Chapter 25
25:
“Wait—what did you just say?” Gasps filled the room as everyone stared in disbelief. Calvin Emmett? The country’s most renowned surgeon? The one even the mighty Dawson family couldn’t get an appointment with, no matter how much money or influence they threw around? And now Christina—someone they’d all written off as a washed-up nobody—claimed she could bring him here?
Brendon blinked in disbelief. “Hold on. Are we talking about Dr. Emmett? The top cardiac surgeon in the entire country?”
Christina met his gaze without flinching. “Yes. Him.”
Katie let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. “Oh, please. Do you hear yourself? That’s ridiculous!”
Joselyn folded her arms, her tone edged with scorn. “Let’s be real. Even our family couldn’t get through to him, and you think you can? The man’s practically retired!”
Brendon gave a mocking laugh. “Christina, you’ve been out of the game for years. You’ve spent the past few years behind closed doors, reduced yourself to household chores. You don’t have the influence—or the contacts—to pull something like this off.”
Christina’s voice was calm, but there was steel beneath it. “Who I know and how I get things done isn’t your concern. What matters is—I will bring him.”
Katie laughed louder, clutching her stomach. “The arrogance! Do you really expect us to believe you’ve got a direct line to Dr. Emmett?”
Brendon tilted his head, his expression softening, mockingly so. “Just give King’s treatment opportunity to me, Christina. Save yourself from the humiliation.”
Christina hadn’t planned on rising to their bait, but the condescension, smugness, and absolute dismissal in their voices pushed her past silence. She tilted her head slightly, a cold smile playing on her lips.
“And what if I do bring him? What then?”
Latest stories on gαℓησvℯ𝓁s․com
Brendon rolled his eyes. “You can’t possibly make it.”
“Then let’s make it interesting,” Christina said, her voice cool and sure. “A wager.”
Brendon raised a brow. “What kind of wager?”
Christina’s smile widened. “If I manage to get Dr. Emmett here, every single one of you owes me a public apology—and five million in compensation.”
Katie’s eyes narrowed. “And if you fail? What then? What if Dr. Emmett doesn’t even step foot here, let alone operate on my grandma?”
“Then I’ll forfeit my shot at treatment from the great King—and pay you five million,” Christina said firmly, her tone razor-sharp.
Brendon’s interest wasn’t in the money. But the chance to claim King’s treatment? That was something else entirely. His heart skipped a beat at the thought. If he won this bet, he could use the treatment opportunity on whoever he pleased—no one could argue against it.
“Deal.” Brendon agreed without hesitation. He didn’t believe for a second that Christina could pull this off. If the Dawson family, with all their wealth and influence, had failed to reach Dr. Emmett, how could Christina possibly succeed? She must be clinging to illusions, still trying to win his attention. Pathetic.
Katie exchanged a triumphant glance with her mother, both grinning from ear to ear. In their minds, this bet was practically charity. Not only would they earn the five million, but they’d also take the golden ticket to King’s treatment. A double victory.
Yet, Joselyn wasn’t thrilled at the idea of Brendon using King’s treatment on Yolanda. That opportunity was priceless—capable of opening doors, sealing partnerships, and even elevating their family’s position. Squandering it on Yolanda? That was out of the question.
Christina wasn’t losing sleep over Bethel. She had already analyzed Bethel’s condition during the ride to the hospital. Bethel’s vitals held steady. Her body was still strong and resilient enough to withstand the episode.
As expected, Bethel was soon transferred from the emergency room to a VIP suite. Before long, she regained consciousness.
Once awake, Bethel wasted no time. She sent Katie and Joselyn out of the room, leaving only Christina and Brendon by her bedside. Her voice was soft, but her eyes held a familiar glimmer. “So, you two really aren’t getting back together?”
Christina offered a warm but cautious smile. “Let’s focus on your recovery. We can talk about everything else later.”
But Bethel wasn’t letting it go. Her brow knit with worry. “No, I need an answer. If I don’t hear it now, I won’t be able to eat or sleep.”
Brendon was quick to speak up. “Grandma, I’m sorry for how I’ve acted. I’ve been stubborn, but I’ll think about trying again. Maybe we just need time—to rebuild what we lost.”
Bethel turned to Christina with gentle eyes. “And what about you, dear? If your heart’s not in it, I won’t force you. I just want to see you happy.”
Bethel’s words made Christina hesitate to announce her lack of intention of getting back with Brendon. Managing a smile, she said, “Maybe a little more time, and things will work out.”
Bethel gave her hand a warm pat, sensing the hesitation but choosing not to press. “Alright. No matter what happens, you have my full support.”
“Thank you,” Christina whispered.
After this talk, Christina didn’t walk away. Instead, she stayed by Bethel’s side for hours, quietly keeping her company.
Later, Bethel asked Christina to step out for a moment and then gave Brendon a private tongue-lashing. She made it crystal clear: Yolanda would never be accepted into the family. Ever.
Knowing better than to argue at this point, Brendon nodded along with everything Bethel said. He wasn’t foolish enough to challenge her in this state. Eventually, he excused himself for a business meeting, leaving Christina to look after Bethel through the rest of the afternoon. Only once Bethel had drifted off into a peaceful sleep did Christina quietly slip out, confident the nurses would manage the rest of the night shift.
As Christina stepped out into the crisp evening air, the weight of the day settled on her shoulders. She decided to grab something to eat before heading home.
But just as she reached the sidewalk, a black van screeched to a halt in front of her.
The doors burst open, and in seconds, a group of rugged men stormed out, closing in around her like a pack of wolves.
.
.
.