Chapter 226 Treating Her Hand Ailment
At four in the afternoon, Ethan and Ashley packed up and headed to the airport together to catch their flight.
Chillin' in the VIP lounge, Ashley turned to Ethan and asked, "Babe, I saw the Yates Group's news today. Who you thinking of bringing in as judges for this year's medical research symposium?"
Ethan glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping, then leaned in and whispered, "I was gonna hit up the legendary doc Asclepius, but when our folks reached out with a fat paycheck, they straight-up turned us down."
Ethan let out a heavy sigh.
Ashley raised an eyebrow, and Ethan asked, "Why you so curious? By the way, I heard from Diannel that you signed up for this medical conference. Since when did you study medicine?"
Ethan gave Ashley a long, hard look and said, "You hiding something else from me?"
Ashley shrugged. "I dabbled in some medical stuff once. Pauline signed me up without asking, but I already told her to cancel it."
Ethan felt a wave of relief but still eyed her suspiciously, "For real? You ain't hiding anything?"
"It's true! If I knew medicine, wouldn't I have fixed my own hands and feet?"
Ethan thought about it and nodded, "Yeah, you're right."
Just then, the boarding announcement came on. Ethan said, "Time to board."
"Alright, let's roll."
Ashley linked her arm with Ethan's, and they strolled to the plane together.
The next afternoon.
Ethan and Ashley stepped out of the airport and took in the familiar sights of Aurora. Ashley took a deep breath and said, "Babe, we're finally back home. The air here is so much better."
Ethan looked at her playful grin, his eyes softening with affection.
Ethan checked his watch and said, "Babe, I gotta hit the office. I'll have the driver take you back to the Yates place."
"Cool, you do your thing."
Ethan opened the car door for Ashley. After seeing her off, he hopped into another car with Diannel and headed to the Yates Group.
Halfway through the drive, Ashley got a text from Asclepius: [I'm waiting for you at Perkatory Cafe.]
[OK.]
Ashley told the driver, "Turn around, we're heading to Perkatory Cafe."
"Yes, Mrs. Yates."
A bit later, Ashley walked into Perkatory Cafe, scanned the room, and spotted a handsome guy in a suit chilling in the corner.
Ashley grinned and walked over to him.
"Teddy Bear, you're looking more and more dapper. Been hitting up fashion school or something?"
"If anyone else called me that, they'd be tasting poison by now."
Asclepius's real name was Yaakov Ford. Back in the day, he was this tall, chubby, dark-skinned dude everyone called Teddy Bear. But after shedding the pounds, he turned into this total heartthrob, making all the ladies swoon.
"Teddy Bear" was Ashley's special nickname for him, and only she had the guts to call him that.
"Thanks for not poisoning me," she joked.
Yaakov smirked, "I got your favorite coffee."
"Thanks."
Ashley reached for the cup, but her wrist suddenly gave out, and she spilled coffee all over herself.
"What the heck happened?"
"I'm sorry, I'm so useless. I can't even hold a coffee cup..."
Yaakov zeroed in on her trembling hand, concern etched on his face. "Your hand... How'd it get so messed up?"
"Did you catch the news a few days ago?"
Yaakov shook his head, "I've been buried in work. Fill me in, what went down?"
Ashley sighed and spilled the whole story.
After listening, Yaakov looked at her with this deep, unreadable expression.
"So, after all that, you don't wanna go under the knife 'cause you won't be able to design anymore?"
Ashley nodded, "Yeah, they say you're a genius doc. Can you whip up some meds just for me?"
"Let me see your hand."
Yaakov pulled out a soft pad from his suit pocket.
Ashley placed her hand on it, and Yaakov held it, examining it closely.
A group of people walked by, and someone whispered, "Hey, isn't that Mrs. Yates?"
"Looks like it. Who's that guy holding her hand? Are they having an affair?"
"Snap a pic for proof!"
A few people took photos from a distance.
Noticing the paparazzi, Ashley shot them a death glare through the window, and they quickly scattered.
After checking her hand, Yaakov said, "Your hand's shaking pretty bad. Give me some time, and I should be able to cook up a special med for you."
"I knew you'd come through."
"Can't say how long it'll take, but you need to manage this now. You studied physical therapy, right? Why not try some on yourself to ease the symptoms?"
Ashley looked at him like he was nuts, "My hand's shaking like crazy, and you want me to do my own therapy?"
Yaakov rubbed his forehead, "Sorry, that was dumb. How about this, let's find a quiet spot, and I'll give you some therapy?"
Ashley thought for a moment. "Alright."
They left together and found a nearby hotel, booked a room, and went inside. Little did they know, paparazzi were hot on their trail.
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