Chapter 7

As expected, everyone in the corridor looked Deroy’s way. He felt a dull ache in his chest that lingered painfully.

An exasperated Samuel approached and said, “This dude is trying to start trouble. Let me handle him for you, Olson!”

Leroy waved his hand weakly. “Forget it. I’m tired and need rest.”

He started to leave, but Cedric strode over and blocked him, arms crossed. “Come on, Dr. Olson. Are you eager to run away from us?”

Scarlett’s expression was unreadable. “Cedric, let’s not waste our time with him.”

He smiled. “Oh, trust me, we’re not. Besides, I only intend to thank Mr. Olson for his contribution. I’ll be sure to leave you a good seat at our wedding dinner, Mr. Olson. Then, let’s have a toast.”

Leroy’s countenance grew increasingly grim, his breath hitching with every second.

Samuel had had enough. He stepped forward and yelled, “That’s enough, young man. Don’t push your luck.”

Cedric glared at him. “Excuse me? Who do you think you are to interrupt our conversation?”

Samuel retorted, threateningly, “Olson is my family’s savior. You better apologize to him, or there will be consequences.”

Cedric laughed, believing Samuel didn’t know his place. “Lettie, look at this dude. He was talking to Dr. Olson, and he thinks he can interrupt us! This has nothing to do with him. He sure is loyal and protective.”

“And did you hear how he wanted me to apologize? Gosh, he really thinks he’s someone important. In reality, he’s nothing but a clown.”

When Scarlett glanced at Samuel, her body stiffened. Her focus had been on Leroy, and she hadn’t noticed the influential man.

“Cedric, stop,” she gently reminded him, then switched to a more respectful tone. “It’s… nice to meet you, Mr. Black.”

A cold sneer escaped Samuel’s lips. “So, is this your new beau, Ms. Payne? I gotta say… your taste in men has gotten worse.”

Scarlett stayed silent, her hands clenching into fists. Payne Corp did not have the strength to go head-to-head with Black Group.

Cedric’s face shifted drastically. He quickly approached Samuel and behaved like a bootlicker.

“Oh, you’re Mr. Samuel Black. A pleasure to meet you. I’ve been wanting to visit you.” He smiled and extended his hand, but was ignored.

“Visit me? Who do you think you are?”

Cedric froze, his hand hanging in midair.

“Apologize to Dr. Olson, or I’ll make sure you won’t survive another day in Ashbourne. Try me.” Samuel spoke calmly, but his tone brooked no argument.

Cedric was at a loss. Leroy piped up. “Save the apology. I don’t need it. I’m leaving.”

He turned, and the sight of his desolate silhouette made Scarlett gloomy.

When Leroy returned home, he remained troubled, his mind repeatedly wandering to the image of Samuel.

Meanwhile, Scarlett had completed her medical checkup. The report showed her legs had healed entirely.

Cedric hugged her waist. “That’s great news, Lettie. You’re completely healed! I told you you’re lucky.”

She didn’t feel as happy as she used to.

He told the doctor, “Thank you so much, doc.”

The doctor replied coldly, “Don’t thank me. Thank Dr. Olson. This is all his work.”

The couple was embarrassed.

While leaving the hospital, Cedric held Scarlett’s hand affectionately. “Lettie, you don’t have to worry about your legs anymore. Let’s get married as soon as possible. You should finalize the divorce with Leroy.”

She didn’t promise him immediately. She avoided eye contact and appeared hesitant.

He wrapped his arm around her waist again and spoke longingly. “After everything we’ve been through, we’re finally together. I swear I tried to contact you. But no matter what, my love for you cannot be questioned.”

Touched by his sweet words, Scarlett succumbed. “Okay. I’ll tell him to do it soon.”

A smug smile appeared on Cedric’s face. “That’s a deal.”

Leroy went home before returning to the hospital. He had planned a short break, but being at home only made him feel empty and lonely. Only the busyness of work could help him forget. He completed three high-intensity surgeries, his breathing labored. A colleague handed him a towel and some sugary snacks.

“You should rest. You’ve overworked yourself, and you’re pushing your body too hard. The dean has approved your leave anyway. You should take this chance to spend time with your parents.”

His colleague patted his shoulder.

Leroy shook his head. “It’s fine. I’ll have nothing to do at home.”

His colleague advised him to rest at his office.

Leroy’s phone rang with a text message. Seeing the sender, his heart skipped a beat.

The message read: “Come to the courthouse. Let’s finalize the divorce.”

Drawing a deep breath, Leroy knew this was inevitable.

At the courthouse, Scarlett and Cedric waited. Seeing Leroy’s weak face, she felt concerned and smug. He looked like he’d lost sleep and appetite.

Cedric ridiculed him, “Oh no. Why did your complexion worsen? Are you sad it’s over? I hope you feel better soon, Dr. Olson.” He wore a sinister smile.

Leroy kept his words brief. “No, it’s been hectic at the hospital. Let’s get on with it. I need to get back.”

Scarlett didn’t pay much attention, assuming it was a prepared script.

The divorce proceeded without objections and was completed quickly.

Scarlett felt a twinge of pain as the stamp hit the papers. Leroy was numb from the pain of the last few days.

“It’s done. We have nothing to do with each other. Let’s not see each other again.” He turned to leave.

“Wait.” Scarlett stopped him. She pulled out a property deed for Ashbourne Villa.

Ashbourne Villa, located in the affluent district of Ashbourne, was home to the elite. A single property was worth tens of millions.

Scarlett said softly, “Take it. Consider it a gift.”

Before Leroy could respond, Cedric snatched the deed. “You shouldn’t do this, Lettie. You’ll hurt his ego.”