Healing the Cold CEO

Chapter Ten

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"Mr Haren's case of Cerebral Edema is somewhat more complex. We have recognized, after our twenty-four hour observation, that he will require surgical decompression in order to improve his condition..."

The doctor's report was comprehensive as the three top surgeons and department heads gathered before us. My mother's silent sob hurt my heart as I watched Gia and Ayana hold her close, comforting her as they sat beside her.

I was grateful for them once more, and for Aimi's reassuring presence beside me as we listened to their report. They had given us their full attention and care, a clear representation of the power the Haren family held.

With my emotions suppressed to the point of pain, I numbly listened to the doctor's solutions, watching as Aimi countered their suggestions with her own questions. Their answers seemed to dissatisfy Aimi, her exasperation pulling my thoughts back to the present.

"What do you mean you can't perform the surgery? That is literally what you have just suggested."

Luka spoke up, his dissent clear as the doctors seemed to balk at the sight of the powerful individuals before them who all demanded a clear answer.

"Yes indeed but our neurologist is currently away on business in Argentina attending to yet another complex case. We intend to transfer Mr Haren to one of our neighbouring hospitals where Doctor Clinton will attend to him..."

"No. He is not good enough. We will not entrust the fate of the head of the Haren family to an incompetent alcoholic whose only capability is to stretch his nepotism claws to poison the entirety of Sinai Med..."

Axle's words sliced the air, increasing the tension and pressure even more as the doctors looked anywhere but at us now. Although their shock was clear, no one in our group was surprised by his knowledge of the Doctor's misgivings.

We knew there was more he could possibly reveal and yet he simply chose to completely discredit and possibly ruin the man's reputation. It was a slow, brutal end-something that Axle clearly excelled in.

Aimi and Ha Joon shared a look in that moment, the two of them silently communicating in the way they always did as siblings. These were the moments they showcased their brilliance, offering a glimpse into the interconnected world that the Hattori family had access to.

"I agree with Mr Gray. My father deserves the best care possible and I'll make the necessary arrangements to have him transferred once we settle on a specialist..."

I turned to Somer who nodded, pulling out his phone when Aimi shook her head, turning to her brother who nodded despite being on phone, conversing lowly in fluent Japanese. It was rare to hear the Hattori siblings revert to their father's native tongue but there seemed to be an understanding between the two that was a mystery to the rest of us.

"No need to worry. Ha Joon and I have secured a specialist in Kyoto, Japan who is prepared to carry out the procedure as soon as he is fully briefed on Mr Haren's condition."

Aimi's words were laced with the authority she channeled whenever she took control of a situation. This was her CEO voice, firm and leaving no room for argument. The Doctor's didn't seem to get the memo, though, as they protested.

"We cannot move Mr Haren over such a long distance without first stabilising and assessing his condition. It may be too much for him..."

"Which is why Doctor Renji Saito will be flying into the country to assess him tomorrow. He will give his advice and the decision will be passed onto Mrs. Haren and the current head of the Haren family, Elena Haren."

Aimi did not mince her words and neither did she back down as she name dropped one of the most prolific neurologists in this day and age. A prodigy in his own right, the good Doctor had received multiple awards of recognition for his revolutionary work. Securing his assistance was something only the Hattori family could do.

I gave her a small, thankful smile not only for her assistance with my father's medical situation but also for her vote of confidence that reminded me of the position I held now. She was not wrong. I was now the only person holding my family together and I would not let us fall.

The doctors were now tame, simply nodding before they excused themselves to make the necessary arrangements. I turned to my mother in that moment, squatting to her level before I brushed my thumb down her cheek softly that was tear stained.

She had barely been sleeping, clearly, and I longed to take away her pain and ease her worries. I was glad to be here. I would take care of her, no matter what. She would not go through this alone anymore.

"Thank you, my lovely girl....and all of you for standing with our family. We owe you a great debt..."

Her gaze trailed across the room, receiving warm smiles and reassurances from my friends before she turned back to me with a soft smile.

"You need to rest, mother. You were also in the accident and haven't had a chance to recuperate. Please let me make arrangements for you to get some rest at my apartment. You need all your strength to be able to keep watch over him. I promise that I will ensure that father is taken care of when I am not here to personally oversee everything. He will be safe until you return to his side."

I knew she understood the responsibility I was about to undertake. Much as I wanted to be there constantly for father, I knew that if he were here, he would call me to focus on the now. To ensure mother's sanity, a befitting send off for my grandfather and the stability of Haren Bank.

Family always comes first...then everything else follows...

"I trust you, my little one. And I know you are more than capable to stand in this position. Your father....your grandfather, they believed in you more than you could ever know..."

She tucked a curl of my hair behind my ear before placing her hand softly on my cheek in the most heart warming way possible. She would do this when I was a young girl- a means to reassure me in the face of my anxiety attacks.

She knows me so well....and her warmth is exactly what I need to be even stronger...

"I believe in you. I know you have always been a free spirit and that does not have to change. Be who you have always been. Stand firm, my baby girl. Emerge stronger in the face of this despair. I may have to focus on your father but that does not mean I am not here for you. I love you, my little one. Always remember that and the fact that you are a Haren and my daughter- let that make you stronger."

Her Irish was fluent from the years she spent learning at my father's side. Although her family was originally from Wales and Welsh was her native language, she had immersed herself in everything that my father had to offer.

In a way, her devotion was as petrifying as it was endearing. She loved him and because of that, she would never abandon him. While part of me longed to possess such a capacity for love, I refused to give myself so truly to someone.

"Thank you, mother. For believing in me. I will not let you down. Or them..."

I glanced at my father, taking a breath before I got to my feet. She knew who I meant and her nod was enough. It was time to become who they all said I was.

It's time to be a Haren...

"Somer, have Ziva take my mother home and stay there with her. After that, call Lucy and have her go to my penthouse and prepare for her arrival."

"Additionally, please make arrangements for the board members to gather at two for an emergency meeting. They want answers. I'll give them their answers and ensure we begin making strides towards...laying grandfather to rest."

"Right away, Miss Haren."

Somer nodded, instantly pulling out his phone to make the necessary arrangements for my mother's personal guard to take her home and for my house manager to take care of her.

He knew what was a priority for us. He had been with our family long enough. I turned to my friends, offering each of them a smile as my girls approached with their own.

"We will go with your mum, make sure she is settled before we head off. Please let us know what you need. We are more than ready to support you,"

Ayana meant every word as they pulled me in for their comforting hugs, making sure I understood to call them if I needed literally anything. Only when I verbally gave into their demands did they let me go with the promise of seeing each other soon.

"I'll handle everything with Renji's arrival so focus on other things, okay?"

Aimi reassured with a tight hand squeeze at my nod before she followed the rest, leaving the guys who proceeded to make similar promises.

"Whatever you need, Elena. All you have to do is call..."

Kai stated, earning nods from each of them- bar Axle who was on his phone. His gaze was, however, on me, touching every part of me in the way only he could. I avoided it for as long as I could and focused on the powerful men before me who had become more so friends than anything.

I knew they held great respect for my family with each of them having interacted with my father and grandfather in one way or another in the business world. They did not seem as condescending as many would probably be at the face of our adversity.

A lot of people spend time wishing for the downfall of old money families...the gossip will probably be one for the ages but I refuse to give them what they want...

The men before me beheld a level of respect in their gazes and demeanor. They were waiting to see what I was capable of whilst supporting me in the background. And I cherished them more for it.

"Thank you. All of you. I appreciate your presence and support. Please make sure my girls get home safe."

"Always."

Damian nodded, each of them saying their goodbyes before they escorted the ladies out, including my mother who hugged me tight before letting Gia and Ayana lead her out to meet Ziva, who had just arrived.

I took a breath, reigning in my emotions as I prepared for what was to come, but my relaxation was cut short at the feel of his close proximity. My body was on high alert as he stood- or rather towered-behind me.

"You are avoiding me. Why, manamea?"

His voice brought a rush of emotions back, chief of which was longing. I wanted to give in. To submit and let him hold me up as we conquered this storm together. I wanted him to pull me to his side and heal my damaged soul.

But unlike my mother, I won't survive such an all-consuming love...I can't...so rip the band-aid off...

"Because there is no need for us to interact any longer. Our dare is over, Axle. There is no need for us to pretend anymore. I am setting my focus on surviving this tumultuous time and I suggest you go back to building and running your empire. The s*x was great but I'm also not interested in a situationship. I'm not the kind of girl who lingers on one man. I'm more explorative..."

I took a breath and tried not to choke at the way his infathomable gaze grew stormier with every word I spoke.

"I am focusing on my family and on Haren Bank and getting them through this. Thank you for being there for me....I really do appreciate you and won't forget your kindness."

Everything in me could not believe that I had just friendzoned the man before me. The man I desired with every fibre of my being.

For the first time in my life, I have denied myself something I really desire. Let's hope this is the last time I have to...

Axle said nothing and simply watched me. Everything about him was devastatingly hot, even the twitch of his eye that was the only revelation of his true emotions that leaked beyond his usual mask of indifference.

He stared at me for what seemed like forever, which was truly about a few seconds, and seemed ready to say something when Somer appeared and saved me from having to literally drag my ass away from him.

"Everything has been handled. The Board will meet you at the Main Conference hall at the office. It has been cleared and security has been elevated."

"Thank you, Somer. Now, let's go. I need you to brief me on every single thing that happened."

We were walking now, the two of us passing a silent Axle who did not follow me nor budge from his position. Instead, we made our sweet escape as I worked hard to deny and suppress the part of me that was disappointed that he did not follow me.

You have no time to be delusional, Lena....focus on the now...

Family over everything...

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