Raymond's Contract Lover

Chapter 5

In the hospital, Arthea, a doctor, was in the locker room, preparing to change out of her surgical gown when Camila entered and greeted her warmly. "Arthea, congratulations on the success of your surgery," Camila said with a smile. She was in her early forties and a senior nurse in the cardiology department, having just assisted Arthea in a major cardiac surgery.

"Camila, I truly appreciate your help. The success of the surgery couldn't have happened without you," Arthea replied, rubbing her neck. The surgery had lasted six hours, and she hadn't had time for lunch; she was so hungry.

"Arthea, you're a genius. Your skills are approaching those of some seasoned doctors. The director mentioned yesterday that he wants to promote you," Camila said with a smile full of congratulations.

Arthea responded with a sweet smile, but she was aware of the presence of another highly experienced doctor at the hospital—Emily. Emily's presence seemed threatening because Arthea knew Emily disliked her and assigned her the high-risk, complex surgeries.

"If I get promoted, I'll treat you to a nice meal," Arthea said with a laugh. Since joining the hospital, Camila had always been supportive. Although Arthea was highly skilled, surviving in the hospital also involved navigating complex interpersonal relationships.

After leaving the changing room, Arthea returned to the hospital ward. It was lunchtime, and she walked through the hospital corridors with a serious expression. Whenever troubled, she liked finding a quiet place to ponder.

The events concerning Hill Group made her very anxious. Her heart was a mix of emotions: sadness, anger, grievance, worry, and a sense of frustration and defeat.

For twenty-two years, she had been her parents' pampered child, but just yesterday, her life underwent a dramatic change. Her father was imprisoned, her boyfriend betrayed her, and she inexplicably had a one-night stand with a stranger. She found it all unacceptable.

In such a moment, she absolutely couldn't give up.

Arthea squatted in a corner, immersed in her troubling thoughts. Suddenly, a conversation pulled her back to reality.

"Boss, Adrian's hospitalization this time is a rare opportunity for us," Micheal said to Raymond Watson.

Raymond, smoking in the dim light, parted his lips slightly, "Kill him. Make it look like a medical accident."

"Boss, he's your uncle. Isn't this too harsh?" Micheal's expression changed.

"He stole so much money from the Watson Group. He deserves to die. This is his fate, who else can he blame?" Raymond's smile was dangerously poised.

Arthea, hiding in the corner, watched this dangerous man. Just two sentences had decided someone's fate.

Adrian's name was very familiar to her. As she tried hard to remember who Adrian was, she suddenly heard Raymond's voice.

"Who's there?" His cold voice carried no emotion.

It was clearly summer, but Arthea felt extremely cold. Her limbs were frozen, and her blood seemed to flow backward in a panic.

Arthea slowly lifted her head. As their eyes met, she felt a chill sweep through her body.

"I didn't hear anything," Arthea said, steadying her breath and trying to appear calm.

Raymond's mocking smile deepened as he observed Arthea's nervous demeanor. Clearly, Arthea was scared.

If she didn't hear anything, how did she know they had been talking? Arthea's beautiful face was full of fear.

Arthea felt a shiver. Raymond's imposing presence was overwhelming, requiring her full attention when speaking to him.

"What are you nervous about?" Raymond suddenly stepped forward, heading towards Arthea.

"I'm not nervous." Arthea glanced around; this was the hospital wing she was most familiar with and considered safe.

Raymond looked at her pointedly. "Are you a doctor at this hospital?" He had already thoroughly investigated Arthea.

"No, I'm not." Arthea denied it, not wanting Raymond to know she worked here.

"Then why are you wearing a doctor's uniform?" Raymond grabbed her, pulling her into his arms.

"What exactly did you hear?" Raymond's tone was unmistakably dangerous.

"What do you want me to say? I haven't heard anything." Arthea would not admit what she had overheard.

"I will show you what happens to dishonest girls, Micheal." Raymond released her. Arthea, unsteady, stumbled back a few steps.

Micheal hurried over, his face even colder than usual. He stood behind Raymond, dressed in a black suit. His rigid expression filled Arthea with fear.

"What do you want to do? This is hospital." Arthea leaned against the wall, frowning nervously.

"And what if it is? Perhaps I can buy this hospital," Raymond replied calmly, everything under his control.

"I must remind you, this is a hospital. Every corner is monitored; look up if you don't believe me," Arthea stated.

Raymond did not look up, but he knew Arthea was telling the truth.

"Do you think that can threaten me?" Raymond asked, unfazed.

Arthea never intended to threaten Raymond Watson; she only wanted to get rid of him. Running into him, she didn't even dare to admit she was a doctor here, to avoid future trouble.

"Mr. Watson, if I was impolite earlier, please forgive me. But I swear, I really didn't hear anything. I'm very busy. May I leave now?" Arthea's pleasant voice shook slightly as she maintained a calm smile in the quiet corridor.

"Remember what you said today. Even if you did hear something, pretend you didn't. Otherwise, disobedient girls will face consequences," Raymond warned calmly, brushing past her.

Arthea collapsed, entirely shaken. This was far too dangerous.

Back in the office, Arthea sat in chair, quietly reviewing the patient's condition report. Yet Raymond Watson's words lingered, especially the name—Adrian. This name felt very familiar. As Arthea flipped through the case files, she suddenly saw it: Adrian Watson. This was the very patient she operated on that morning. He suffered from severe myocardial infarction. Arthea recalled Raymond's words—he intended to kill Adrian, making it look like a medical accident. Adrian was her patient. If a medical accident indeed occurred, she will bear full responsibility.

While Arthea was contemplating, Nurse Gianna entered. Gianna, a recent graduate, is an intern at the hospital and has a good relationship with Arthea.

"Hey, Arthea, I bet you haven't had your meal yet," Gianna said, walking into the office holding a sandwich.

Arthea looked at her gratefully. She was famished after surgery, but had lost her appetite after meeting Raymond.

"Thank you, Gianna. How did you know I haven't had lunch?" Arthea stood up and invited Gianna to sit down.

"I just asked Camila. She said you were in surgery this morning, so I guessed you probably haven't eaten," Gianna smiled, her beautiful eyes blinking adorably.

While unwrapping the sandwich, Arthea inquired, "Gianna, do you know who Adrian Watson is?"

Gianna stared at Arthea with astonishment. "No way. You don't who know Adrian is? He's the General Manager of Watson Group."

Arthea had no interest in Watson Group, so she didn't know Adrian.

"If I'm not mistaken, he was the patient from this morning's surgery," Arthea said confidently.

"Yes, that's him," Gianna smiled, showing her cute dimples.

"Does the general manager of the Watson Group have any background?" Arthea inquired. Gianna always had a keen interest in gossip and was well-informed about celebrities.

"The president of the Watson Group, Raymond Watson, is his nephew. Do you think that's a strong enough background?" Gianna said theatrically. If Arthea asked who Raymond Watson was, Gianna could talk about him for ages.

Arthea felt puzzled. If Adrian was Raymond's uncle, it would mean Raymond intended to kill his own uncle. How could anyone be so ruthless?

"Arthea, is something wrong?" Gianna asked, noticing Arthea's distraction and nudging her arm.

"Nothing, Gianna. Quickly transfer Adrian to the intensive care unit." Arthea needed to protect Adrian and ensure no one could approach him, leaving Raymond without an opportunity.

"Why? Is his condition that serious?" Gianna queried.

"Yes, and as you just stated, he's the uncle of the Watson Group's president. Therefore, we should take extra care of him, shouldn't we?" Arthea smiled, knowing that only someone as naive as Gianna would believe her well-meaning lie.