Chapter 575:
When Deborah ceased scolding Brook, she clutched her chest, gasping. She stared at him, awaiting his reply.
Brook remained silent. Instead, he retrieved a cigarette, lit it, and ignored the nearby "No Smoking" sign. He took a deep drag.
"Answer me! Are you deaf or mute?" Deborah's voice rose sharply as she waited for an acknowledgment.
"I'm talking to you! Say something!" Her words were seemingly ignored as Brook continued to disregard her, his silence heavy in the cold, sterile hospital corridor.
Deborah's annoyance boiled over. She lunged forward, snatched the cigarette from his mouth, and crushed it under her foot.
Finally, Brook's impassive expression cracked. With underlying irritation, he said, "Shouldn't you be at work? Why are you here?"
"Why did you agree to do such an evil thing?" Deborah pressed.
"Even with your ambition, you can't ignore your morals. Grandpa's intentions toward Jayden are clear! He wants to eliminate Jayden and his bloodline. And you—you're being used as a puppet, an executioner!"
Brook sneered. "I'm not an idiot, Deborah. Do you think I don't know Grandpa's motives? Stop meddling and get back to work."
He paused, his voice chilling. "Don't discuss Jayden at the company. Don't take sides. Pretend you know nothing."
Deborah scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Is this for my own good? Are you paving the way for me? Don't tell me what to do!" She glared defiantly.
"Or are you saying that if I don't follow Enzo's wishes, you'll silence me too?"
"Yes!" Brook snapped, his patience exhausted. "You figured it out. So get out of here, or you'll join Jayden in the operating room!"
Brook's pent-up emotions exploded. Deborah was momentarily stunned, then her eyes flashed with disgust. "You're Grandpa's puppet, aren't you? So obedient, instantly eliminating anyone he points at. 'Loyalty' should be tattooed on your forehead."
She glanced toward the operating room, a flicker of concern crossing her face, then quickly composed herself and strode away.
Once Deborah left, Brook sank wearily into a chair, closed his eyes, and fell into deep thought.
An hour later, Jayden's surgery was completed. He had narrowly escaped death and was transferred to a ward. Brook approached Jayden's bedside, studying his pale face, his expression unreadable.
Corrie arrived, her heels clicking, hips swaying. Giving unconscious Jayden a dismissive glance, she asked venomously, "Why did you let Jayden live?"
She smirked. "Unlike you, I completed my task perfectly. Elyse's child is gone."
"I wonder how I'll be rewarded for my success, and how you'll be punished," Corrie goaded, malicious pride lacing her voice.
Brook met Corrie's evil gaze coldly. "How dare you gloat about killing an innocent baby? How can anyone be so cruel?"
Corrie cackled, unafraid. "Accusing me of being heartless? What does that make you? You betrayed your cousin without hesitation. Enzo ordered you to obstruct Jayden's staff and friends, and you obeyed. You're the cruelest of all. Jayden was almost beaten to death by your own men."
Corrie continued her boasting. "That reminds me, I arranged Jayden's stabbing. Seeing him walking around unscathed, I assumed it was superficial. Turns out, he was in pain the whole time."
Brook's temper flared. He inhaled deeply, shoved her from the room, and yelled, "Enough! Get out! I never want to see you again!"
Corrie retorted nastily, "Have you gone crazy? Come with me. We need to meet Enzo. My success doesn't negate your failure. We agreed on different targets, and I succeeded."
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