Chapter 997

A generous boss who hands out big bonuses during the holidays? If it were Keira, she’d be worshipping him too.

“We’re heading home for the New Year. If there’s any movement, we’ll come back,” Hayden said, explaining their situation to Aaron. He nodded at Keira from across Hayden and added, “Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year,” Keira replied.

As she watched his car pull into the hospital, she couldn’t help but chuckle.

Hayden glanced at Keira. “What’s so funny?”

“He’s here to hand out bonuses. Lena will definitely run into him,” Keira said, before a thought struck her. “Hayden, do you think Aaron is so generous with this hospital because Lena works here?”

Hayden simply replied, “I don’t know.”

Keira tilted her head and looked at him. “Really? You don’t know?”

Hayden reached out and ruffled her hair. “Most pregnant women get dumber, but you’re only getting sharper.”

So Keira was right.

At that moment, inside the hospital’s banquet hall, Lena was casually chatting with a group of colleagues. Sitting next to her was a young cardiothoracic surgeon, a handsome man with thick brows and bright eyes. Whatever they were talking about had her smiling, completely unaware that a certain “big shot” had just walked in.

It wasn’t until the hospital director spoke up that she noticed.

“Everyone, let’s give a warm welcome to Mr. Ace, Chairman of Ace Group.”

Lena’s smile visibly faded. When she lifted her gaze, she met Aaron’s deep, unreadable eyes, and for a moment, she thought she detected a hint of displeasure in them.

Who managed to piss him off this time?

She inwardly rolled her eyes. It’s New Year’s—shouldn’t he be home taking care of his parents instead of coming here to seek attention?

The doctor beside her nudged her lightly. “Clap.”

Only then did she realize that, out of everyone in the hall, she was the only one who hadn’t clapped. Just as she was about to, Aaron spoke first.

“Anyone who doesn’t feel like clapping doesn’t need to force themselves. I know you’ve all worked hard this year, so save your energy.”

He said it like a joke, making the whole room burst into laughter.

The male doctor leaned in and whispered, “You got caught.”

Lena snorted. “I’m not afraid of him.”

Aaron continued in a formal tone, “I’m here today on behalf of Ace Group to express our gratitude. Over the past year, you all worked tirelessly on the front lines, safeguarding lives. Your dedication is invaluable. As we celebrate the New Year, I wish you all good health, happiness, and success in everything you do.”

After his speech, he gave a deep bow.

The room erupted into applause once more. This time, Lena joined in, though she merely clapped twice out of obligation.

Then the hospital director stepped forward. “Not only has Mr. Ace brought us holiday benefits, but he’s also personally gifting each of you a 1000-dollar red envelope. Everyone gets one—no matter your rank or position, each of you will receive a thousand dollars.”

As soon as those words left his mouth, the applause was deafening, far louder than before. The excitement swept through the entire banquet hall like a wave.

With such a generous New Year’s bonus, everyone was thrilled. On top of that, the director announced that, aside from essential staff on duty, everyone else could take the holiday off and go home for the New Year.

People left the banquet hall in high spirits, showering Aaron with praises—how he was not only handsome but also wealthy, and most importantly, incredibly generous. A 1000-dollar red envelope? That was true billionaire-level extravagance.

In the midst of all the excitement, Lena’s lack of enthusiasm stood out, even catching the hospital director’s attention. He teasingly called her out.

“Dr. Lane, why don’t you look excited? Is the red envelope too small for you?”

Lena met Aaron’s gaze and, without missing a beat, said, “Yeah, it’s not that big.”

The director had only been joking, but her response caught him off guard, leaving him momentarily speechless. “Dr. Lane…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Aaron smoothly interjected, “I’ll give you a bigger one tonight.”