Chapter 565 Atticus Invites Ashley
"Dad! You can't do this. I already told you she's not available!" Atticus said, looking exasperated. He didn't know how to explain that Ashley had found her family, and his feelings for her were entirely one-sided.
His father looked anxious. "Atticus, has something happened to Pearl? Is that why you won't let her come see me?"
"No, that's not it." Atticus replied without hesitation.
"Then why isn't she available? If not today, surely tomorrow?"
"I..." Atticus sighed. "I'll try again."
"Take your medicine, and I'll contact her right away."
"Alright."
After taking his medication, his father quickly became drowsy. Atticus tucked the blanket around him, sighed, and left the room.
"Are you York's family member? I'm his attending physician. Please come to my office."
"Of course."
Atticus followed the doctor to the office, and they sat down to talk.
"I'm afraid York has late-stage cancer. He has two months at most. During this time, if he has any wishes he wants fulfilled, try your best to accommodate them."
Atticus knew his father had this illness and that they would eventually face this separation. Even though he had prepared himself, he couldn't help feeling devastated as the end approached.
He then replied with a heavy heart, "I understand, doctor."
York's greatest wish before dying was to see his son married with children.
Atticus cared for Ashley, but he knew deep down she was out of his league.
Standing in the hospital corridor, Atticus ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. He sent Ashley a WhatsApp message: [Pearl, can we meet to talk?]
Remembering that Ethan had answered his call this morning made his heart ache even more.
"Mr. Grayson! We meet again at last!" a voice came through.
Atticus turned toward the voice. "Who are you?"
She looked familiar, but he couldn't place her.
"Mr. Grayson, it's me, Adina! I'm hurt you've forgotten me. Your lovely 'sister' gave me $100,000 to help treat your condition, but you never showed up. I'm feeling guilty about taking the money without providing the service!"
Atticus's face flushed, though thankfully his dark skin concealed most of it.
Embarrassed, he said, "Return the money to her. I won't be getting treatment!"
"Mr. Grayson, since you're already here, why not give it a try? How will you know if it works otherwise? Come with me."
"Let go of me!"
Though Adina wasn't typically aggressive, her niche profession required some assertiveness to attract clients. Besides, this man was exactly her type, and she wasn't about to let him go.
"Mr. Grayson, if you don't come to the treatment room with me, I'll scream that you're sexually harassing me!" She grabbed his hand and placed it toward her chest.
Atticus had never met such a bold woman!
Their commotion was drawing attention in the busy corridor. Mortified and wanting to disappear, Atticus had no choice but to follow as Adina pulled him toward her office. "Hurry up, unless you want to continue being a spectacle?"
And that's how Atticus found himself dragged into the treatment room.
Meanwhile, Ashley was preparing breakfast when she heard her phone notification. She checked WhatsApp and saw Atticus's message.
Atticus wanted to see her? They hadn't met in quite a while, so he must have something important to discuss.
Without hesitation, Ashley replied: [Sure, Atticus. What time? And where should we meet?]
After sending the message, she waited but received no immediate response. She figured he must be busy.
"Darling, need any help?" Ethan asked.
Ashley tucked her phone into her pocket. "No thanks, I'm almost done. Are you heading back to the palace after breakfast?"
"Yes," Ethan replied. "Two members of the discussion panel resigned due to family and health issues, so we need to hire replacements."
"Good. I'll come with you. If I'm going to help manage the new company in Aivalia, I should earn my place on the panel through merit."
Ethan took her hand, exuding confidence. "Darling, I believe in you. You'll definitely succeed!"
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