Chapter 16 After three days of recuperation , the wounds on Doriss back had mostly healed ..
She decided to request a discharge slip from the doctor for the following day .
Although the doctor advised her to rest for another two days , she persistently pleaded for an exception , assuring him that she was perfectly fine .
Seeing that her condition had indeed improved significantly , the doctor relented after a thorough check up .
The thought of leaving the hospital tomorrow brightened Doriss mood considerably .
She wandered into the small garden behind the hospital , finding herself in a long corridor adorned with vibrant blooms .
Spring had painted the world in bursts of color , and the sight was breathtakingly beautiful .
Doris sank onto a bench , closing her eyes as the gentle spring breeze brushed against her skin .
The soothing warmth carried the faint fragrance of flowers , wrapping her in a cocoon of tranquility .
But the peace didnt last .
Suddenly , a shadow loomed over her , blocking the sunlight and halting the breeze .
Doris opened her eyes to find the person she least wanted to see Ryan .
Doris , fancy meeting you here , Ryan said , his voice tinged with mockery as his eyes swept over her blue striped hospital Whats this ? Got yourself injured and ended up in the hospital? gown … Doris didnt dignify him with a response .
Her immediate reaction was to stand and leave , but Ryan was quicker .
He gripped her shoulder , forcing her back onto the bench .
Ryan , dont touch me , she snapped , glaring at him with open disgust .
Unbothered , Ryan smirked and casually twirled a strand of her hair between his fingers .
You still smell the same just like I remember , he said .
Doris felt a wave of humiliation crash over her .
Yanking her hair out of his grasp , she shot him a scornful look .
I havent showered in three days .
Ryans smirk only widened .
Doris , I came all this way just to see you .
So , how does it feel to get whipped by a cane ? His voice dripped with mockery , the corners of his lips curling into a smug grin .
Doriss eyes widened as her gaze snapped to his face .
How do you know about that ? Your brother told me , Ryan taunted , his tone gleeful , his eyes sharp with malice .
All I wanted was for your dad to give you a little lesson .
Who wouldve thought hed go this far and land you in the hospital ? You see , without me , youre nothing .
When you were with me , did your dad ever lay a hand on you ? Doriss fingers dug into the edge of the bench , her nails pressing against the wood as anger simmered beneath her calm facade .
Stop pretending to care , Ryan .
These injuries are all thanks to you .
And yet , Ryan said , his arrogance radiating from every pore , you still think you can resist me ? Stop fighting .
In Hampstone , who can hold a candle to me ? Doris raised a brow , her voice sharp and unyielding .
What , you think you can possibly compare to the Hartman family heir ? The Watson family , while wealthy , was nowhere near the apex of Hampstones social hierarchy .
At the very top stood the Hartman family a storied dynasty with a legacy spanning more than a century , their wealth and influence unmatched .
Their ancestors had even held noble titles , making them true aristocrats .
Ryans expression faltered for a brief moment before he laughed , brushing off her remark .
Doris , did I mention that the Hartman heir happens to be a good friend of mine ? 1/4 13:05 Wed , 26 Chapter 16 Hes hosting a grand party to celebrate being hole in the enemy and raking some the fairly bone and I rea family is on the guest list .
I was planning to introduce you to his hot your gut the men aged her Feigning pity , he added , If your beg me , for I might rendering you that come Doris scoffed , a cold smile curling her lips .
You want me in beg your Keep dexansing Ryans gaze darkened , the faint smirk on his lips replaced by a chilling ear Brake This time on the same says to guess what itll be next time ? Cross me again , and there wont be anyone who can you a a The lawyers letter Ryan had sent to Doriss parents was warring , threer writer noms of hey the the eyes the rebellious , and rebellion had to be punished Unbeknownst to them , their tense interaction was being lonely okerred from nearby tree , Lewis took in
the scene with an expression as cold as ice , he treaty die Sonding the date of or fed on the nes He didnt linger .
Without a word , Lewis turned and strode hack to his waring Rolle Rogue the cinched note toot the thermos hed been holding into the drivers hands .
Get rid of it , he redend curly The driver glanced at the thermos , sensing something was off , but wisely kept his mouth shor By the time Lewis arrived at Hartman Group headquarters , his focus hard already shifted to the mountain of work rating him .

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As always , his demeanor was calm , calculated , and utterly unreadable a form of corres A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts .
Daniel , his assistant , stepped in and reponed eagerly .
Me Hat Ive done some digging into the man in the photo you sent me .
His name is Ryan Watson , the CEO of These Gesus Interestingly , hes also Mrs.
Hartmans ex boyfriend .
Mrs.
Hartman came from a modest background , which is why Ryans parents never approved of their relationship dengine the three years they were together .
The Watson family has always favored someone more compatible Specifically , Leia Martin , heiress to the Martin family fortune and their long time family ally .
Ryans mother even approached Mrs.
Hartman personally to pressure her into ending things Daniel added , Word in the circle is that Mrs.
Hartman , realizing the Watson family would never accept her agreed to breakup settlement one million dollars .
Ever since , shes been labeled a gold digger .
And Leis was actually Ryan brother Jakes girlfriend before their engagement .
Word has it that Leia and Jake broke up just before Jakes car accident put him into a coma .
But the timing seemed convenient , likely orchestrated to save face .
Otherwise , how would it look if the future sister in law had been moled with her fiances brother ? He sighed dramatically , shaking his head , Poor Jake .
Not only did he lose the CEO position during his coma , but his girlfriend ended up with his little brother .
And Kyan ? What kind of man steps into his brothers shoes and mares his future sister in law like that ? Daniels disbelief was palpable , his expression practically begging for confirmation that the world hadnt gone mad .
Lewis finally looked up , the corners of his lips curling into a faint , sardonic smile .
Ryans a cruel pragmatist .
Marrying into the Martin family secured his position as CEO , giving him both power and a lovely wife .
Gotta meet this guy in person one day True .
Daniel agreed , his cynicism now matching Lewiss .
To men like him , when it comes to power , women are just another bargaining chip .
The intercom on Lewiss desk buzzed , interrupting the conversation .
Pressing the speaker button , Lewis heard his secretary , Alyssa Evans , announce .
Mr.
Hartman , Ryan Watson , the CEO of Watson Group , is here for your ten oclock appointment .
It was scheduled last week Lewis didnt even hesitate .
Cancel it .
Find an excuse to send him away .
2/4 13:05 W 26 Feb Chapter 16 He leaned back in his chair , his expression unreadable save for the faint glint of disdain in his eyes .
He wants to meet me ? As if its that easy , he scoffed inwardly .
But as his thoughts returned to the hospital garden , where Ryan had dared to approach Doris , a sharp pang of irritation clawed at him .
In his eyes , Doris might not mean anything to him emotionally , but she was his wife now .
That role came with responsibilities and boundaries .
The very idea of being disrespected by her actions , or v cheated on , was utterly unacceptable to him .
or worse , being Lewiss thoughts were a storm of disdain and calculated fury as he pondered , Doris and I are already married , yet she still dares to tangle with Ryan? If shes trying to play both sides , then her scheming runs far deeper than I thought .
And as for Ryan , he is already engaged to another woman , yet hes still trying to meddle with my wife .
Then he shouldnt blame me when I take things to the next level ! Mr.
Hartman , didnt you just say you wanted to meet him ? Isnt it the perfect chance now that the enemy is handing himself over on a silver platter ? Daniel was eager to see how Lewis would handle this .
Lewis leaned back in his chair , exuding an air of aloof superiority .
Do I seem that easy to meet ? Dont give him more credit than he deserves .
Daniel blinked , then nodded quickly , catching on to his bosss calculated approach .
Youre right , Mr.
Hartman .
Best to cool down his arrogance first .
Lewis barely raised an eyebrow and looked up , a cryptic smile playing at the corners of his lips , like the calm before a storm .
Daniel felt a chill of anticipation .
Ryan has no idea what hes up against .
This is going to be brutal , he thought .
For the past two days , Lewis had maintained a routine of dropping off meals at the hospital for Doris , leaving almost immediately afterward .
Meanwhile , Doris had decided not to tell him she was being discharged .
She quietly handled the paperwork and was ready to leave when she bumped into Ivan in the lobby .
Ivans sharp eyes landed on the documents in her hand , his brow furrowing in confusion .
Doris , youre on your own ? Wheres Lewis ? She smiled softly , Yeah .
Hes at work .
Well , that works out .
Ive got nothing on my schedule right now .
Let me take you home for him .
Thats really not necessary .
Ill just grab a taxi .
Not a chance .
If Lewis finds out , hell chew me out for being irresponsible .
Doris hesitated at his earnestness but eventually relented , allowing Ivan to escort her to his car .
As they drove , Ivans warm voice filled the air .
He glanced at her through the rearview mirror , his enchanting eyes crinkling with an easy , charming smile .
Doris , Lewis might have a sharp tongue , but deep down , hes got a good heart .
Dont hold his words against him too much .
Doris shook her head lightly , her tone calm .
I know .
I wont Ivan gave her a grin and a playful thumbs up .
Youre really something else beautiful inside and out .
The unexpected compliment drew a small laugh from Doris .
How do you know Mr.
Hartman ? she asked , curious .
3/4 13:06 Wed , 26 Feb E En En Chapter 16 He answered , Lewis and I go way back .
We were classmates in middle and high school , and now were coworkers .
Weve always had a solid bond .
Doris mused silently .
No wonder someone like Lewis would have a friend like Ivan ! Ivan noticed her thoughtful expression and raised an eyebrow , worried that he mightve said the wrong thing .
Why did you ask me that ? Nothing , she said .
I was just curious .
Thats all .
Before long , they arrived at Greenlake Hill .
Doris stepped out of the car , nodding politely .
Thank you , Mr.
Mitchell .
No worries .
Ivan watched as she disappeared into the gated community before pulling out his phone .
He dialed Lewis , his tone easygoing .
Lewis , I ran into Doris at the hospital and gave her a ride home .
By the way , she didnt look very well .
Is she sick ? You need to show her more care , man .
Focus too much on work , and your wife might- Lewis ended the call with a curt click before Ivan could finish .
Staring at the Call Ended message on his screen , Ivan shook his head with a helpless smile .
Hes got such a bad temper .
Only Doris would have the patience to put up with it , he pondered E