Chapter 59: Heatstroke

The sun was relentless that day, and within minutes of stepping outside, Ursula felt a dizzy spell. Her skin was pale, sweat beaded on her forehead, and darkness blocked her vision.

What was happening to her?

Suddenly, her legs gave out, and she started to fall, hearing the panicked voices of her employees.

"Store Manager, are you okay?"

"Call 911, she passed out!"

"She's so pale..."

Ursula came to in a hospital bed, the drama of her fainting spell having caused quite a stir.

Then there were Matthew and Dylan, fresh from lunch, making Ursula wish for a break from the melodrama.

"Doctor, why isn't she waking up?" Dylan's voice was fraught with concern.

The doctor reassured them, "She's just overworked. Young people need to take it easy, health is wealth."

"Our Store Manager is always the last to leave during the busy season." an employee added. "That's why our branch is number one."

Matthew looked on as Ursula lay there, her pale face and trembling lashes betraying her consciousness.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and a woman burst in. "Quiet down! Can't you see she needs a rest?" she snapped, silencing the room with her commanding presence.

Komatsu nodded, "We'll take care of the store. Let her rest."

As the employees filed out, Dylan turned to the newcomer in surprise, "Katherine, you're back?"

Katherine's gaze was icy as she looked at Dylan and Matthew. "Just got in," she said, her thoughts far less polite.

Ursula, recognizing Katherine's voice, feigned a weak awakening, "What happened?"

Katherine's irritation was clear. "You were fine yesterday, and now? What's next?"

Dylan jumped to her defense, "It's just heatstroke from exhaustion."

Katherine was blunt, "She brought this on herself."

Dylan, affronted, started to protest, but Ursula cut in, "It's okay, just heatstroke. I need rest."

Dylan, feeling slighted, sought Matthew's sympathy. "Am I that bothersome?"

Katherine rolled her eyes at the display, curious to see how Matthew would handle his needy companion.

Matthew, unfazed by Katherine's challenging stare, said, "I have court this afternoon. Are you coming or staying?"

Katherine's laughter was scornful. "Go on, Attorney Lu. We'll catch up later."

Dylan, flushed with embarrassment, quickly decided to leave with Matthew. "Ursula, I'll visit you again later."

"Go ahead, Dylan," Ursula said, her eyes were avoiding the cold stare across the room.

Once they were gone, Katherine turned to Ursula. "That's the guy you like?"

Ursula tried to lighten the mood, "Getting angry will make you age faster."

Katherine scoffed, "Impossible."

"Right, you're the fairest of them all," Ursula said, calming her friend.

Katherine's anger reignited at the sight of Ursula's bruised face. "What happened to you?"

Ursula tried to deflect, "Let's keep it down. This is a hospital."

She had hoped to keep her injury hidden, but Katherine's concern was palpable.

"You got hit, and you're smiling?" Katherine's concern was with anger.

"I'm fine now," Ursula reassured her, smiling.

Katherine's face reddened with a mix of embarrassment and concern. "Whoever did this, I'll handle them."

"You always have my back," Ursula said, shaking Katherine's hand with gratitude.