Chapter 55

Scarlett suddenly received a call from Cedric.

“Lettie, can you come to the hospital?” Cedric’s voice sounded weak.

Her heart skipped a beat; panic set in immediately. “What happened? Which hospital? I’ll be right there.”

Scarlett grabbed her keys and rushed out the door without waiting for a response.

“Dr. Olson, not off duty yet?” Cedric’s tone was mocking, dripping with condescension. “I guess without Ms. Payne by your side, life must be pretty tight. Didn’t she give you a nice payout in the divorce?”

The smugness in Cedric’s words made Lorey’s jaw tighten, but he forced himself to remain calm. “I’m off the clock, and you’re not my patient,” he replied evenly, walking away.

Valda, however, wasn’t about to let him go so easily. “Oh, so you’re Ms. Payne’s ex-husband,” she said, sneering. “A doctor, huh? Well, I heard you’ve been hanging around her, still clinging to hope. Pathetic.”

Her words were cutting, and Cedric smirked as if they’d scored a victory. Lorey didn’t respond, but his silence seemed to fuel their arrogance.

Just as Lorey reached the elevator, Scarlett appeared, rushing down the hallway. Valda’s demeanor shifted instantly, her tone turning theatrical and pitiful. “Dr. Olson,” she said loudly, “do you really have to stoop to waiting around here just to catch Ms. Payne’s attention? It’s embarrassing for everyone.” Lorey’s brows furrowed, his patience wearing thin. “Do you two need anything else? If not, I’d like to leave.”

But before he could step away, Scarlett’s voice stopped him.

“Lorey, it’s time to let go. Whatever you’re trying to do, it’s not going to work. We’re over.” Her words were cold, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of concern.

Scarlett turned to Cedric, her tone softening immediately. “What happened? A car accident? How bad is it? What did the doctors say?”

Cedric gave her a reassuring smile, though there was a triumphant gleam in his eyes. “I’m fine, Lettie. Just a little banged up. The doctor said I just need some tests.” He glanced at Lorey, his expression openly taunting. Lorey didn’t flinch, but the weight of Scarlett’s concern for Cedric pressed heavily on his chest.

Leaning against the wall for support, Lorey felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. Valda noticed and gave a disdainful look. “Scarlett, we should go. Cedric needs rest, not this drama.”

Scarlett hesitated, casting a brief glance at Lorey, but Cedric seized the moment, gripping her hand. “Lettie, I’m feeling a bit lightheaded. Can you take me home?” Her resolve wavered, and she nodded, letting him lead her away. As she walked out, she looked back once more, but Lorey was already looking elsewhere.

Once they were gone, Lorey exhaled deeply, leaning more heavily against the wall to steady himself.

“Lorey!” a familiar voice called out. He turned to see Yvonne hurrying toward him, worry etched on her face.

“Yvonne?” he asked, surprised. “What are you doing here?”