, they complemented each other.
Zach had unknowingly become Ophelia's assistant, chef, and housekeeper.
"Let's not discuss this now. I need to see a patient."
Brooklyn laughed at his exasperated expression and teased, "Zach, don't tell me you don't have feelings for Miss Montague. I won't believe it. Your face says it all. If you didn't care, you wouldn't let her boss you around."
Zach forced a smile. "Brooklyn, I take back what I said. You do have the potential to be a bad person."
"Don't rush off. I'm coming to see patients too. Wait for me."
In the MBK CEO's office.
Brandon and Sebastian sat across from each other in the lounge area, a chessboard between them. Sebastian held a white piece, Brandon a black one.
This was their third game.
"Mr. Kingsley, let's change the rules. How about this: if I lose, you tell me the truth? I'm no match for you in chess. You're just avoiding telling me."
Sebastian, holding a knight, glanced at the board. "Rules are rules. Win one game, and I'll tell you. Otherwise, you'll have to wait."
Brandon looked up at the crystal chandelier in Sebastian's office, his suit wrinkled from fidgeting. "Mr. Kingsley, playing chess with you is more exhausting than a full day's work. Just tell me the truth."
Sebastian placed the knight down. "Brandon, focus on the game. Your king is about to be checkmated."
Brandon, out of patience, moved his king into Sebastian's territory. "I surrender. Tell me, what's going on with Bianca? I saw antidepressants in her fridge. She's very distant from me. Something's up."
Sebastian leaned back, swirling his coffee. "Bianca had severe depression. I don't think she's fully recovered. It started after the Gomez family was harmed by Marc's people. It hit her hard."
Brandon nodded. "I know that, but what does that have to do with her rejecting me? I didn't do anything to her."
Sebastian sipped his coffee. "Bianca has trust issues. She doesn't trust anyone, except Brooklyn."
Brandon's mouth dropped. "She trusts your wife."
Sebastian nodded. "Yes, she trusts Brooklyn. Or rather, she doesn't trust any man. Not you, not me. If you want to be with her, you need to earn her trust."
Sebastian rubbed his brow. "But given your past with women, it won't be easy."
Brandon groaned. "Damn it! What can I do? Is there a way?"
Sebastian glanced at the chessboard. "Play three more games. Win, and I'll tell you."
"Fuck! I'm done with you!"
As night fell, the city lights of Aucester illuminated the sky, with large clouds stretching around the moon.
Occasionally, a plane would cut through the starry sky, leaving a bright trail.
Below the clouds, the world was shrouded in a gentle gloom.
In the study of the Kingsley Villa, Brian was panting heavily behind the large mahogany desk. He stared at the photos on the desk, his breathing growing heavier and more rapid until it culminated in a furious shout.
"You're asking for it!"
With his outburst, he violently threw the photos to the floor, where they scattered, revealing clear images.
The photos showed Benedict in a white lab coat, holding a cigarette, chatting animatedly with a tall figure.
That figure was none other than Sebastian.
Brian clenched his teeth, slamming his fist on the desk as if he wanted to punch someone to death.
Hearing the commotion, Jennifer hurried upstairs. She gently knocked on the study door. "Honey, what's wrong? What happened?"
Brian's voice, laced with anger, came from inside, almost choking the person outside the door.
"Get out!"
Jennifer's hand froze mid-motion, stunned.
Quinn emerged from his bedroom, hands in the pockets of his loungewear, looking relaxed. Seeing Jennifer standing outside the study, he quickly pulled his hands out and nodded. "Mother,"
Jennifer glared at him. "Why aren't you asleep? What are you doing up?"
Quinn smiled respectfully. "I was just getting some water. You should rest too, Mother."
Jennifer glanced at the study door again, then turned and walked back to her bedroom.
Quinn sighed in relief, clutching his chest as he walked to the staircase. He glanced back at the study.
Why was Brian so angry?
Could it be about Sebastian again?
It seemed only matters concerning Sebastian could agitate him this much.
Quinn thought about the recent events around Sebastian, possibly the acquisition of the Turner Group. Could Brian disapprove?
Quinn shook his head, unable to understand Brian's attitude towards Sebastian. It was simply too harsh.
Brian adjusted his breathing, then picked up the phone, dialing a number slowly and deliberately, as if it had been a long time since he last contacted this person.
The call was answered quickly, and a man's voice came through.
"Who is this?"
Brian's chubby fingers tapped the edge of the desk. "It's me. Remember?"
The voice on the other end sounded surprised, then let out a knowing chuckle. "Mr. Kingsley, it's been nearly twenty years since we last spoke, hasn't it?"
Brian snorted, his breath cold, his eyes dark and calculating. "You probably hoped I'd never contact you again."
"Indeed. Is something wrong?"
Brian looked at the scattered photos on the floor, his voice growing colder. "My people found someone. Someone you'll be very interested in. He might be the last link to what happened back then."
The person on the other end seemed to stand up abruptly, their voice hoarse. "Who?" The question was forced and restrained.
"Benedict."
The person sat back down heavily, their breathing more labored. "What does he know?"
"Not sure how much, but his existence is now a threat to me."
"What do you want to do, Mr. Kingsley?"
"Eliminate him. Permanently."
The other end was silent. "Who will do it?"
Brian's eyes, filled with calculation, were as deep as an ancient well. "There's someone perfect for the job. Not only can they kill him, but they'll also take all the blame. No one will trace it back to us."
"Who?"
Brian mentioned a name, then laughed coldly.
"Alright, it's settled."
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, spilling into the villa's bedroom.
The soft light fell on the sleeping figure, casting a warm glow on her face.
Brooklyn, eyes closed, frowned slightly, rubbing her sore waist. She stretched under the covers. "Honey?"
She called out, but there was no response. She reached out to the empty spot beside her. He was already up.
Throwing off the covers, Brooklyn still felt the ache in her waist. She had underestimated Sebastian.
Last night had been another marathon, leaving her exhausted this morning.
Walking to the window, Brooklyn saw Sebastian in the garden, dressed in workout clothes, running with Bluetooth earbuds in, seemingly on a call.
His elegant and noble figure moved through the lush greenery, captivating her gaze.
After washing up and changing, Brooklyn went downstairs. The housekeeper greeted her. "Good morning, Mrs. Kingsley."
Brooklyn nodded. "When did Mr. Kingsley get up?"
"Around six-thirty."
So early?
Mr. Kingsley was quite diligent!
"Alright, I see."
The housekeeper asked, "When would you like breakfast, Mrs. Kingsley?"
The clock showed seven-thirty. "We'll eat when Mr. Kingsley returns."
"Okay."
Brooklyn stepped outside, taking a deep breath. The garden's fresh scent lifted her spirits.
Sebastian ended his call and switched to walking. As he stretched, he saw Brooklyn approaching, a loving smile spreading across his face. "Good morning, honey."
Brooklyn pouted. "It's morning for you, but not for me."
Sebastian stretched his arms, wanting to hug her, but refrained due to his sweat. "You're up early, too. Why not sleep a bit more?"
"If I sleep any longer, you'll be miles ahead of me. Running used to be my habit, but now you've taken it over."
Sebastian walked up to her, his sweat evaporating, intensifying the scent of agave. He gently touched her nose. "Who can blame me for finding you irresistible?"
Brooklyn closed her eyes. "You're taking advantage and acting innocent. I have something to tell you, but you must promise not to get mad."
Sebastian stretched his leg. "Usually, that means something infuriating is coming. Go ahead."
"With your attitude, do I dare say it?"
"You're an exception. Go on, I won't get mad, no matter what."
Brooklyn leaned on the railing. "Zach is visiting Piper in prison today. I think I should go see her too. Hey, you promised not to get mad."
Before she finished, Sebastian's expression had already changed. He grabbed her chin, looking at her. "Why visit her?"
Brooklyn pushed his hand away. "No matter what, we knew each other. And James is working for you now."
Brooklyn was still figuring out how to explain when Sebastian interrupted. "Do you want to go?"
"Yes, I do."
"Fine, I'll go with you. And I suppose you want to see Samantha too? Maybe visit Megan at the hospital afterward?"
Sebastian's teasing smile was infuriatingly effective.
"Hey! Sebastian! You're mocking me!"
"Finally figured it out."
"I'm going to eat!"
She turned to leave but was pulled back into his arms, his lips meeting hers in a gentle kiss.
The car drove along the countryside road. Brooklyn knew all too well what a prison was like.
She had been there before, and the memory of that despair was still vivid.
Getting out of the car, Brooklyn took a deep breath.
Sebastian squeezed her hand. The closer they got to the prison, the colder her fingers became.
Sebastian's eyes narrowed, and he pulled her into a hug. "Scared?"
"Not really."
"Then you're remembering something unpleasant. Were you locked up here before?"
Brooklyn nodded. "Yes."
Sebastian's forehead veins bulged, his free hand clenching.
"What happened inside?"
Brooklyn looked up. "Nothing. It was a long time ago."
"It involved my father?"
Brooklyn lowered her head. "It's all in the past."
For her, it was over, but for Sebastian, it never would be.
"Dr. Mitchell! You're here too! What's the occasion? A prison tour?"
Ophelia's cheerful voice broke their silence.
Zach added, "Brooklyn, Sebastian, what a coincidence."
Sebastian, holding Brooklyn's shoulder, said, "Since we're all here, let's go together."
"Sure, let's go."
Ophelia glanced at Brooklyn. "Dr. Mitchell, I didn't expect you to come. You have a big heart. I admire that!"
"How do you know I'm not here to gloat or feel superior?"
"Of course not! Your eyes tell me you wouldn't. Don't forget, I'm a cop. I can read people!"
"Officer Montague, I'm a surgeon. I'm good at hiding my feelings."
Sebastian and Zach exchanged a knowing smile, following the chatty women into the prison.
The two women together were always lively!
Walking down the main path into the prison, the view narrowed, and the once clear blue sky was overshadowed by the dark prison buildings.
Brooklyn's hand tightened in Sebastian's grasp, a subtle movement he noticed clearly.
She was scared.
Though he didn't know what she endured in prison, her reaction showed the lasting impact.
Sebastian turned his hand, enveloping hers completely.
Ophelia tapped Zach's back. "Zach, you stay with them. I have work to do. But don't fall for any female inmates."
Zach rubbed his forehead, exasperated. "Miss Montague, you go ahead."
Brooklyn smiled. "Officer Montague, don't worry. I'll keep an eye on him. He won't dare."
Ophelia waved her badge. "Great, Dr. Mitchell, keep him in check!"
"You better hurry back. If Dr. Carter is too charming and gets taken away, I can't stop it," Brooklyn joked.
Ophelia's eyes twinkled mischievously. "No worries. If he can resist your charm, no other woman stands a chance! Not even the scariest ones!"
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