Chapter 318

Tams out, an older single guy could be so tender. And the woman he’s after? A mom with two kids. The rich really do have messy love lives, the nurse…

The night was pitch black with no star in the sky.

The surgery dragged on for a solid five hours.

The early morning air was bone-chilling.

Once she’d sewn up Ross’ abdominal wound, Shermaine peeled off her blood-soaked gloves. “Thanks, everyone. The operation was a success.”

She’d pulled Ross back from the brink, and he’d fought tooth and nail to survive.

With injuries that bad, most people wouldn’t have made it.

Danielle sat outside, huddled in a thick coat. She was dead tired but too keyed up to sleep.

When Shermaine finally stepped out, Danielle’s eyes filled with tears. “Sheary, how is he?”

She knew Shermaine never lost a case with less than a 5% chance, but worry still gnawed at her.

Shermaine had never seen Danielle look so worn out. She reached over and ruffled her hair. “Ross is in the clear.”

The tension melted from Danielle’s shoulders.

“Go get some rest. I’ll stay with him tonight, and you can take over in the morning.” Seeing Danielle was dead on her feet but held on, Shermaine felt for her.

“Can I see him first?” Danielle asked.

“Sure thing.”

Watching Danielle rush inside, Shermaine smiled. They’d be family soon enough.

Just then, Alex handed her some food and water. “Ms. Jean, you should eat.”

Starving, Shermaine plopped down by the door and started chowing down.

In the darkness, Jason stood frozen, fists balled.

He never thought Shermaine would pull Ross through. ‘Her medical skills are something else,’ he thought.

“Ms. Jean, will Mr. Jean wake up tomorrow?” Alex asked.

“He will,” Shermaine said.

“What’s the best time for us to get back to Basterel?” Alex asked again.

“As soon as Ross wakes up,” Shermaine said evenly. Helicopters made the trip straightforward, and with Ross’ serious injuries, the limited medical gear and rough conditions there meant they should head back pronto. Besides, they had unfinished business waiting for them at home.

At dawn, Danielle came to relieve Shermaine after only a few hours of sleep. Seeing that Ross’ vital signs were all stable, she couldn’t hold back. She leaned in and kissed his forehead.

The moment Ross had pushed her to safety during the crisis, she’d known he was the one for life.

Outside, Jason tried to enter but got stopped.

“He’s my elder brother. I need to check on him,” he said flatly.

“Ms. Jean gave orders—anyone can visit Mr. Ross Jean, but you’re not allowed,” the bodyguard replied.

Jason’s expression turned icy, and a flicker of unease hit him. ‘Does Shermaine know something?’ he wondered.

Ross finally stirred awake around 1 PM. His wound throbbed, but he barely seemed to notice. When he saw Shermaine, his voice was hoarse. “Where’s Danielle?”

“Getting a towel to disinfect,” she said, checking his wound—no infection, no fever. “She’ll be here in a sec.”

Ross swallowed hard and let out a faint “Mm.”

Moments later, Danielle walked in.

Shermaine stepped back. “Danielle, he’s all yours.”

Danielle dipped a towel in hot water, wrung it out, and went over to wipe Ross’ face gently.

“How bad is your leg?” he asked.

“Just a broken bone.” Even with a cast, she could get around fine on crutches. “Not like you. You almost didn’t make it.”

After wiping his face, she moved to his hands. Ross’ palms were warm, perfect for holding a pen or a paintbrush. He caught her hand. “I’m thirsty.”

“Gotta wait. You can’t have anything to eat or drink for 24 hours.” Her voice turned soft and sweet, just like before.

Ross looked at her, his gaze intense. “Then give me a kiss.”