Chapter 399
Shermaine had never looked into the infected woman’s identity before, but today, she seemed oddly familiar. She ran the woman’s identity through GPS. Just as she had suspected, this woman was none other than the missing Natalie.
Looking at where she ran off to today, it made perfect sense why GPS hadn’t been able to track her for so long. She’d been hiding out in the sewers all this time.
The murdered nurse’s body was now in the hospital morgue. Shermaine urged the staff to handle it quickly to prevent any possible viral complications.
“Steve, go buy me a few drones,” Shermaine instructed.
“Roger that,” Steve replied cheerfully.
Jameson was still visibly shaken and hadn’t quite recovered from the morning’s events. But an hour later, he was wheeled into the operating room. Meanwhile, Shermaine remained composed and calm, like nothing had even happened.
Watching her, he couldn’t deny it anymore. He thought, ‘My daughter is stronger than I ever gave her credit for.’
Jason, on the other hand, knew his father was undergoing surgery that day, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. In his mind, the only person who had ever truly loved him was Natalie.
He thought, “She’s my mother. I’m all she has. For Jameson, even without me, he still has Shermaine and Ross.”
But the longer he went without hearing from Natalie, the more that unease gnawed at him. Something just didn’t sit right with him, and he had a feeling something was about to happen.
Meanwhile, Joshua got a call from Steve. “Mr. York, are you still sending dinner to Dr. Jean tonight?”
“I am,” Joshua said.
“Then, could you bring a drone along as well? Dr. Jean needs it.” Steve started chattering away about everything that happened at the hospital that day.
Listening to Steve’s account, Joshua–who hadn’t smoked in ages–pulled open a drawer and took out a pack of cigarettes. Soon, a glowing ember burned between his fingers while his gaze turned stone–cold, betraying none of his emotion.
Steve exclaimed, “That woman jumped from the eighth floor and walked away without a scratch. Honestly, only Dr. Jean could handle that without even batting an eyelid.”
Joshua was silent the entire time, but he was actually worried sick about Shermaine. He exhaled a slow stream of smoke and asked, “What’s she doing now?”
“Dr. Jean is in the operating room performing a heart transplant for Jameson,” Steve replied.
Joshua instructed, “Notify me as soon as she’s done.”
“Will do,” Steve said.
As soon as the call ended, Joshua summoned Bradley. “Purchase some drones,” he instructed, then added, “Reschedule my afternoon and evening appointments. I’m going to Horington.”
Bradley had expected this. He knew his boss couldn’t hold back any longer. “I’ll take care of it right away.”
“Okay,” Joshua said.
Joshua took a couple puffs before stubbing out his cigarette, then typed into the family group chat: [I’m heading to Horington this afternoon. Grandma, Mom, anything you want me to bring for Sheary?]
Danielle was the first to see Joshua’s message. After she and Ross reconciled, Janice had added her to the family group chat.
Danielle replied: [Perfect timing. I was just thinking of visiting Sheary too. Count me in. Other than my morning appointments, I don’t have any work arranged for later.]
Ross chimed in: [Count me in]
Janice: [Count me in]
Ruth: [Count me in.]
Joshua chuckled at their unanimous response. He thought, ‘Alright then. Let’s all go together. Private jet it is.’
Ross asked Danielle: [You’re done with work?]
Danielle: [Yup.]
Ross: [Come by my office. Let’s grab lunch together.]
Danielle: [Sure thing.]
Danielle returned to her office, took off her white coat, slipped into a plaid blazer, and drove over to Jean Group.
She’d been here before, so when the receptionist spotted her, the receptionist greeted warmly, “Dr. Shelly, are you here for Mr. Jean?”
Danielle nodded.
“You look stunning today, Dr. Shelly,” the receptionist said.
Danielle smiled. “You all look wonderful as well.”
Today, Danielle wore a soft apricot knit dress. After she touched up her lipstick, her usual cold demeanor instantly softened. She took the executive elevator straight to the 30th floor.
Ross’ assistant greeted her. “Mr. Jean is still in a meeting, Dr. Shelly. Please have a seat and wait for a moment.”
Danielle went straight to Ross’ office to wait for him. Shortly after, someone brought in refreshments and coffee. “Thank you,” she said.
“Enjoy, Dr. Shelly,” the staff member replied politely.
The clouds parted, letting soft sunlight stream through the floor–to–ceiling windows. Danielle lay asleep on the sofa with a throw blanket draped over her.
When Ross returned, his gaze immediately landed on her graceful, alluring figure stretched out on the sofa. He tiptoed over to her, but he was unable to resist the pull she had on him. Before he knew it, he was leaning down, drawn irresistibly toward her soft, inviting lips.