Sorry, You Can't Have Me Now

Chapter 5 Troublemakers Come Again

As the doctor's words hung in the air, both Joseph and Anna were stunned.

Emily paused mid-step and let out a small and relieved smile.

The attending doctor, still processing the situation, cast a curious look at Paul. The moment Paul removed his mask, recognition lit up the doctor's eyes. "Oh, are you... Dr. Turner?" he stammered, unable to hide his amazement.

Clearly, he'd just realized who Paul was.

Paul gave a slight nod but said nothing.

"It's our honor to have you here, Dr. Turner," the doctor exclaimed.

After all, Paul was a powerhouse in the field, a true legend in the medical world!

Paul waved it off and said, "I'm just here to do Emily a favor."

Emily chuckled, "Thank you so much, Mr. Turner. I owe you a feast."

Out of the corner of her eye, Emily saw Joseph and Anna standing there, faces tight with displeasure—especially Anna, who was biting her lip so hard that she was practically drawing blood.

Anna couldn't believe that Emily actually knew such a big shot.

As Emily lifted her gaze to meet Joseph's, she offered him a smug smile before walking off, leaving them both to stew in the moment.

Watching her retreating figure, Joseph put on a cold expression mixed with something he couldn't quite pin down.

Before he knew it, he'd already caught up with Emily.

"Wait, Emily."

Emily stopped but didn't turn around, and she waited for him to catch up.

Only now did Joseph connect the dots—he heard Paul's name before, and he just forgot it.

Realizing he'd misjudged the whole situation, he managed a stiff apology. "Sorry, I jumped to conclusions. Thanks for what you did."

Emily waved it off casually. "No need. I did it only for Clain."

Joseph's expression turned slightly stiff.

He'd assumed Emily was angling for some credit, but she seemed almost indifferent.

He was about to say something, but she spoke first, "But, if you really want to thank me..."

Joseph immediately flashed a smile, as if he was saying, "I knew it".

Seeing that look on his face, Emily sneered and added, "Then hurry up and send me the signed divorce papers. I'm in a bit of a rush."

After speaking, she brushed past him and left.

"Oh, and one more thing," she continued, not even breaking stride, "if you really want to know who played the trick, pay attention to the scent lingering in Clain's ward."

With that, she left Joseph standing there, his fists clenched at his sides.

Joseph couldn't help thinking, 'When did Emily become so cold? She's not playing any trick for my attention? That's strange.'

For some reason, that realization left Joseph a bitter pang.

Anna tugged gently on Joseph's arm, and he finally came back to his senses.

Seeing Joseph turn around to her, Anna put on a wronged look and sniffled. "Joseph, why don't we check on Clain?"

Joseph rubbed his brow and muttered, "Okay." Then, they pushed open the door.

Paul had already left, and soon after, the attending doctor came back, looking positively cheerful. "I never expected to see Dr. Turner here today!"

Anna bit her lip and asked, "How's Clain now? Is he really alright?"

Joseph didn't know much about medicine, but seeing his grandfather resting calmly with an even breath reassured him.

"Yeah, he's fine now," said the doctor.

As they spoke, Anna discreetly picked up a small sachet from the side table and slipped it into her bag.

Joseph's furrowed brow had finally relaxed, but Emily's words about Anna's scent drifted back to him unexpectedly.

'She mentioned something different about Anna's scent? I really didn't pay much attention to it,' Joseph wondered.

He then turned to look at Anna.

Feeling uneasy under his gaze, Anna asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Joseph replied.

He did smell a faint, cool fragrance—definitely different from her usual perfume but not overly distinct.

He pressed his lips into a thin line, letting his eyes sweep the room, though nothing seemed out of place.

The room was spotless without even a bouquet or decoration.

Realizing what he was doing, Joseph stiffened and shook his head.

'I must be losing my mind and actually taking the words of that spiteful woman seriously! Yes, Emily saved my grandfather, but that doesn't change her resentment toward Anna,' Joseph scoffed in his mind.

"Joseph." Anna's voice broke into his thoughts as she moved closer, reaching for his arm. "Emily went way over the line this time. I know she's bitter, but how can she take it out on..."

She added, "Since she's been acting so ruthlessly, maybe it's best to finalize your divorce soon before anything else happens."

However, Joseph gently sidestepped her touch and lifted his hand to avoid her grasp. "No rush for it."

A flicker of resentment then appeared in Anna's eyes.

'No rush? How can I feel secure if they don't make the divorce official?' Anna complained in her heart.

But on the surface, her expression remained soft and understanding. "You're right. You two have been married for three years after all. It's not so easy to just walk away."

Joseph's mind was still on Emily's parting words, so he didn't have much else to say.

*****

Meanwhile, Emily returned to her villa, kicked off her heels, and sank onto the couch.

The rushed trip to the hospital had left her drained.

She'd have to arrange a dinner to thank Paul soon.

Thinking of Clain, she softened her expression.

Thank goodness she'd made it in time to help stabilize his condition.

But as Emily recalled Anna's behavior at the hospital, irritation flared again.

Everyone knew Clain favored Emily, and Anna, always hanging around Joseph, was well aware of it too.

This time, Clain's health situation had been the result of sudden blood pressure and heart issues. His already frail condition made it all the worse...

"Emily, open the door!"

A loud pounding suddenly echoed from outside, followed by Maggie's unmistakable voice.

Emily let out a low chuckle.

She was just fuming, and someone dropped by to let her off some steam.

Opening the door, Emily watched as Maggie nearly stumbled in, barely caught by her daughter Nancy beside her.

"Oh? You're out already? Who bailed you guys?"

Emily leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and looked at them with a smile.

Already simmering with anger over their recent arrest, Nancy spat out, "Emily, you ungrateful snake! We're family, and instead of helping us, you had us kicked out and locked up!"

Last time, Emily reported Maggie and Nancy for theft, and they ended up in a holding cell.

Word had spread fast, and for days, they couldn't walk through the neighborhood without people whispering.

Maintaining a little more composure, Maggie nudged Nancy and said, "Let's go home and have a talk. Can we, Emily?"

"Home?" Emily raised her eyebrows and retorted, "Sorry, that's your home, not mine. I won't be coming home with you."

She shrugged, feigning surprise. "Unless you're telling me you think this place is yours? You guys are a bit too greedy."

Her sarcasm brought a flicker of satisfaction to her mood, if only slightly.

Seeing Emily's attitude, Maggie dropped the pretense entirely. "Emily, don't be so mean to us. Joseph's already dumped you. Who will you rely on now if not the Wilson family?"

"Exactly," Nancy sneered. "Just sign those papers and hand over whatever you got from the divorce!"

If Emily didn't give up a decent chunk, Nancy had no problem taking things into her own hands.