Chapter 287 Sooner or Later, It Must Be Faced
His collar was half-tucked, his right shoe was only half-on, and his hair was askew. It was evident that Michael's phone call had awakened him from a slumber, and he had arrived in a haste, paying scant regard to his attire.
Panic was etched on his face. His eyes darted around the room, finally landing on Michael. He hurried over, his voice frantic. "Mr. Brown, you're here! Why didn't you let me know beforehand?"
Michael had arranged a VIP room for James and hadn't felt the need to inform the hospital director personally. Ignatius was, therefore, completely unaware of the situation.
Thais watched in stunned silence as Ignatius practically groveled before Michael. Fear coiled in her stomach, draining the blood from her face.
The realization hit her like a ton of bricks. She was in serious trouble.
Her familial fortune was substantial, yet it paled in comparison to the wealth of an individual such as Ignatius. And this Mr. Brown, who commanded such respect from a man like Ignatius, was undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
Panic welled up inside her, laced with a bitter tang of regret. Why had she opened her big mouth?
Michael's response was a curt nod, his expression unreadable, his demeanor glacial. Ignatius, perceptive as ever, sensed his displeasure and felt a fresh wave of anxiety. While he had no direct conflicts with Michael, he knew that the man's wealth and connections dwarfed his own. If Michael wanted to crush him, it would be effortless.
He exerted strenuous efforts in attempting to recall the hysterical phone call he had received earlier. Which incompetent nurse had managed to offend Michael and drag him into this mess?
Michael, disinclined to waste time, cut to the chase. "Ignatius, what's going on in your hospital? How can you hire someone so unprofessional as a nurse?"
Ignatius felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple. He had met Michael on several occasions, but he had never witnessed such icy fury. The pressure was suffocating.
"This is my oversight, Mr. Brown. A lapse in judgment. I'm not sure which nurse has incurred your displeasure, but I assure you, she will be dismissed immediately!"
Michael turned his gaze to Thais, who stood frozen, her entire body trembling. "I'm deeply dissatisfied with her conduct. I don't want to see her in any hospital in Lindwood City. Consider this matter resolved."
"Of course, Mr. Brown. It will be handled discreetly."
Ignatius rounded on Thais, his voice laced with venom. Under his withering glare, Thais crumbled. Tears streamed down her face as she stammered out apologies, her previous arrogance vanishing into thin air.
She was previously a mediocre student more fascinated by boys than books and got the nursing job through family ties. The pay wasn't great, but it was a stable job. If her parents found out that she had been fired and was now blacklisted in Lindwood City, they would kill her.
Terror, sharp and cold, gripped her. Regret gnawed at her insides.
Harmony felt a surge of satisfaction.
"Ignatius, I was wrong! I didn't mean it! Please, give me another chance! I'm begging you!" Thais pleaded, her voice thick with tears.
But her pleas fell on deaf ears. Her earlier behavior had been appalling. Everyone was trying to comfort James, to shield him from further pain, and this nurse had the audacity to contradict the family, to be so utterly tactless. And when Harmony had reprimanded her, she had only become more insolent.
Under normal circumstances, it might have been overlooked. But right now, with emotions running high, her actions were unforgivable.
Ignatius snorted. "Your apologies mean nothing to me. If you want to apologize, apologize to Mr. Brown and Ms. Brown."
Thais' arrogance evaporated. She finally understood that she had crossed people she couldn't afford to offend. She bowed deeply to Michael, her voice trembling. "Mr. Brown, I was wrong. Please forgive my ignorance. I beg your leniency."
Michael's expression remained unchanged. He didn't even spare her a glance.
For someone of his stature, Thais wouldn't even warrant a second thought if it weren't for James' hospitalization.
When her pleas were met with silence, Thais turned to Harmony, bowing low, her voice choked with fear.
"Weren't you quite the arrogant one earlier? What happened to your bravado?" Harmony glared at her, her anger simmering.
Thais was consumed by regret, as the job's significance dwindled, overridden by fears of offending influential figures. If she didn't make amends, it could have repercussions for her family, and that was a risk she couldn't take.
But no amount of pleading could appease Harmony's anger. She was beyond apologies. "Just leave," she said coldly.
Just as Thais prepared to slink away, a voice rang out.
"Let her go. She did nothing wrong."
It was James. He spoke softly, a gentle smile gracing his lips. There was no trace of anger or resentment in his voice.
His words hung in the air, stunning everyone into silence.
Even Thais, who had been bracing herself for the worst, stared at him in disbelief.
James reached up and gently touched his bandaged face. "There's no need for this," he said, his voice calm, his demeanor serene. "I'm a doctor myself. I understand my injuries better than anyone. You can't shield me from the truth."
He turned to Ignatius. "Ignatius, this is a misunderstanding. Let her keep her job."
Ignatius hesitated, glancing at Michael uncertainly. This was his first encounter with James, and he was unsure of the relationship between the two men.
But one look at James' disfigured face filled him with unease. Such severe burns were beyond their hospital's capabilities.
In fact, he doubted any hospital in the world could fully repair such damage.
Michael and James locked eyes for a long moment. Finally, Michael sighed and gestured dismissively at Ignatius. "Do as he says. Let it go."
Relief washed over Thais. She bowed deeply to James, murmuring her gratitude, before practically sprinting out of the room, terrified that Michael might change his mind.
Harmony stamped her foot in frustration. "James! Why would you let her off the hook? Did you not see how she was acting? It was infuriating! And she had the nerve to spout such nonsense, such unprofessional drivel!"
"Did I?" James chuckled, pushing himself off the bed. He walked slowly towards the bathroom, where a large mirror hung above the sink.
Everyone watched him, their anxiety palpable.
"James," Jennifer rushed to his side, her voice tight with worry.
"I can't hide from it forever," James said softly, his voice betraying no hint of the turmoil he must have been feeling. He smiled, which was a sad, wistful smile. "I might as well face it now."
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