Chapter 788 Reunion with an Old Friend
Saskia bit her lip hard, her face as pale as a ghost from blood loss, and let out a mocking laugh.
"I know my limits. How could I possibly hurt you now?" she said.
Nathaniel felt like he had a boulder lodged in his chest, too heavy to express or swallow. He narrowed his eyes, a cold, unrelenting chill emanating from them.
"Saskia, you're something else," he said.
Jade watched their standoff, secretly delighted, and chimed in, "This woman would ditch you for a quick buck. Why be so stubborn?"
"That's enough." Nathaniel's stare had turned cold, as still and serene as a frozen lake, as if nothing had transpired. "Don't give her any more money. She doesn't deserve it."
His eyes shifted, coldly fixed on Saskia. Seeing this, Jade was overjoyed.
"Good that you see it now. If you want to marry a decent woman, there are plenty of good girls in town waiting for you," she said.
"Let's discuss this outside." Nathaniel's tone was icy as he strode out.
Saskia watched their retreating figures, the breath she was holding finally giving out as she collapsed by the hospital bed. Her wound had just been treated, the cut still throbbing painfully, each movement like a needle prick.
But Benjamin was still in Azalea's hands. How could Saskia sleep? She stumbled to her feet, intending to leave the hospital and call Azalea. Saskia would take all the blame. This had nothing to do with Benjamin!
As soon as she stepped out, a hand with distinct knuckles supported her. A clear, pleasant voice sounded in her ear, "Watch your step."
"Thanks!" Saskia didn't look up, gently pushing his hand away. Just as she was about to leave, the man grabbed her.
"Saskia?" His tone held surprise, joy, and the excitement of a long-awaited reunion. Saskia slowly lifted her pale face. Before her stood a handsome, clear-eyed man, his thick hair neatly styled. The loose doctor's uniform fit him perfectly, adding to his sharp appearance.
He looked familiar, but Saskia couldn't quite recall where she had seen him before. After a moment of hesitation, she asked, "Who are you?"
The man pointed to the name tag on his chest. "Stanley Ortiz, remember?"
Saskia's memory flashed back a few years to a prominent figure in the medical school, Stanley, who was both talented and charming. They had met at a social event and danced once. Saskia had thought he was a bookish type, but he turned out to be witty and humorous.
A smile tugged at Saskia's lips as she nodded. "I remember now."
Stanley smiled and joked, "I guess I wasn't memorable enough for you to forget me."
Saskia was anxious, not in the mood for small talk, and brushed him off. "Stanley, it's been years. I might not remember everything."
Stanley replied, "How could that be? You were the most popular woman in the law school, memorizing thick law books with ease."
He paused, a bright smile on his face. "I guess we lost touch for too long."
"I have to go." Saskia lowered her eyes and walked quickly ahead.Stanley grabbed her arm. "You're a patient. You shouldn't be running around. Let me check you."
"I'm fine," Saskia insisted, trying to shake off his hand. But she was too weak from her injury, and her attempt felt as feeble as a kitten's scratch.
Stanley led her back to the room, examining her carefully, his expression serious. "I've attended every reunion, but never saw you. Did you go abroad?"
Saskia shook her head. "Life's been messy. Nothing worth mentioning."
"Tell me if you need help. Maybe I can do something." Stanley looked at Saskia with concern. Though time hadn't marked her face, the deep fatigue in her eyes overshadowed her former radiance. Stanley thought she must have had a rough time.
Saskia was silent for a moment, then shook her head. "It's nothing, Stanley."
Stanley asked instinctively, "Did you become a lawyer?"
This was a sore spot for Saskia. She choked up for a moment, then smiled faintly. "How's my wound?"
Sensing she was changing the subject, Stanley dropped the questions and examined her wound. "It's reopened."
"No wonder it hurts," Saskia said.
"You haven't changed; you've always been tough, always pushing through," Stanley said with a kind smile. "But remember, once you get home, keep the wound dry and let it heal." His eyes sparkled with warmth as he gave his instructions.
Saskia nodded, forcing a smile. "Thanks, Stanley."
"I leave for just a moment, and you're already getting cozy with the doctor?" Nathaniel's voice echoed from the doorway, his eyes narrowed in a mocking stare.
When did he get here? Saskia hadn't noticed. Hearing his voice made her heart race.
Stanley turned, their eyes clashing with sparks. After a long silence, he said, "She's a patient. Why speak so harshly?"
Nathaniel frowned. "That's my business."
Stanley scowled. "You don't respect her."
"Does she deserve respect?" Nathaniel's tone was full of disdain.
Stanley's anger flared, and he stepped forward to defend Saskia. Saskia saw the tension and quickly stepped between them.
"No need to fight over me, Stanley. It's great to see you again, but I have things to do. Let's catch up another time," she remarked.
Stanley looked at her pale face, reluctant but resigned. "Alright, this time I won't lose your contact."
Hearing the door close behind him, Nathaniel turned, a smirk on his face. "A doctor? Still aiming high, I see—you're grabbing at any lifeline you can find."
"Can you stop being so cruel?" Saskia clutched her chest, gasping for breath. "We're just old classmates."
"Do you have any feelings besides self-interest?" Nathaniel suddenly lifted her chin, his grip tightening. "Speak."
"Just classmates. Your reaction makes me think you're jealous." Saskia looked up, smiling weakly.
"In your dreams!" Nathaniel spat through gritted teeth.
Saskia didn't really believe it. She just wanted to provoke Nathaniel, to divert his attention from Stanley. She tried to push Nathaniel's hand away, but the effort pulled at her wound, making her break out in a cold sweat.
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