Chapter 49

Robert stopped, turned to Marilyn, and tilted his head. "What's wrong, Ms. Quesnell?"

Marilyn turned, locking her gaze on him. Tears welled in her eyes. "Robert, please wake up! I know you're different now. Your clothes are designer brands worth hundreds of dollars, and you frequent high-end places. But do you think these things are meaningful?"

Robert laughed. "Marilyn, you're one to talk. You looked down on me when I was poor, and now that I'm rich, you still criticize me. Who do you think you are?"

Marilyn bit her lip and shook her head. "I admitted that I hurt you, and I'm nobody special. But, as your former classmate, I'm telling you—your actions are childish and foolish! Do you know what will happen if you offend Kendrick? He's not someone you can mess with!"

Robert shrugged. "Yes, of course. I can't offend the man you chose, Ms. Quesnell. I'm done listening to your lecture. Can I go now?"

Marilyn stared at him silently.

Robert grinned. "Goodbye, Ms. Quesnell." He strode away without looking back.

At a quiet corner, he turned and looked at Marilyn's retreating back. His eyes reddened. "Marilyn, I'll never be good enough for you compared to Kendrick. Just wait and see. One day, I'll prove your choice was wrong!"

Marilyn crouched in front of the Fairsaint Restaurant, tears falling uncontrollably. Her body trembled as she wept. She whispered, "Robert, why did you become this way? The Labelle family is rich, but that doesn't mean you can compete with the Zabel family. Now the Hoffman family is targeting you, too. Do you think this is easy? Why didn't you listen to me? Why?"

She recalled their first meeting. He had worked hard and been self-reliant—a stark contrast to the man he was now.

That night, Marilyn cried sadly, while Robert walked away in the darkness. Though facing different directions, both harbored thoughts of the other.

An Audi slowed on the road. Naomi, in the driver's seat, held her phone.

"Mr. Camidge, just now…"

Carlos's voice came from the phone. "I already know. I'll handle it. Please look after Mr. Zabinski for me."

Naomi nodded, glancing aside. Robert walked down the road, head bowed, lost in thought. Seeing his distraught figure, she felt a pang of sadness. She quickly shook her head, muttering, "I can't handle this kind of heartbreak; I won't dare to be in a relationship again."

Late into the night, most doctors at Lofbury's Fourth Public Hospital were still on duty, including the director, who had been there since afternoon. An important patient required their attention.