Chapter 250: Get Gemma Over Here
The moment he spoke, it was like he was trying to choke someone to death with words.
Yvonne’s face darkened.
Kaiya, sitting nearby, had already been treated. She listened to the conversation, quickly realizing there was some bad blood here, but she kept quiet.
She had already reported her injury to Ashton–emphasizing that she had come to Gemma’s hospital, no less.
Ashton, worried she’d been mistreated, immediately said he’d drive over.
Seeing his message, she relaxed and turned her focus back to Yvonne and Brian.
To be honest, Brian had this natural gentleness about him–like one of those polished noblemen straight out of an old–money family.
A ripple stirred in her heart.
She quickly looked away.
She couldn’t afford to let her thoughts wander.
Her entire life had been mapped out since birth.
An arranged marriage.
She needed to find someone from a powerful family, someone who could help her solidify her grip on the Doltons.
Or, better yet, marry someone beneath her and keep him as a decorative trophy.
Brian was the CEO of Read Pharmaceuticals.
Sure, it was a pharmaceutical company, but it was the best in the country.
The future potential was huge.
Even so, he still wasn’t good enough for a marriage alliance with her.
So, there was no point even thinking about it.
And yet-
The more she told herself that, the more she found her eyes drifting to him.
From his refined eyebrows to his lips.
Down to his impossibly attractive Adam’s apple.
Her heart raced wildly.
A faint blush crept up her cheeks.
Brian, completely unaware of her staring, remained relaxed, watching Yvonne with cool amusement.
“I’ve written up your admission papers. I’ll be your attending physician from now on.”
“Follow the treatment plan, and you’ll recover soon enough.”
Standard hospital protocol before admission.
Yvonne didn’t take it seriously.
“Mr. Read, let’s cut the small talk. We ran into each other–no point pretending this is just a doctor–patient thing, right?”
Brian sat up slightly.
“Oh? Then what do you want us to be?”
“Business partners, of course.” She used to look down on Read Pharmaceuticals–just another small–time operation in her eyes.
But times had changed.
She couldn’t afford to be so arrogant anymore.
“Mr. Read, are you interested in hearing a proposal?”
Brian glanced at the clock. Technically, his shift was over.
But he was on call tonight.
So he had time.
‘Go ahead.
He casually flipped through a patient file, looking entirely uninterested.
I know you like Gemma.”
Yvonne dropped the bomb without warning.
Setting
14:24
Chapter 250: Get Gemma Over Here
Not just Brian-
Kaiya, too, was completely stunned.
He liked someone?
And it was Gemma?!
Why?!
She could accept anyone–literally anyone–but her!
Her calm facade cracked. Rage flared in her eyes, burning hotter by the second.
She glared at Brian so hard, it was a miracle he didn’t catch fire on the spot.
“Are you in pain?”
Brian ignored Yvonne completely, turning to Kaiya instead.
She was still spiraling over the fact that her rival had just become her romantic rival. His voice snapped her out of it.
And then he stood up and walked over.
Smiled gently, and checked her wound.
Just like that, all her anger crumbled.
A ridiculous blush spread across her face.
“No… it doesn’t hurt.”
“Then stop staring at the same direction. Bad for your neck.” His tone was utterly indifferent.
Kaiya, “……”
Just a second ago, she had seriously considered fighting her mother over this man.
She had even come up with names for their future kids.
And then Brian opened his mouth–poof–every single romantic fantasy shattered.
All the pink bubbles in her head? Gone.
“Mr. Read, are you ignoring me on purpose?” Yvonne, left hanging, wasn’t even mad.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
“Not that it matters. You’re the one stuck in unrequited love–it’s not like your opinion changes the facts.”
Bullseye.
Brian’s expression darkened.
Yvonne knew men like him too well.
They always wanted what they couldn’t have.
And once they had it? They’d never cherish it.
Keagan had been like that, Brian was no exception.
“What exactly are you trying to say?”
Brian leaned back, eyes flashing with irritation.
But his self–restraint was impeccable–he wouldn’t let himself actually lose his temper.
Which only made his displeasure all the more obvious.
Yvonne rested her chin in one hand, smiling despite her injuries.
“You probably don’t realize it yet, but Gemma and Mr. Cassius have a… complicated relationship.”
“Oh, I know–you’ll say she’s out of his league.”
“But have you considered this? Sure, he doesn’t like her–but what if she likes him?”
“They see each other all the time.”
“If he ever decides to settle down–even if it’s not for love–he’s going to pick someone easy on the eyes. And Gemma? She’s the most convenient choice.”
“Me? I just can’t stand how high and mighty Cassius acts. I want to see him fall.”
“You? You want to get stronger. You want Gemma to actually see you.”
In other words, we’re after the same thing.”
They both wanted to break those two apart.
Divide and conquer.
“My plan is simple. I’ll handle Cassius. Dr. Read, can you make sure Gemma stays with you for now?”
Setting
1424
Chapter 230: Get Gemma Over Here
Kaiya nearly panicked.
But before she could react-
Brian shot her down immediately.
“No. I don’t play dirty.”
Yvonne, “…”
Kaiya, on the other hand, was thrilled.
The man she liked had principles.
She’d read so many posts online saying if you’re going to find a man, make sure he’s already a good person- not someone you have to fix.
Brian? He was exactly that.
Still, she figured she should at least nudge Yvonne in another direction. If she wanted to cozy up to the Read family, Gemma wasn’t the only option.
“Kaiya! Kaiya!”
Before she could say anything, a familiar voice called out.
Kaiya, Uncle Ash got here fast.
If she’d known things would blow up like this, she never would’ve tattled.
“Uncle Ash, I’m here.”
She stepped out into the hallway, waving at Ashton.
Ashton jogged over, gripping her shoulders, scanning her up and down.
Kaiya sighed. “Uncle Ash, I’m fine. It’s just a scratch.”
He flicked her forehead.
“You’re always worrying me.”
Then he glanced toward the nearby office.
The door was slightly ajar, but he couldn’t see who was inside.
“Who’s treating you? Is Gemma here?”
Kaiya blinked. “Huh?”
One look at her expression and Ashton knew the answer.
“Unbelievable. She’s your cousin. You got hurt, and she couldn’t even bother to show up? Where are her manners?!”
Kaiya just realized he was misunderstanding.
Her eyes welled up instantly–pure reflex.
“Uncle, this isn’t Gemma’s fault. We just reunited- we shouldn’t make things worse between us.”
“Hmph. This is her hospital. The least she could do is check on you! Wait here I’m calling her. She’d better get here right now!”
14.24
