CHAPTER3
1202 Words
The doctor attending to Carter requested to see the family in his office. Rina and her stepmother hurriedly followed the doctor, shooting a stern look at Meona as they passed by. Meona lingered for a moment, peering down the hallway, catching a glimpse of her father from afar. He had been stabilized, but she wasn’t sure for how long.
The nurses told her she couldn't see him now until he was transferred to the visiting ward, for now he would have to remain here for close monitoring. Meona nodded in understanding, her heart heavy. She followed the same hallway as her stepmother and stepsister trying to locate the doctor's office.
Meanwhile, Liam was done with his check up and was heading towards the reception when he noticed a flash of red. He knew it was the lady from the entrance as Meona had a red dress on. It was a flair red dress gifted to her by her father, it had a black embroiderment around it giving it a sense of class and demure. The shoulders were finely cut revealing her cleavages, her breasts were perfectly curved in the dress and Liam couldn't get his eyes off her.
Her hair was neatly packed to the back with loose strands framing her face, her eyes were plastered with different emotions but he could tell she wasn't as weak as she looks, her lips were perfectly curved in a straight line giving her face a beauty he has never seen before. It was very unusual for Liam to admire any lady, but Liam found himself unusually drawn to this lady.
Meona, lost in thoughts looking around for Doctor Phillips' office, took no notice of the man standing some few meters from her in admiration. She finally found it and stepped inside.
Inside the doctor's office, the atmosphere was tense. "Mr. Carter’s heart is getting weaker by the day," Dr. Phillips began, his tone grave. "If nothing is done soon, it will take tremendous effort to save him. A heart transplant is urgently needed for him to survive. I’m sorry, but if nothing is done, he has barely 48 hours to live.”
Meona felt as though the ground had been pulled from beneath her. Her dreams were shattered once again, how can her Father have 48 hours to live. Rina, unable to bear the news, began to weep profusely and her mother comforted her, assuring her her Father will be fine and he would survive this though her own eyes betrayed the fear she felt.
Back at the Devlin Mansion, the news of Mr. Carter’s health crisis had reached Devlin. He knew it was the perfect time to strike. A sly smile spread across his face as he reveled in the opportunity presented to him.
Liam walked into the room, noticing the unusual excitement on his father’s face. "What’s going on?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of suspicion.
"I hear the CEO of Steel Company might not have long to live," Devlin replied confidently. "With him out of the way and with no clear heir, I should emerge as one of the top executives in no time."
Liam frowned, disapproving of his father’s cold ambition. "You’re celebrating a man’s possible death?”
Devlin’s smile faded slightly, but he didn’t back down. "Business is business, Liam. This is the chance we’ve been waiting for."
Liam had always known his father to be ruthless, but seeing him eager to capitalize on someone’s tragedy left a bitter taste in his mouth. Without another word, Liam turned and walked down the hallway, his thoughts conflicted.
Back at the hospital, Meona spent the night sitting outside her father’s ward, just in case he needed anything. The sounds of chirping birds told her it was morning. She remembered checking on her father one last time before she dozed off, her head resting against the cold wall.
She supposed Rina and her stepmother had gone home by now. Meona peered through the window into her father’s ward. He lay motionless on the bed, his face pale and lifeless. She wished he would wake up, just once, and call her name, but she knew her wishes were far from reality.
After checking with the nurses and assuring them she would be back in a few hours, Meona left the hospital. Her mind raced with thoughts of how they could possibly raise the money for her father’s surgery in less than two days.
As she arrived at the Carter Mansion, the silence was deafening. She couldn’t tell if it was the quiet of her arrival or the heavy atmosphere surrounding her father’s dire condition. She stepped into her room to refresh herself before heading back to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Mr. Devlin, aware of the Carter family’s misfortune, set out to place his demands on them. Dressed in his usual black suit, he exuded wealth and confidence. Devlin, a fine, polished man in his fifties, was known for his entrepreneurial prowess and often appeared in New York’s top magazines. He drove the most exquisite cars, wore the most fashionable clothes, and was always the picture of success.
With his plans in mind, Devlin made his way to the Carter Mansion, ready to take advantage of their vulnerability.
Meona stepped out of the shower, her hair still wet and clinging to her neck. She was lost in thoughts concerning her father's health. She was still hoping for a miracle to happen, she can't stand the fact of losing her only family. The more she thought of it, the more pain she felt on her chest. She was fully dressed now and ready to go back to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Devlin had just arrived at the Carter's Mansion. “He admired the grandeur of the place, muttering to himself, "You sure do have good taste." He made his way to the front door and rang the doorbell several times before it was opened.
Shocked at the sight of the man standing in front of her, Without a word, she left the door ajar and hurried to find her mother. Devlin was least bothered about Rina's reaction, strode through the open doorway and made himself at home in the living room, casually settling into a plush sofa and crossing his legs as though he owned the place. Moments later, Rina returned with her mother, both of them visibly uneasy at the unexpected guest.
“My condolences Michelle, I hear Carter is ill.” Devlin said with false sympathy as he glanced through the room as if searching for something.
I do not know if Carter informed you but we are business partners and Carter owes me a big deal of money, you see hearing he is sick it is only proper I pay a visit. Business cannot be tampered with personal crises. Devil said with a chuckle, Rina could feel the heat burning up her skin, Dad owes Devlin money?
Michelle, unsure of what to say, shoots a look at Rina and back to Mr Devlin. Devlin, seeing the shock and disbelief on their faces, stood up and walked straight to the doorway. He tu
rned and said, I'll be paying a visit to Steel.
- Writer
