Chapter 249 Figured It Out
As the sun started to set, James wrapped up with his last patient and was about to close up shop when he noticed someone at the door.
Mary was leaning against her car, arms crossed, just watching him.
James was surprised, "When did you get here?"
"Not too long ago. I saw you were busy, so I didn't want to interrupt." Mary moved away from the car and walked over to James.
Mary looked as stylish and beautiful as ever. Even though it was getting cooler, she was rocking a beige, gown-style dress.
The slit in her skirt showed off her long, ivory-white legs, confident enough to skip the stockings.
Her face was clean and delicate, with eyes that seemed to hold a world of their own.
Standing there, she completely blocked the view of her red BMW; all you could see was her.
"Need something from me?" James asked, inviting Mary inside without any romantic undertones, keeping things straightforward.
Mary walked into the clinic, "Did Sarah and the others bother you?"
"They came by this morning, but I sent them packing." James poured Mary a glass of water. "Did they bug you too?"
Mary explained,"Yeah, they called me last night, trying to get me to convince you to go to Peach Blossom Villa No. 3 to treat Simon. They said it was a big chance for you to get ahead."
She spoke calmly, "They kicked us out just a few days ago, and now they want us back. Do they think we're just puppets they can control?"
"Plus, Alexa's tone was way too harsh. I told her straight up I wouldn't try to persuade you. I know the Howard family is tough, and Sarah's arrogant, so I came to check on you. Glad you're okay." She sighed softly.
"You don't want me to treat Simon?" James smiled, "If I cure him, not only will I move up quickly, but you'll also get huge orders, solving TG Company's current issues."
"In the past, I would've definitely wanted you to treat him, no matter how much it humiliated or wronged you. I would've asked you to suck it up for the greater good." Mary didn't hold back. "Because you were part of the Smith family, living and eating with them, I felt I had the right to ask you to make sacrifices."
"But now that we're divorced, it would be crazy for me to ask you again." Mary added.
She was an adult, and while keeping dignity was important, interests came first. How many people's money isn't tainted with tears and grievances?
James chuckled, "Good thing you're not trying to persuade me, or I'd probably have to kick you out too."
Mary glared at James, "They say even a short marriage creates a bond, but you threw away what we had after just a few days."
"If I were truly heartless, I wouldn't have let you stay at Peach Blossom Villa No. 1." James said casually. "Have you moved in?"
"Yeah, I have." Mary's pretty face showed a hint of helplessness. "But my parents somehow found out the address and showed up with their luggage yesterday to stay with me."
"I told them it was your house, but they wouldn't listen and refused to leave. They even said they'd sleep on the street if I kicked them out. I was trying to avoid them, but now I'm stuck with them again. Meanwhile, Kaitlyn is living comfortably alone in the Smith family villa." She complained to James, then changed the subject, "Don't worry, I'll get them out soon."
"If they want to stay, let them. I won't be going there for now anyway," James said, brushing off the topic of Peach Blossom Villa No. 1. He then led Mary to the backyard. "How's TG Company doing now?"
"It's probably going to fail," Mary sighed. "We're not only facing performance reviews but also have to deal with Jane, who was parachuted in to cause trouble."
"But I've come to terms with it. Years of hard work, if it's gone, it's gone. The Smith clan has never trusted us. No matter how much I do, they won't acknowledge it. I just hope that after I'm sidelined, they won't go too far and destroy our branch." A trace of worry flashed in her eyes.
"Olivia, is she here?" At that moment, the wooden door in the corridor was pushed open, and Michelle's delighted voice came through, "Since you're here, you must stay for dinner tonight. I'll make your favorite steak."
Michelle called out as she ran over, wanting to see Olivia, whom she hadn't seen in days, only to find Mary standing next to James. She immediately became awkward, smiling, "Mary, you're here? Please sit down."
She then complained to James, "Since Mary came over, and you didn't tell me."
Mary's eyes flashed with a bit of sadness, but she still smiled, "Hello, Aunt Michelle."
James scratched his head and explained, "Mom, Mary came to talk to me about something."
"Alright, go on," Michelle smiled, then looked at Mary. "Mary, stay for dinner tonight."
"Aunt Michelle, no, thank you for your kindness. I have something to do later," Mary replied with a light laugh. "I'll come another day to try your cooking."
"Alright, you keep talking. I'll go make some medicine," Michelle said, leaving the space for the two of them.
Once she left, things got a bit awkward. Breathing heavily, Mary bit her lip and leaned close to James's ear, "Olivia."
Just a simple name brought a rush of impatience and anger. James smiled wryly and didn't respond.
"You're really fast. Not only are you already involved, but you've also met the parents. When's the wedding?" Mary looked at James with a teasing expression. "Remember to let me know in advance so I can bring my fiancé to your wedding."
James was stunned, "Fiancé? When did you have one?"
"I'll have one soon. In three days, I'm going on a blind date," Mary sneered. "If I like him, won't he be my fiancé?"
After saying that, she turned to leave.
"You're going on a blind date?" James reflexively reached out to grab her.
Mary's voice turned cold, "Let go of me."
James heard the impatience in her tone, feeling a bit uncomfortable with this sudden coldness. He forgot to let go, looking at her blurry, pretty face through the twilight. It seemed like he saw the Mary from a few months ago, who was relentless, proud, irritable, and angry.
"Let go of me, didn't you hear?" Mary's voice turned completely cold.
James mechanically let go. Mary quickly turned around, not even saying goodbye, and got into her BMW and left.
No matter how well hidden, some things are just self-deception.
As James watched Mary leave, a taxi across the street quietly started. Inside the car sat two middle-aged men, one driving and the other holding a laptop, wearing earphones. They used a pinhole camera to take pictures of James and then took a few shots of Mary's departing car. They looked very professional.
Then, one of them picked up the phone, "Neil, we've got it."
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