billion book
Chapter 56
Chapter 56
Gwendolyn’s heart fluttered with a mixture of anticipation and warmth at the words.
“Don’t joke about this.”
Howard sighed with a hint of resignation, “Alright. I’ve been laid up in the hospital with a nasty bug, and Bainbridge is getting cockler by the day, slipping up more than ever. Wait till Grandpa’s 70th birthday bash, I’ve got a little ‘present‘ for them.”
He was plotting to give Bainbridge a false sense of security, to get him to sign a bet–the–company deal without a second thought.
Gwendolyn poured him a glass of warm water.
Taking the glass, Howard took a sip and said, “You head home tonight, bring your medical kit over. We’ll have our acupuncture sessions here in the hospital.”
“Mr. Chadwick, I…” Gwendolyn hesitated.
“I know.” His eyes were deep, seeing right through her, “You don’t want our relationship out in the open. Tomorrow, I’ll make sure you’re officially in charge of this ward.”
Without further questions, Gwendolyn nodded.
“Go home. The driver’s waiting outside. Be safe out there. It’s late.” said Howard.
“I’ll be off then, goodbye.”
She was exhausted from a night full of shocks and surprises.
Shedding her lab coat, Gwendolyn stepped out where her driver, Cliff, was waiting.
“Mrs. Chadwick.” Greeting, he opened the car door, and she thanked him with a nod.
From a distance, the click of a camera captured her as she got into the car.
The next day at the medical department was like a pot of boiling water, with rumors bubbling up everywhere. The interns were buzzing with gossip.
Gwendolyn noticed as soon as she arrived.
“Chadwick? Which other Chadwick could it be in Bayridge City?”
“Exactly, he specifically asked for the most beautiful and professional intern from the acupuncture recovery department. Guess why he wants the prettiest one?”
“Young, wealthy heirs… they’re all about a romantic fling, aren’t they?”
The young nurses could hardly contain their excitement.
Seeing Mamie and Polly primped and primed, ready to impress, Gwendolyn felt a twinge of amusement.
12:38
Polly, you go first. Mack was always looking out for his niece, Polly, who eagerly agreed Prancing around like a proud peacock, she headed upstairs.
Mamie praised her openly but Inwardly scoffed at the idea.
“You won’t be the one to land the good fortune,” she sniped at Gwendolyn, who was busying herself and paid no mind.
Before long, Polly came running down in tears, her makeup smeared.
“Polly, what happened?”
“He grilled me about angina, asking where to place the needles. How would I know? I’m just an intern.”
She sobbed, struggling for breath, “He humiliated me, saying how did I even get into this hospital?”
Gwendolyn fought to keep her lips from curling up into a smile.
Mack frowned, “Mamie, your turn.”
“Alright.” Mamie strutted forward, confident she was no empty–headed beauty like Polly. She knew the basics inside out. This was her chance to soar.
Rumors said that Howard was already married and childless, but what did it matter to her?
She was after wealth and status.
Room 2106.
Howard, bored out of his mind, was fiddling with a jigsaw puzzle of the world map, ignoring the sound of the door opening.
Mack had come up with Mamie.
“Mr. Howard. This is Mamie, a beauty with brains,” Mack bowed and scraped, eager to please. The Chadwick Group’s annual donations to Bayridge Hospital were vital, and he couldn’t afford to offend such a patron.
Howard looked up, giving her a brief glance.
Mamie froze, her cheeks a
such a looker.
eyes filled with infatuation. She didn’t expect him to be
Volunteering herself, she said, “Mr. Chadwick, I’m consistently top in my class. You can quiz me on anything. I’m well–versed in the fundamentals.”
Howard tossed the puzzle aside, frowning, “Do you have body odor?”