Chapter 354
“Dr. Hughes, thanks for today,” Kayla said, her steps shaky as she managed a weak smile. Her health had been poor, and she was completely wiped out after all the emotional turmoil. If Giovanna hadn’t shown up just in time, Kayla would’ve hit the floor for sure. And with her luck, she probably would’ve blacked out right there. “Mrs. Prescott, you don’t have to be so polite. We’re family, aren’t we? And we’re pretty close in age, too. Let’s just call each other by our names from now on,” Giovanna said with a smile. “Sure,” Kayla replied. Kayla found a bench and sat down. “Tuff’s in the ward, and there are some things I can’t talk about before him.” Giovanna got the hint and sat down beside her. “I heard Joyce shouting about your situation earlier. Amy went through something similar, and she got better in the end. So don’t stress too much. We’ll take it slow and see how things go.” “Thanks, but my case is way worse than Amy’s. I… I can’t even let myself hope anymore,” Kayla sighed.
Even Morgan couldn’t help, so all Giovanna could do was try to comfort her. “I doubt Tuff would ever hold that against you.” “He won’t,” Kayla said, her voice steady. Kayla was still confident about Tuff. However, dealing with Maggie and the elders of the Prescott family was a whole different story. Just thinking about it gave Kayla a headache. “You’re smart, Kayla. Joyce is nuts. Don’t waste your energy on her,” Giovanna said. “Okay.” Kayla honestly couldn’t care less about Joyce. She cared more about her face. She gently touched it as she asked, “I want to get the surgery done. When do you think we can schedule it?” “Amy already asked me to look into it for you. Once your period’s done, we can get it scheduled,” Giovanna replied. “I’m a bit anemic right now…” Kayla said. “No worries. I’ll help you get healthy enough for the procedure. If all goes as planned, you’ll have your looks back completely in about two months,” Giovanna reassured her. “Thanks…” Kayla said, letting out a long sigh of relief. Kayla thought, ‘Since I can’t have kids, I might as well focus on getting my looks back as soon as possible. I’ll make Tuff smitten with me again! ‘And with my beauty, he’ll be able to hold his head high before all his friends and family.‘ But still, the thought that she couldn’t give Tuff a child left a lingering ache in her heart.
Giovanna had a knack for reading people. After parting ways with Kayla, she called Amelia. “Kayla’s having a rough time in Lunova.” “What happened to her?” Amelia asked. “Her condition’s gotten bad. She’s in the hospital. The Prescott family is a mess, and Joyce is stirring up drama on purpose. Kayla’s not cut out for all that scheming, so I’m worried she won’t be able to hold her own,” Giovanna said. “I’ll come to Lunova and back her up!” Amelia replied. “Sounds good. Your grandparents have been missing you, too. Why not come home for a few days?” “Okay!” Amelia hung up, gritting her teeth in frustration. ‘Seriously, Joyce? Kayla’s married. Why can’t you just let it go?‘ she fumed. Landon watched Amelia storming around the room, waving her arms. He asked with a smile, “Honey, who’s got you all riled up?” “Joyce!” Amelia blurted out. She told Landon everything Giovanna had said, and Landon’s face instantly darkened. “Joyce, the clown, thinks she can mess with my sister?” Landon sneered, calling the Flying Tiger Sect. “Make sure Joyce Lambert from Lake View Hospital never works in medicine again!” Amelia was floored and thought, ‘Can he pull that off?‘ “Honey, did Giovanna say anything else?” Landon asked. “Kayla’s getting her face fixed up. Giovanna wants me to head to Lunova early and be there for Kayla,” Amelia said. “Alright, we’ll head out tomorrow,” Landon replied, then told Aaron to book the tickets. Aaron groaned. “Mr. Kingsley, you guys just got back a few days ago!” “We’re going to Lunova for a party. If you’ve got any complaints, go talk to Mr. Zuckerberg,” Landon said. Aaron stared, totally speechless. ‘Great. Every single one of these people is way out of my league. No way I can afford to piss any of them off,‘ he thought.
“I’m making you vice president,” Landon said, giving Aaron a friendly slap on the shoulder. “You’ve worked hard for me all these years. I appreciate it.” “What? It’s nothing. Just doing my job,” Aaron stammered, stunned by the sudden promotion. At Kingsley Group, the VP spot had always been something only the Kingsley family ever got. Back when John was still around, he had Isaac from the main branch hold the title of VP. ‘Wait, someone outside the family can get this position?‘ Aaron thought, still reeling.
Chapter 354
“You won’t have to work under me anymore, once I leave the Flying Tiger Sect,” Landon said. That was right. Aaron was also part of the Flying Tiger Sect. “Mr. Kingsley, you’re quitting?” Aaron blurted out, his face draining of color. “Yeah. Before long, I won’t be your boss anymore,” Landon said, a smile spreading across his face as he imagined freedom ahead. Upon seeing Landon looking so pleased, Amelia figured something great must be coming their way. She couldn’t help but feel excited, too. Landon wouldn’t have to go on missions anymore once he left the Flying Tiger Sect. They could finally live a normal life together. ‘Perfect!‘ Amelia thought. ‘When his birthday comes around, I’m going to plan a surprise for him to show how much I appreciate his love.‘ “Mr. Kingsley, maybe I should also quit and stick with you. VP’s salary is nothing to sneeze at,” Aaron joked, grinning. However, Landon was completely serious. “You are willing to give up everything you’ve worked for all these years?” “Of course! I’m your guy, Landon. Wherever you go, I’ll follow,” Aaron replied without a second thought. “Deal!” Landon grinned. Landon and Aaron bumped shoulders. Brotherhood like theirs would stand the test of time.
Kayla was discharged from the hospital and went home the next day. Betty was super warm, holding Kayla’s hand and fussing over her nonstop. Even though Maggie still didn’t like Kayla, her tone was a lot less harsh than usual. “Since your health is poor, focus on resting. If you like Norava, you can head back there in a few days.” “Alright,” Kayla replied. Kayla was secretly stunned. ‘Did Maggie have a change of heart?‘ she thought. “Why go back there? You’ll recover better at home,” Betty said. “Fall’s almost here, and the weather in Lunova is right for recuperating.” “She likes Norava. That’s where her folks are,” Maggie said, sounding a little uncomfortable. Since Maggie seemed to be showing some concern, Kayla figured it was only fair to make a little concession. “Maggie, I’ll wait until winter to head back to Norava.” Maggie was left speechless. ‘If Kayla sticks around here, how am I ever supposed to set up a surrogate for Tuff?‘ Maggie thought, frustrated. “Kayla knows how to do the right thing,” Betty said, beaming. “Kayla, I heard you used to work in the same field as Tuff. Is that true?” “That’s right,” Kayla nodded. “So you know your way around a gun?” Betty asked, curious. “Yes. I was a sharpshooter back in the day.” Kayla laughed and swapped stories with Betty, reminiscing about her wild younger years and all the cool stuff she used to do. The old and the young were chatting away, totally at ease with each other. Maggie wasn’t happy at all. She was racking her brain for ways to get Kayla out of the house when she heard Kayla mention her upcoming facial surgery. Instantly, Maggie’s eyes lit up. ‘Here’s my opening!‘ she thought. She turned her back, secretly texting Joyce and leaking all the details about Kayla’s surgery schedule. Joyce stared at the message, rage bubbling up inside her. ‘Kayla’s something. She ruined my career just like that,‘ Joyce thought bitterly. Nobody in Lunova’s medical world would dare to use her again. She couldn’t even land a gig selling meds at a pharmacy. She wasn’t short on cash, and starving was never going to be her problem. But her reputation had been dragged through the mud, and her pride stomped on the ground. It was even worse than death. [Joyce, did you read what I texted you?] Maggie shot off another text, rushing her for a reply. Joyce took a deep breath and messaged back. [Yeah, I read it. But Tuff’s not easy to get close to. He’s super wary of me these days.] [You handle the setup, and I’ll do the rest.] Maggie replied. Joyce flashed a sinister grin. [Alright…]