The Billionaire's Ruthless Vow

Chapter 4

Morning arrived sooner than Elena would have liked. She stood before the small wardrobe in her apartment, carefully studying the few outfits inside. Today wasn’t just another day. It was the beginning of a new chapter.

After several moments of deliberation, she reached for a crisp white blouse and a deep green jacket she worn countless times during university. As she smoothed the fabric between her fingers, a bittersweet smile touched her lips.

“My mother always said green was my color.” She thought sadly. Her mother was her backbone and supporter before the cold hands of death took her away leaving her to become responsible overnight. The memory lingered for only a second before reality reclaimed her.

She wasn’t dressing to impress anyone. She was dressing for survival. After fastening the final button, she stood before the mirror. The lady staring back looked tired. The sleepless nights showed beneath her eyes, yet, determination burned there.

“You’ve overcome worse,” she whispered to her reflection. “Don’t let one arrogant billionaire ruin your future.” She added.

Picking up her handbag, she bade brother goodbye kissing him on his cheeks before she left the apartment.

---

Thirty minutes later, the magnificent glass building of DC hospital rose before her once again. Unlike yesterday, she wasn’t intimidated by its size. Today, she belonged here. A small smile found its way onto her face. At the reception desk, a young woman greeted her warmly.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning.” Elena replied politely. “My name is Elena Moore. I was asked to resume today as the new laboratory scientist.”

Recognition flashed across the receptionist’s face. “Oh! Welcome, Miss Moore.” She typed quickly on her computer before pointing toward a hallway.

“The laboratory department is on your right. Everything has already been prepared for you.” The receptionist informed.

“Thank you.”

“And… congratulations.” She smiled kindly.

Elena blinked before responding. “Thank you.”

Those simple words warmed her heart more than the woman probably realized. For the first time in months, someone congratulated had her instead of pitying her.

---

The laboratory department was spotless. Every instrument gleamed beneath the bright lights. Each workstation had been arranged with military precision. Her name was neatly printed on one of the desks ‘ELENA MOORE’.

She slowly placed her handbag down. A quiet smile escaped her. “This is really happening…” she muttered. She gently ran her fingertips across the desk. This wasn’t another temporary waitressing job. This was the career she had spent years studying for. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to dream. Maybe this job really could change everything. Maybe Ethan’s surgery wasn’t as impossible as it had seemed. Maybe… life was finally giving her a chance.

---

Several minutes later, the department gradually filled with staff. One after another, laboratory scientists introduced themselves.

“Morning.”

“Welcome abroad.”

“Congratulations!”

Their kindness eased the nervous knot in Elena’s chest. She responded warmly to each greeting, silently promising herself she would earn their respect through hard work.

Exactly at ten o’clock, the room fell quiet. Two familiar figures entered. Elena recognized them to be the panel from yesterday’s interview, the lead interviewer, Dr. Kate and the chairman, Dr. Simeon.

Everyone immediately rose to their feet.

“Good morning everyone.” Dr. Kate greeted.

“Good morning, ma’am.”

She smiled before turning toward Elena. “As you’re all aware, Miss Elena Moore officially joins the laboratory department today.”

Her gaze swept across the room. “I expect everyone to cooperate with her and provide assistance whenever necessary.” She added.

“Yes ma’am!” they said.

“Miss Moore.”

Elena stepped forward. Dr. Simeon handed her a neatly packaged welcome box. Inside were her hospital identification card, department handbook, laboratory regulations, a lab coat with her name and that of the hospital on it and access credentials.

“Please familiarize yourself with all hospital policies.”

“I will, sir.” Elena affirmed.

“Excellent.” Dr. Kate clapped her hands lightly before adding. “Everyone may return to work.”

Within seconds, the department came alive. Phones rang, samples arrived, machines hummed steadily, reports needed verification, critical results required immediate attention. The atmosphere was fast-paced but organized. Elena quickly settled into the rhythm. Hours slipped by almost unnoticed.

---

By two o’clock in the afternoon, the morning shift had officially ended. Elena stretched her aching shoulders. Her first day had been exhausting, but satisfying. She reached for her handbag.

“I’m finally going home.” She said to herself.

“Miss Moore.” A voice called.

She looked up and saw Nathan who stood beside the desk carrying an enormous storage box. Elena’s smile instantly vanished.

“Mr. Nathan?” she called staring confusingly at the box

He offered an apologetic smile. “I’m afraid you won’t be leaving just yet.” He said as he gently placed the heavy box on her desk.

Inside were dozens of patients reports awaiting review. Elena stared at the mountain of files.

“You’re joking.”

“I wish I were.”

She looked from the files back to him.

“These can’t possibly all be for today.” She said wishing he would say it wasn’t.

Nathan rubbed the back of his neck. “They are the CEO’s instructions.”

“The CEO?” she already knew the answer. Still, she asked anyway. “Dr. Damien Cross?”

Nathan gave a helpless nod. “He specifically requested that these reports be reviewed before you leave.”

Elena closed her eyes for a brief second. Of course, who else would it be?

Nathan lowered his voice “If it makes you feel any better…” he started.

“It doesn’t.” she cut in.

“I tried.” He sighed.

She looked at him. “You did?” she asked surprised.

“I mentioned that they could wait until tomorrow.”

“And?” she asked curiously.

“He disagreed.” Nathan said with an apologetic look.

Despite her frustrations, Elena almost laughed. Poor Nathan looked as though he had been caught between a hurricane and a thunderstorm.

“Thank you for trying.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It is not your fault.” She said.

Nathan offered one last sympathetic smile before walking away. Left alone with the impossible workload, Elena looked toward the CEO’s office several floors above.

“Petty billionaire.” She muttered under her breath. Then she rolled up her sleeves.

“If this is your revenge, then I will survive it.” She said determinedly.