Chapter 98: Melody in Motion

“Where’s that boss now?” Chase asked out of curiosity.

Wendy lowered her gaze. “Whoever did it is responsible,” she said. “Of course, they’re in prison.”

He knew Wendy wouldn’t let them off the hook.

Wendy continued, “I considered finding you an assistant—a man or a woman. But after careful thought, I believe Melody is the best fit. She’s familiar with the pharmaceutical industry, and as your assistant, she’ll manage Cloud Hospital. The workload is substantial; only Melody can handle it.”

Chase smiled. “I wonder how you found someone so quickly. Turns out, you just planted someone you liked by my side. Tell me, did you send Melody to keep an eye on me?”

Wendy snapped her fingers, pointing at him. “Right on. Melody is my planted spy. Her first task was checking your lounge daily for unauthorized visitors.”

Amused by her expression, Chase gently kissed her finger. “The only person who could ever appear by my side… is you.”

Over dinner, Wendy mentioned the upcoming New Year holiday. “There’s only half a month left. Perhaps we could take that honeymoon I owe you then?”

Chase rejected the idea immediately. “No way. Is Mom going to spend New Year’s alone?”

Wendy said, “We can get tickets for New Year’s Day and leave after dinner. Where would you like to go?”

“Two years ago, we said we’d visit Southville,” Chase said. “Winters in Gennemont are too cold, but Southville has spring-like weather year-round. Perfect for the season.” Wendy silently cherished this thought.

Chase nodded. “Then we’ll go to Southville.”

The days before the New Year holiday might be their last moments of peace. Afterward, everything would begin in earnest. Even Cloud Hospital was preparing to go public, and their battle with the Harrison family would be unavoidable.

There would be no turning back, no retreat. They had no choice but to risk it all. No one knew who would win or lose, but they all had to go all in.

As Chase’s assistant, Melody proved exceptionally capable. In less than three days, the entire company praised her competence. Every employee, from board members to janitorial staff, had their name, age, and family situation memorized by Melody. She greeted everyone by name.

After stepping into the chairman role, Chase had felt overwhelmed and unsure. But Melody organized his schedule with precision and ease.

“Dr. Goodman,” Melody said, “I accepted an invitation on your behalf. The card specified attendance with a female companion. I’ve confirmed the date with Ms. Quinn’s secretary, Maggie. It’s in three days—the new drug launch event for Windwell Pharma Group. You’ll be attending with Ms. Quinn.”

Chase, who rarely accepted social invitations, looked confused. He glanced at Melody for an explanation.

Windwell Pharma Group was among the top three domestic pharmaceutical companies. Their new drug, a targeted cardiovascular treatment, showed a 56% relief rate in preliminary trial data published in medical journals. For this type of medication, that was remarkably high. No hospital had secured usage rights yet; while public hospitals didn't need to compete, all major private hospitals were vying for the designation.

After Melody’s explanation, Chase understood and nodded.

“Sammy told me about your preferences,” Melody added. “I know you dislike these events, so I wouldn’t have accepted unless absolutely necessary. But for a private hospital preparing to go public next year, securing rights to this drug would be hugely beneficial for the stock value.”

Chase was clueless about business—precisely why Wendy placed Melody at his side. Once the hospital went public, it would be more than a hospital; it would be a business. Chase knew nothing about business, but Melody excelled at it. Her salary rivaled that of most corporate vice presidents, highlighting the position’s importance and Melody's competence.

“Alright,” Chase said to Melody. “I don’t know business. I’ll leave it to your arrangements. You know my preferences. I trust you’ll choose the best path for Cloud Hospital.”

Melody replied, “Ms. Quinn’s gown is being prepared by Quinn Group. Your suit has already been shipped from overseas and will arrive tomorrow. It’s in your size. The gift for the launch event is also ready and will go through Cloud Hospital’s finance department for approval.”

“Good,” Chase said, impressed.

That evening, Chase mentioned the incident to Wendy upon returning home. She wasn’t surprised at all.

Wendy was proud. “Melody is very familiar with the pharmaceutical industry, and she has incredible instincts. For instance, I had no idea what Windwell Pharma Group was; I don’t keep track of such things. But she does. It means she’s deeply connected within the industry, which makes her salary well worth it.”