Chapter 56

Maverick lingered in the corridor with a cigarette in hand. The uproar in his ward was so overwhelming that nearly all the patients and their families on the floor recognized him. He was acutely aware of the curious stares directed at him, accompanied by whispers and judgment. The unrelenting scrutiny left Maverick feeling increasingly irritated. He extinguished his cigarette and didn't linger for long. Instead, he made his way to the stairwell and descended several floors. The lobby was relatively empty, so Maverick found a quiet corner to sit in. Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Laurelle stepped out. She caught his attention. She was engrossed in her phone, seemingly engaged in a conversation. Maverick noticed Laurelle walking toward him and frowned. He kept his eyes on her. His lips pulled up slightly in a slightly sarcastic expression. William called him early in the morning, belittling Laurelle and confidently asserting that she would soon come to apologize to him. M