Chapter 7

Jenson froze for a moment, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. If Jeremy wasn't allowed to see Alan, then Jenson wouldn't gain the favor he needed from the Alvarez family, and the partnership he had been angling for might slip away. His gaze flicked toward Richard's composed face, and he forced a smile. "Mr. Alvarez, since Dr. Hanks is already here, why not let him take a look? Another perspective can only help Alan's case, right? It might even speed up the diagnosis." He couldn't leave empty-handed. Getting Jeremy here had been no easy feat. Jenson had practically begged him to come. Richard felt slightly annoyed. He had gone to great lengths to secure the help of an elusive doctor. Allowing another doctor to interfere, especially one of lesser reputation, could upset the delicate arrangement. His disdain for Jenson deepened, though he maintained a polite tone. "There's no need. The doctor I've invited is more than sufficient." Jeremy was one of the most sought-after doctors. His expression darkened when he heard the exchange. He smirked and said scornfully, "Mr. Lambert, it seems you invited me before getting a hold of the situation. Did you think I was someone to be summoned and dismissed at your whim?" Jenson's expression darkened, and he quickly opened his mouth to explain. But Jeremy didn't give him the chance. With a sharp wave of his hand, he snapped, "Don't contact me again!" Turning on his heel, he strode away without looking back. Richard's cold gaze lingered on Jeremy's retreating figure. He couldn't believe a renowned doctor had such a fragile ego. Jenson's expression grew even darker. As the heir to the Lambert family, he was used to being welcomed and fawned over wherever he went. Richard's attitude was one thing. He could chalk that up to the power dynamics between their families. But Jeremy was a mere doctor without a powerful background. How dare he act so high and mighty? This felt like a slap to his face. Seline, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward. She hurried after Jeremy, attempting to smooth things over. "Dr. Hanks, please, you misunderstood. That's not what we meant—" Jeremy didn't even let her finish. He cut her off saying, "I'm sorry. Let's keep things cordial. I'll remember what happened today." Seline didn't expect things to end up this way. She protested, "How can he do that? Even if he doesn't want to see Alan, we've already paid him!" She was trying to stand up for Jenson. Jenson, though inwardly fuming, forced himself to remain calm in Richard's presence. "It's fine, Seline. This is a minor issue." Seline looked at Jenson with a pained expression and sighed. Richard, paying no attention to their exchange, turned to Joe. "Joe, go bring them up." Then, he strode toward the elevator without sparing them another glance. Jenson's brows furrowed together as he stood rooted in place, his dissatisfaction with the Alvarez family growing by the second. He had brought the doctor and gone out of his way to help, yet Richard refused to even let Jeremy examine Alan. And now, Richard was leaving him behind to greet someone else? Seline gently tugged on Jenson's sleeve and muttered softly, "Jenson…" Jenson took her hand in his, intending to reassure her, but his words died in his throat as the elevator doors opened. Both Jenson and Seline froze in shock when they saw it was Suzanne. Jenson's gaze hardened immediately. So much for giving up. She was clearly finding new ways to cling to him. He hated it most when she showed up while he was handling serious business. She used to be good at reading the room, but now, she was becoming more and more insufferable. However, Jenson's eyes lit up with surprise. Earlier, he hadn't noticed what she was wearing from inside the car. But now, he could clearly see Suzanne standing there with light makeup that accentuated her delicate features and her strapless bodycon dress that hugged her curves perfectly. Her figure was incredible. Seline, who had been keeping a close eye on Jenson, clenched her fists. The way Jenson was looking at Suzanne was the same look he had given Seline once, back when she had worn lingerie in an attempt to seduce him. Suzanne was undeniably more beautiful than before. Seline thought she must be here to seduce Jenson. This bitch just wouldn't give up. She had already broken up with Jenson, yet she was still clinging to him. And dressed like that, no less. However, she couldn't help but wonder who the man beside her was. Seline's initial anger shifted into a spark of excitement. Was Suzanne deliberately parading another man around to provoke Jenson? She had to know that Jenson hated it when a woman flirted with multiple men. Seline leaned closer to Jenson, her voice hesitant and concerned. "Jenson, do you think Sue might be dating that man?" Jenson had already noticed the man standing confidently at Suzanne's side. The air of authority about him only deepened the scowl on Jenson's face. But before he could react, Richard stepped forward, his expression lighting up as he extended a hand. "Mr. Doyle, we've been eagerly awaiting you." Shane smiled politely and shook Richard's hand, noting the slight tremor in the older man's grip. Suzanne remained silent, her expression calm and composed. Richard's deferential attitude toward Shane only deepened the confusion on Jenson's and Seline's faces. Who was this man to command such respect from Richard? And why was Suzanne associated with someone like him? Seline's nails dug into her palms. Why was it that every man Suzanne met seemed more impressive than the last? Richard, still holding Shane's hand, glanced over his shoulder expectantly, as though waiting for someone else. But aside from the woman accompanying Shane, there was no one else. Richard's unease grew. Carefully, he asked, "Mr. Doyle, is the doctor here?" Shane glanced briefly at Suzanne, then back at Richard with a knowing smile. "Of course." He gestured toward Suzanne. "This is her." Both Richard and Joe turned to look at Suzanne. The woman before them was undeniably beautiful with an air of elegance. Was she the renowned doctor? Richard and Joe were shocked. This had to be some kind of joke. Jane couldn't possibly be a young woman. Alan was in critical condition. They couldn't afford to mess things up. Richard's gaze darted toward Joe as if to question if this man was truly Shane. Joe nodded without hesitation. Shane's distinctive baby-faced features were well-known in their circle. There was no mistaking him. Richard's eyes flickered with doubt, but he quickly steadied himself as he took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain composed. If Shane was who he claimed to be, then whoever he brought had to be capable. Gathering himself, Richard offered a warm smile. "I must've underestimated you. I didn't expect such a renowned expert to be so young. Please, come in!" He stepped aside, lowering his head slightly as he added, "Thank you so much for coming. You've given my son hope!" Suzanne gave a small nod. "Mr. Alvarez, you're too kind. Let me examine the situation first." She wouldn't make promises before seeing the patient, but Richard seemed unbothered. His voice brimmed with confidence. "If you're handling it, I have no doubt everything will be fine!" The entire exchange unfolded in full view of Jenson and Seline, who could barely contain their shock. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. Suzanne, whom they had believed to be utterly useless, was being treated like royalty by the head of the Alvarez family. Seline couldn't hold back any longer. She turned to Jenson, her face etched with worry. "Jenson, the doctor Mr. Alvarez mentioned… He didn't mean Sue, did he?" Jenson's brows furrowed, his thin lips pressing into a tight line. He, too, was filled with doubt. "She's being so reckless!" Seline began pacing anxiously. "This is about someone's life! If something goes wrong, it won't just implicate my dad—it'll drag you down with her too!" Jenson's expression darkened immediately. Suzanne was becoming more and more thoughtless. The only reason he hadn't cut ties with her before was because she used to behave. He couldn't let Suzanne ruin this and jeopardize his partnership with the Alvarez family. Stepping forward, he blocked Richard and the others. He lowered his head slightly, his expression full of apology. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Alvarez. She doesn't know anything about medicine, let alone how to treat Alan." Richard paused, clearly taken aback. Joe cast a suspicious glance at Suzanne and Shane. Suzanne's eyes turned icy. This had to be her "lucky" day for her to run into Jenson twice. Or had she simply used up all her good luck to stumble upon this disaster? Jenson and Seline weren't even trying to hide their relationship anymore. They were standing together hand-in-hand publicly. Jenson had the audacity to insist just days ago that there was nothing between him and Seline. "Let's go inside," Suzanne said. She couldn't be bothered with this nonsense. But Seline stepped forward, her eyes wide with an exaggerated look of disappointment. "Sue, this is a matter of life and death. I can't stand watching my sister act so reckless!" Richard blinked in confusion. No one had mentioned Jane having a sister. Seline glanced pitifully at Jenson, her voice soft and trembling with grievance. "I know you're upset because of Jenson, and you want to embarrass him. But…" Her voice broke as she lifted her tear-filled eyes to look at Suzanne. "No matter how unhappy you are, you can't use Alan's life as a joke! If something really happens, what's going to happen to Dad? What about us?" Suzanne's gaze settled on Seline, her expression filled with irritation. Was this woman ever going to stop? Seline always played the victim and acted generous, spinning tales that made Suzanne look like the villain. But that was in the past. Back then, Suzanne thought of Seline as her sister. Now, she didn't see the point anymore. Richard's confusion deepened as his gaze flicked to Suzanne. "You're…" Suzanne's icy demeanor shifted as she replied to Richard gently, "She's my half-sister." Her tone was polite but firm, emphasizing the word "half". Richard's sharp gaze flickered with understanding. Suzanne added calmly, "Apologies. My sister is still young and doesn't always think before she speaks. I hope you can forgive her for being a bit unruly, Mr. Alvarez." Her words were measured, and she carried the grace and maturity of an elder sibling. Seline clenched her fists tightly as Suzanne made her out to be young and unruly. She couldn't believe Suzanne would insult her so shamelessly. Who was she to tell her off? Even though rage boiled within her, Seline had no choice but to keep her composure. "Sue, stop this nonsense. We grew up together. How could I not know that you know nothing about medicine? How could you lie to Mr. Alvarez like this?" Richard's gaze turned uncertain as he looked at Suzanne. He began to doubt if she truly was a doctor. Suzanne let out a soft sigh, tugging at the corner of her lips into a faint smile. "There are some things that might not be easy to explain right now. What matters most is Alan's condition. Let's go check on him first." Jenson's brows furrowed as his eyes stayed fixed on Suzanne. Something was off. She suddenly seemed so poised and confident. She was different. Seline was trembling with anger, her nails digging deeper into her palms as she caught the way Jenson was staring at Suzanne with something close to admiration. Jealousy and fury roared inside her like wildfire. That vile woman! This had to be part of her plan to seduce Jenson all over again. Seline stepped forward, her voice soft and pleading as she said to Suzanne, "Sue, for Dad's sake and for Jenson's, can we just go home?" She reached out, trying to take Suzanne's hand, but Suzanne stepped back two paces, leaving Seline grasping at empty air. Jenson let out a heavy sigh, his gaze locked on Suzanne. His voice softened as he said, "Suzanne, don't make a scene." There was a trace of indulgence in his tone. Suzanne's eyes darkened. She couldn't believe that Jenson still thought she was playing hard to get and that this was all an elaborate scheme to win him back. The confidence he gained from ten years of her being at his beck and call was staggering. Shane, who had been holding back as long as possible, finally lost his patience. His expression darkened as he snapped, "Are we done here?" He'd been staying quiet out of respect for Jane, but these two—Jenson and Seline—were testing his limits. Richard had been caught in uncertainty until now, but seeing Shane's growing frustration, he clenched his teeth and made a decision. Desperate times called for desperate measures. He had to trust Shane and Jane. Suzanne ignored Jenson and Seline entirely, turning to Richard. "Mr. Alvarez, may I go in now?" Richard's eyes flickered with relief as he smiled and stepped aside. "Of course. This way." But just as Suzanne was about to step into the hospital ward, Jenson moved to block her path. Seline rushed forward with worry. "Sue, are you crazy?" Their actions made Richard's expression turn ice-cold. He said sternly, "Jenson, I appreciate you and your family trying to help, but the Alvarez family doesn't need your help." He had worked hard to get Jane to come, and he wasn't about to let anyone scare her off. Richard gave Joe a sharp glance. Joe quickly stepped between Jenson, Seline, and the doorway. His tone was polite but firm. "The two of you should leave." Jenson's eyes stayed locked on Suzanne, as though willing her to make the right decision. But Suzanne didn't even spare him a glance. She walked into the hospital ward without hesitation. Seline started to follow, but Joe blocked her again. She could only watch helplessly as Suzanne walked inside. Furious, Seline stomped her foot and turned to Jenson. "Jenson, what if she messes up? What will happen to you and my dad then?" The Alvarez family weren't people to be messed with. If something happened to their heir, it wouldn't just be the Yates family as even the Lambert family would be destroyed. Suzanne was nothing but a troublemaker. Jenson's gaze stayed fixed on the closed door, his mood growing darker. "Let's wait and see." Seline could do nothing but pace angrily outside the ward. … Inside the VIP suite, the ward was equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. A young man sat on the bed, his arm hooked to an IV. His sharp jawline, defined features, and piercing eyes hinted at his striking looks, even as illness dulled his vitality. His lips were pressed into a hard line. Despite his evident suffering, he couldn't hide his extraordinary appearance. But when he saw the people entering, his gaze turned ice-cold. Suzanne raised an eyebrow. He was quite menacing. The man was good-looking, but he didn't come close to her husband. Richard stepped forward eagerly, gesturing to the man. "Dr. Smith, this is my son. Please have a look." Before Suzanne could respond, Alan spoke in a raspy voice laced with irritation, "Dad, how many times do I have to tell you? Stop bringing random people in here!" Shane's expression immediately darkened. He had come all this way to help the Alvarez family—a favor they should have been grateful for—and this brat had the nerve to be so ungrateful? Suzanne, however, remained calm with an unreadable expression. Richard panicked. His hard-won chance to bring Jane here was slipping away. If she left now, Alan's condition might never improve. Alan truly made him worried. "Enough!" Richard barked, furious. "You little brat, do you know who this is? This is the famous Dr. Smith! If you keep running your mouth, I'll skin you alive!" Alan frowned and stared at Shane and Suzanne weirdly. Richard quickly softened his tone, turning to Suzanne with an ingratiating smile. "Dr. Smith, please take a look." Suzanne nodded lightly, her composure unshaken. "I'll need to talk with him privately. Both of you, out." Richard and Shane both looked taken aback.