Chapter 264: The Woman in the White Sweater
Gemma was working on a report when someone called for her.
A familiar face.
“Bradley?”
She glanced outside.
Sure enough, a few nurses were sneaking glances in their direction, already whispering and speculating about who he was.
The moment they figured it out, they’d swarm in for autographs.
This tiny office couldn’t possibly hold that many people.
Just thinking about it gave her a headache.
“Whatever it is, make it quick. I’m busy.”
Bradley closed the door behind him and pulled down his mask.
His face was full of guilt.
“Sorry, Dr. Kelestine. I really didn’t expect the Doltons to shut you out like that.”
He sighed.
“I shouldn’t have told them. That’s on me.”
Gemma shook her head.
“This was going to happen whether you told them or not. It’s got nothing to do with you.”
“But do me a favor–stay out of my business. Okay?”
Bradley looked even guiltier.
“Yeah… I got it. I just thought, after searching for their granddaughter for so many years, they’d actually care about you. I didn’t want you to miss out on family.”
Gemma scoffed. “Well, now you’ve seen for yourself.”
Bradley looked regretful.
“But my aunt really likes you. If you don’t want anything to do with the Doltons, you could come to our family instead.”
“My aunt and your mom were best friends. You’d get along great.”
Gemma finally put the pieces together.
“So your aunt sent you here?”
Bradley looked surprised.
“How’d you guess?”
Gemma rolled her eyes. “Just tell me what she wants.”
“She just wants to have dinner with you. And talk about your mother.”
Gemma nodded. “Fine. Set it up. I’ll be there.”
Bradley hadn’t expected her to agree so easily.
He stood there, momentarily stunned, then grinned.
“Dr. Kelestine, you’re this.”
He gave her a thumbs–up.
Gemma deadpanned. “…If you don’t know how to give a proper compliment, maybe don’t force it.”
Bradley let out an awkward laugh. “I meant it, though.”
Gemma raised an eyebrow. “So now that you got what you wanted, can I have some peace?”
Bradley snapped to attention. “Right, right. I’ll get out of your hair. I’ll text you the time and place.”
Gemma finished her surgical report, breaking down every detail.
By the time she was done, it was already the end of her shift.
She got up to change when someone knocked on the door.
*Come in.”
She sighed and sat back down, feeling utterly drained.
Can’t even get a break before clocking out.
10 18
Setting
Chapter 264: The Woman in the White Sweater
Life was tough.
And the person who walked in… was Bradley,
But this time, he was holding a child.
“I registered him. You’re the only doctor still on duty, so you have to take a look.”
Gemma never turned away patients. Even after hours, she was willing to work overtime.
But the moment she examined the child, her face darkened.
“Menkes?”
Bradley frowned. “What’s that?”
Gemma didn’t explain. She immediately ordered a full set of tests.
“Take him for the tests. Bring me the results as soon as they’re ready.”
Bradley instinctively reached for his sunglasses and mask, but then realized this was a hospital.
That kind of disguise would only attract more attention.
So instead, he called his assistant to help.
Two hours later.
The results came in.
“Alex Parrish. Menkes. It’s confirmed.”
Bradley noticed her serious expression and asked.
“Is it bad?”
“He needs immediate treatment. Luckily, we have the right medication in stock, and it’s not insanely expensive.”
Bradley nodded. “That’s fine. Just do what you need to do.”
Gemma quickly arranged for hospitalization and prescriptions.
By the time the child was stabilized, it was already late at night.
Cassius texted, saying he was waiting for her downstairs.
Bradley, meanwhile, was still firing off questions.
“Will he cry at night?”
“Does he need more meds tomorrow?”
“Will he have to get injections?”
“Why are there so few nurses here? Can I hire a private caregiver?”
“I can’t stay overnight, but do VIPs like me get special privileges?”
Gemma felt like she was surrounded by a thousand quacking ducks.
Her patience snapped.
“Can you shut up?”
Bradley immediately clamped his mouth shut. “Got it. Not another word.”
Gemma, “…”
She exhaled, gathered her thoughts, then asked.
“Is this your kid?”
Bradley looked absolutely horrified.
“Are you kidding me?!”
Gemma, “…I need her parents here. He’ll need surgery, and a direct family member has to be present.”
Bradley hesitated, looking a little troubled.
She repeated.
“Medication can help for now, but it’s not a cure. He needs gene therapy.”
“I’m not trying to make this difficult for you. But if his parents don’t show up, he won’t be able to get the surgery,”
“It’s hospital policy. Nothing I can do about it.”
Bradley hesitated before asking, “Does it have to be both parents?”
“Preferably. But if one isn’t available, the other will do. With that, Gemma finally clocked out.
Bradley watched her leave, his face filled with guilt.
He felt like a terrible person.
Setting
10 18
Chapter 264: The Woman in the White Sweater
Since meeting Gemma, he’d done nothing but cause her trouble.
And now, he’d lied to her.
As her figure disappeared through the hospital doors, a woman in a white sweater stepped forward.
“Bradley, how’s the child?”
She looked pale and worried, her face lined with exhaustion.
“What are you doing here?”
Bradley glanced around nervously, making sure no one was watching before lowering his voice.
“He’s okay. The meds are working, and she’s asleep now. But Dr. Kelestine said she’ll still need surgery. A parent has to be present.”
The woman was slightly stunned, remembering the information she found, and immediately said.
“I know. It has to be done. Don’t worry–I’ll be there.”
Bradley rubbed his forehead.
“Ashton’s in jail, you need to be careful. If Jonathan or Madeline start suspecting anything, you-”
The woman stiffened at the names, shrinking into herself.
“I know. Thanks.”
“By the way, I’ll stay with him tonight. Just tell the nurses I’m her nanny.”
Bradley shook his head. “No need to lie. Just stay. If you have to sign the consent forms later, it’s better to be upfront about who you are.”
Setting
