Chapter 271: The Growing Distance Between Gemma and Me
Jarrett turned away, gazing at the cold, distant stars.
The moonlight tonight was sharp, almost biting.
But the chill in his eyes was even colder.
“You know me—I never act without knowing the full story.”
Ashton sighed, lowering his head.
“Jarry, you’ve already looked into this, haven’t you?”
He knew full well—if Christine was in N.L. City, anyone digging around would eventually find a trail.
Just because Jarrett wasn’t saying anything didn’t mean he didn’t know.
And honestly, bringing it up wouldn’t do the Doltons‘ reputation any favors.
They’re Doltons, and they knew what could be said and what should never leave their lips.
“Jarry, my wife and kid are still in the hospital.
If you figured it out, you can bet Cassius Raven did too.”
Ashton rubbed his temples. Since he was asking for help, there was no point in keeping secrets anymore.
Jarrett didn’t look surprised.
He didn’t even interrupt, just waited for him to continue.
Seeing that, Ashton knew there was no hiding it.
“Gemma probably knows about my wife and kid by now too.
She’s keeping quiet for now, which only means one thing—she’s planning something with t
the
surgery.
A doctor like her would know exactly how to stage a medical accident and walk away
Jarrett tilted his head, intrigued.
clean
“What the hell did you do to piss Gemma off so badly she’d risk ruining her career just to get back
Ashton froze.
If he really thought about it… he hadn’t done much.
He just couldn’t stand the idea of some girl from the mountains trying to climb up in their world.
Maybe he’d been a little condescending. A little arrogant.
But that was just arguing. Even if Gemma was pissed, it wasn’t enough to make her kill someone.
So why was his gut instinct telling him she’d go after his kid?
Had things between them really gotten so bad that there was no going back?
“I think we should just wait and see.”
Jarrett was methodical. He wouldn’t act without solid proof.
But Ashton wasn’t having it.
“No way, Jarry, you don’t know how dangerous Gemma is!”
Jarrett raised an eyebrow.
“She set you up
“That’s right! She’s the reason I landed in jail!”
“Then she’s got talent,” Jarrett said flatly. “Though, to be fair, you were careless. And arrogant.”
Ashton “J
Jarrett mighave been criticizing him, but he was deep in thought too.
“With Caeskas backing her, Gemma must already know who she’s dealing with
But she still schedaded the surgery.
That doesn’t add up undirse she’s not the one performing it
at you?”
If someone else is folding the scalpel, she can screw with things behind the scenes and walk away scot free.”
Ashton had been thusakang the same thing.
Ever since that Chaver kid’s surgery was a success, every expert who worked with Gemma had blown up in the medical field.
She wasn’t the only one capable of doing this operacion snymore.
Chapter 271: The Growing Distance Between Gemma and Me
She could easily have someone else take the lead while she messed with the equipment or supplies.
And Ashton only had one kid.
The son he had pinned all his hopes on. The heir to everything he had built.
He couldn’t let Gemma destroy him.
“What’s your plan?”
Jarrett had already guessed most of it, but he wanted to hear it straight from Ashton.
“It’s simple. You’re her Uncle Jarry. She’s never met you before.
I’m guessing deep down, she still wants to be acknowledged as family. Just play that card–be nice to her.
Take her away from the hospital, keep her busy, I’ll find another surgeon.”
Jarrett frowned.
“That’s illegal.”
“It’s not illegal,” Ashton corrected. “It’s just that Uncle Jarry finally meets his long–lost niece, dotes on her a little, and decides to show her around.
And, well… she’s not great with alcohol. Two drinks, and she’s out cold for two days.”
Jarrett, “…..That’s a terrible plan. Cassíus isn’t an idiot.”
Ashton waved him off. “Come on. Cassius might care about her, but what’s he gonna do? Stop her from spending time with her own family?”
Jarrett still didn’t look convinced.
So Ashton played his trump card.
“You’ve had your eye on that plot of land I bought, right? It’s yours.”
Jarrett exhaled sharply, clearly reluctant. “Fine. I’ll go meet our niece.”
Gemma had been buried in medical journals lately.
Just because the last surgery was a success didn’t mean she could afford to get complacent.
The assistant doctor came in, flipping through a chart. “Dr. Kelestine, the surgery is confirmed for ten a.m. tomorrow.”
Gemma checked Christine’s son’s latest test results. “Good. Let’s go with that.”
The sooner, the better.
Now that the boy’s stats looked good, there was no reason to wait.
After giving her final instructions, she heard a knock at the door. Brian stepped in.
Brian? What are you doing here? You’re not even off duty yet.”
She glanced at the clock.
Brian sat across from her and held up his hand.
“I made an appointment.”
Gemma,
“Brian, just say what you need to say. No need for all the formality.”
Brian gave a wry smile.
They used to talk so easily, no walls between them.
Before the whole village case happened, they had even been growing closer.
He had always thought that if he just tried hard enough, he could finally confess his feelings to her.
Maybe, just maybe, they’d already be together by now.
“But wer have grown distant,” he murmured, his voice soft.
There was warmth in it, but also a quiet sadness.
Ica day to explain about the and the Dolions.”
Saying it out loud made Brian ware to slap himself.
He had trated Achton completely, only to realize too late that the man had nearly destroyed the entire hospital
Back when the hospital’s system gut hacked, Brian had been swamped in the OR.
By the time the director stabilized the situation, none of them had been allowed to leave their posts
So he hadn’t been able to check on Gemina
And after that, as one of the lead surgeon, he had been busy cleaning up the mess
By the time he beard the zew. Co surgery was already over.
Chapter 271: The Growing Distance Between Gemma and Me
He had stood outside the recovery room, heart pounding with pride for her.
But at the same time, a hollow ache settled in his chest.
The gap between them had never felt so wide.
And in that moment, he realized–
He might never be able to catch up to her.
“Brian, you’re overthinking it. I’ve never even thought about this.”
That hurt even more.
Because if she had thought about it, if she had cared, even if it had made her sad, at least that would’ve meant he had mattered.
Brian looked down, feeling like something inside him had been torn apart.
He took a shaky breath, trying to steady himself.
“Gemma…. I’m sorry, I never understood the situation. I don’t deserve to be your friend.”
