FROM A GOLDFINCH TO A CEO

IT WAS DR. PERRY WHO SAVED YOU

On the other side, Edward finished his call and walked back to stand behind Nick. "Mr. Howard."

"It's late. What's going on with her?"

They were also at the hospital, the same one as Stephanie, but in a different section—the VIP ward.

"Miss Wilson seems to want to use the money from the card you gave her."

Edward paused, considering whether to mention that Stephanie had said something about her father being unwell, possibly in critical condition. However, due to poor phone reception, he hadn't caught the details. Seeing the expression on Nick's face, he decided against it.

Nick's expression darkened upon hearing Edward's words. He hadn't forgotten that when he left, she had mentioned wanting a divorce.

How could she talk about divorce while still spending his money?

With a cold tone, Nick asked, "Didn't you mention her dad recently took out a bridge loan?"

"Yes."

"Alright, inform the finance department not to release a single penny to the Wilson family, and keep her funds restricted."

"I understand, Mr. Howard."

Edward left the hospital room after hearing the instructions.

...

When Stephanie woke up again, she found herself in a hospital bed, and the sun was already shining brightly outside. She was momentarily stunned, then immediately thought of her father in the operating room. Panic spread across her face as she tried to get out of bed. "Hey, don't move!"

The nurse who had taken her to pay the fees last night stopped her.

"You just woke up. Your body is still weak, and you need to finish the IV drip."

The nurse had just entered the room and was speaking as she walked over to Stephanie's bed to change the IV bag.

It was then that Stephanie noticed the needle in her hand.

"I'm okay, really. I just... I need to see my dad. Last night..."

"Your dad's surgery is already done."

"Huh?"

Confusion appeared on Stephanie's face.

The nurse patiently explained, "You fainted at the payment window last night. Dr. Murray from our hospital happened to be passing by and found you. He brought you in and, after learning about your situation, vouched for you so the doctors could go ahead with your dad's surgery."

"We later informed your mom. She came to see you, but she couldn't stay long because she had to be with your dad."

So that's how it is?

Someone had vouched for her dad.

Stephanie felt a mix of emotions. The person she most wanted to rely on wasn't there, but a stranger had stepped in to help.

"Thank you," she said, unable to hold back her gratitude. She was about to ask about the doctor who helped when a figure walked in from outside.

"Dr. Murray," the nurse called out.

Stephanie turned toward the door, her eyes widening in surprise. "Pete... Pete..."

Her eyes were filled with shock, but the man in the white coat simply smiled. "What, a few years and you can't recognize me?"

"No, it's just... a bit surprising."

At first, Stephanie hadn't recognized him, but now that he was in front of her, she knew exactly who he was. "Mr. Murray."

He was her old neighbor from next door. They used to be quite close until her family moved when she was in high school, and they lost touch.

"Mr. Murray, you're a doctor now?"

"Yeah, is that so surprising?"

"Not really," Stephanie shook her head. In her memory, he had always been calm and collected, traits that suited a doctor well.

Mr. Murray had a gentle smile on his lips, though it quickly faded. His voice remained warm. "Stephanie, you don't need to worry about your uncle. He's out of danger after the surgery. As for the medical bills..."

"Stephanie..."

Before Mr. Murray could continue, a sudden voice came from the doorway.

Stephanie turned her head to see James bursting in like a firecracker.

"Sweetie, you're finally awake! You scared me to death! How could you just faint like that? You have no idea, when I got the call from your aunt, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest."

Before Stephanie could say anything, James was already talking a mile a minute.

Mr. Murray stood aside, watching James's excitement. He decided to hold off on what he was going to say and simply added, "Your friend is here, so I'll step out with the nurse. If you need anything, just call me. My office is in the building next door, fourth floor, room 401."He was very polite and courteous.

"Alright, Mr. Murray, we'll catch up later."

Stephanie felt a small warmth in her heart for Mr. Murray's graciousness. As he led the nurse out, the room was left with just Stephanie and James.

"Stephanie, who was that?"

James watched Mr. Murray's figure as he walked away, suspicion in his eyes.

Stephanie wasn't sure how to explain her relationship with Mr. Murray. Though he was just an old neighbor, before Nicholas, she had... liked him.

"Just an old friend," she said vaguely.

James didn't quite believe her, but he didn't press further. There were more important matters to discuss.

"Alright, tell me what's going on. I heard a bit from Aunt last night about Uncle's situation. Don't worry about his medical bills; I've already covered them. You can pay me back later."

"But what about you and Nicholas Howard? As Mrs. Howard, how can you not have money? And why is it that only you and Aunt are there for your dad in the hospital? Where's he?"

Stephanie couldn't help but smile as she listened to James's rapid-fire questions. "Can you remember I'm still recovering here? You're talking so fast, you're going to make me faint again. Which question should I answer first?"

James spoke up, straightforwardly, "Nick."

Stephanie's smile faded. "No idea..." She paused, then added, "Probably with his first love."

"First love?"

"Lucy is back."

"What!"

James almost jumped out of his chair.

After last night, Stephanie was calmer than James. "Keep it down."

James couldn't keep it down. "How did she come back? Wasn't she supposed to be abroad? And why is she back? Is she trying to steal Nick from you? Is Nick getting involved with her again?"

Stephanie didn't answer James's barrage of questions, but Nick himself provided the answer.

Because not long after, they saw Nick and... Lucy.

Here's what happened.

After James's questions, Stephanie didn't respond and, tired of his pestering, made an excuse to have him accompany her to see her dad.

Their ward was in Building 1, while Mr. Wilson was in Building 2. To get from Building 1 to Building 2, they had to pass through the Little Daisy Garden downstairs.

It was during this chance encounter that Stephanie and James saw Nicholas walking alongside Lucy.

In fact, even before seeing them, they had already heard rumors about the two from passing nurses.

Nurse A: "Oh my gosh, guess who I just saw? The head of the top-tier Howard Family. Wow, he's really handsome!"

Nurse B: "Nicholas Howard? What's he doing at the hospital?"

Nurse A: "Apparently, his girlfriend is sick, and he's here with her. But it's just a minor cold, and he's treating it like a big deal. They're staying in the hospital's most luxurious room, and he even called several top doctors over."

Stuff like that!

If Stephanie hadn't seen it with her own eyes later, she wouldn't have believed it.

That was Nicholas Howard, after all. Who would have thought he'd go to such lengths?