Chapter 252 Is James Bullying You?
That night, the celebration banquet was a resounding success. Even James, with his legendary tolerance for alcohol, found himself overwhelmed, having to excuse himself twice to keep from getting completely intoxicated.
Next, fueled by the enthusiastic crowd, James found himself on stage delivering a speech.
By the time the event finally drew to a close, it was nearing eleven o'clock.
James was about to call a cab back to Lindwood City when Edwin stopped him in his tracks.
"Dr. Wheeler, I hate to be difficult, but I really need to get going. I've already called a cab," James said with a tired smile.
"Nonsense!" Edwin exclaimed, grabbing James's arm and fixing him with a stern look. "It's almost eleven o'clock! What's the rush? Besides, you've had quite a bit to drink tonight. What if something happens on the way back?"
A nearby elderly practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine chimed in. "He's right, James. It's getting late. What if you run into trouble? If something were to happen to you, it would be a huge blow to the world of traditional Chinese medicine! You simply can't go back tonight."
"Exactly! I saw a news report just the other day about dangerous rideshares. Dr. Wheeler, you're a national treasure! We can't have you take that kind of risk!" another voice added.
Suddenly, James found himself surrounded by a group of concerned colleagues, each more determined than the last to prevent him from leaving. They treated him like a priceless artifact, terrified that something might happen to him.
James couldn't help but feel a wave of helplessness wash over him.
Finally, Edwin declared, "Alright, that settles it. Mr. Smith, you're staying here tonight. We'll call you a cab in the morning. If Jennifer has any objections, give me the phone, and I'll explain everything to her."
Edwin's unwavering enthusiasm made James blush, especially considering Edwin was significantly older than him. James had tried to address this dynamic with Edwin before, but Edwin never seemed to take it to heart.
Left with no other choice, James resigned himself to the situation.
Having made up his mind to stay the night, James sent Jennifer a quick text, letting her know he wouldn't be home until tomorrow and that she shouldn't wait up for him.
Jennifer wasn't asleep yet; in fact, she had been anxiously awaiting James's message.
When it finally arrived, a wave of disappointment washed over her. She longed to see James, but since he had already made other arrangements, she simply replied to his message and retreated to her room.
Jennifer's personality differed greatly from many women. She wasn't one to readily express her emotions or be overly affectionate, even with her own husband.
While she possessed both stunning beauty and a captivating figure, her personality was anything but typical. She wasn't clingy, dramatic, or prone to playing games. "Aloof" was perhaps the most fitting word to describe her.
For instance, despite yearning to hear James's voice and share her day with him, she couldn't bring herself to pick up the phone and call him. She was accustomed to burying such desires deep within her heart, processing them in solitude.
James was oblivious to Jennifer's longing. Had he known, he would have braved any obstacle to return to her side that night.
As it stood, he was utterly spent. The day's events, coupled with the evening's revelry and socializing, had taken their toll. After checking into the hotel, he collapsed onto the bed, too exhausted to even shower.
Meanwhile, Harmony had successfully administered the serum, neutralizing the remaining snake venom coursing through her veins.
Despite this victory, her heart felt heavy. Hunger gnawed at her stomach, yet she had no appetite.
She lay staring blankly at the ceiling, her mind replaying countless memories of her and James. Each recollection deepened the ache in her chest, and silent tears streamed down her face.
She was so consumed in her thoughts that she didn't even register the sound of the door creaking open, nor the footsteps approaching her bedside.
"Harmony, darling, it's me. How are you feeling? Harmony! What's wrong?!"
It was Michael. The sight of Harmony's tear-stained face filled him with a surge of panic, and he rushed to her side.
Harmony stirred slightly at the sound of his voice, whispering weakly, "Michael, you're here."
Michael had brought two bodyguards with him, but seeing the state Harmony was in, he immediately dismissed them with a wave of his hand. He took her hand in his, his voice thick with concern. "Harmony, what's wrong? Did someone hurt you? Tell me, and I'll make sure they regret it!"
Harmony held a special place in Michael's heart, his love for her was a love that surpassed all others. To see her like this, heartbroken and vulnerable, filled him with both anguish and rage.
"Was it that bastard Jared again?" Michael roared, leaping to his feet. "That good-for-nothing punk, I'll kill him!"
He was already reaching for his phone when Harmony's weak voice stopped him in his tracks. "It wasn't him," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Her words lingered in the air, delicate as wisps of smoke. Michael had never seen Harmony like this before. Her face was devoid of its usual vibrancy, as if her very soul had abandoned her. The sight sent a pang of pain through his chest.
Having watched Harmony grow up, Michael knew her better than anyone. Despite her occasional bouts of childishness, she was a fighter at heart. No matter the hardship, she always seemed to bear it silently, internalizing her pain.
Just like when she had first fallen ill, she hadn't breathed a word of it to her family. It was only after the maid had noticed something amiss that she had finally relented.
To see her so utterly broken now told Michael everything he needed to know. The pain she must be experiencing was immeasurable.
Her face remained an emotionless mask.
Michael clenched his fists, drawing in a deep breath to steady himself. He sat back down beside Harmony, gently taking her hand in his. "Harmony, sweetheart, talk to me. What happened? Did someone hurt you? Where's James? Where did he go? Wasn't he looking after you?"
At the mention of James's name, Harmony's carefully crafted composure crumbled. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks, her face contorting in pain.
Her sudden outburst startled Michael. "Harmony, don't do this to me. Tell me what's wrong. What happened with James?"
Suddenly, a chilling realization dawned on Michael, and his expression hardened.
"Harmony," he said, his voice strained with barely suppressed fury, "Did James hurt you?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
