Chapter 7

Actors? Jolene found herself at a loss for words. "Are all businessmen so cunning and deceitful?" Steven smoothed the creases on his pants and replied, "It's about using small gains for larger ones. Deception is a part of the game." Jolene instantly understood. Hiring a few actors wouldn't cost much. It was his project that was valuable. "Thank you," she said sincerely. Steven felt a better sense of relief from her thanks. The car soon arrived at the hospital, and Jolene hurried around to arrange for hospitalization. Emma had experienced significant physical deterioration over the years with her health in decline. Jolene's medical skills couldn't help much, so she could only rely on hospitalization and strong drugs to prolong Emma's life. "Jojo, I don't wanna stay in the hospital," Emma pleaded, her thin dry hands clutching Jolene's clothes. "Don't worry, I'll be fine if I return to the countryside." "No, you have to listen to the doctor. He said your condition can be treated. I'll handle the payment. You just rest," Jolene insisted firmly. As she passed by Steven, she paused for a moment. But ultimately, she said nothing and walked out of the ward. "Mr. Welsh, thank you, and sorry for all the trouble today." Emma lay back on a soft pillow. Her clouded eyes were full of kindness and humility. "She's married to me." Steven sat in his wheelchair, his long fingers resting on his knees. "She's had a hard life. Her father died early, and her biological mother abandoned her for wealth. She had to attend school under sponsorship. She's a very considerate person." Emma wiped away her tears with her rough hands. Steven doubted her words as he recalled how Jolene had kissed and touched her. "She's straightforward and stubborn, and she doesn't know how to please others. She yields only to the soft approach and not coercion. But if someone does her a favor, she'll repay the kindness tenfold. Mr. Welsh, could you protect her a little?" Steven listened to her words and quietly responded. The cold text in Jolene's investigation report seemed to come alive in Emma's account. … After spending most of the day with Emma, Jolene and Steven left in the evening. On the way back, the lighting in the luxury car was dim. Steven's voice broke the silence. "Are the things you said still valid? Will you treat my legs?" His dark eyes held a glimmer of curiosity. "Absolutely! I promise I'll definitely heal your legs." Jolene was even eager to swear an oath. This time, Steven believed her. For Jolene to be the apprentice of the renowned doctor, Gabriel Ashton, how could he not trust her? "Who taught you medicine?" Steven had a guess in mind but wanted to hear it directly from her. Jolene blushed as she explained, "I learned it from Mr. Ashton, my neighbor. Although he isn't as famous as Gabriel, he taught me with great care. He has cured many people in our village." Indeed, Jolene had no idea she had a formidable mentor and wasn't aware that Gabriel had moved to the countryside under a different name. "I trust you," Steven uttered. He concealed Gabriel's whereabouts so that no one could connect the old man from the countryside with the renowned Gabriel Ashton. It would mean Steven wasn't disturbing Gabriel's retirement. "Your grandma's condition is complex. I've arranged a long-term caregiver for her. You can visit her at the hospital when you have time. The medical expenses will be deducted from your consultation fees." "Mr. Welsh, I'm truly grateful. Thank you for having faith in my medical skills," Jolene said with joy in her clear eyes. "Jolene, they'll all have to seek you out in the future." Those people were blind to the treasure they missed out on. It had been the same for him. Jolene didn't understand what he was trying to imply, but his gentle voice warmed her heart. Steven took out a document from the electronic drawer of the central console and handed it to Jolene. She looked down and saw the words "Marriage Agreement" in bold black letters. The agreement stated that once his legs were healed, they would divorce. The agreement was valid for a maximum period of three months. Additionally, as a gesture of gratitude, he would provide a property and a million-dollar check. "If you have no objections, sign here. I don't want to owe anyone a favor. This is a confidentiality agreement." This was the agreement he drafted after reading the investigation report the day before. Jolene glanced at him and signed her name in graceful handwriting. "Mr. Welsh, I look forward to working with you." Her eyes, shaped like beautiful apricots, sparkled with joy when she smiled. Steven was momentarily stunned. His lips curved into a faint smile. His heart, which had never before stirred, felt something for the first time. … When they got home, Rita hurriedly greeted them, "Mr. Granger has come to visit." Steven responded with a hum. Jolene pushed his wheelchair up the incline. As soon as they passed the entrance, she saw a handsome man sitting on the couch. There were a few strands of hair on his smooth forehead, and his deep-set eyes sparkled with a deep blue, suggesting a mixed heritage. "Steven." Vance stood up and looked at Jolene. "This must be Jolene." He had specifically come to see what kind of woman Steven had mobilized the covert team to disguise as actors for. "This is Vance Granger, someone insignificant. You don't have to be polite to him," Steven introduced Vance out of courtesy. "Hey, what do you mean by insignificant? I've been working my fingers to the bone for you for years!" Without Vance's cover, Steven's other identity would have long been exposed. Jolene raised her lip in a smile. Her delicate features were full of joy. Vance felt a bit embarrassed under her gaze. "Steven, I have something serious to discuss with you." Jolene said warmly, "You two chat. I'll go make some preparations." She was talking about preparations for acupuncture. Steven nodded. Vance watched her leave before daring to make a snide remark, "What preparations? For the night you missed out on the wedding day?" "Get lost!" Vance chuckled and continued, "Is she really the apprentice of the renowned doctor? I wouldn't have guessed. The heavens are quite in your favor. Don't you think she resembles…" "Just get lost if there's nothing else." "Wait, I need to report Horizon Group's quarterly…" … At the Patel residence, Kathrine was in a foul mood and had thrown her cosmetics all over the floor. "Bitch! How dare she!" Kathrine was jealous, but she repeatedly comforted herself that Steven was crippled, and Bradson was the best choice. Her phone on the vanity buzzed incessantly. She took a deep breath and answered the call. Her voice cracked as she complained, "Bradson, Steven is too much! He brought…" "You didn't get the stuff? If the Patel family can't get what I want, I won't marry you." Bradson wasn't that patient to hear everything she had to say. Kathrine's face stiffened. "Bradson, you're the reason I let Jolene be my substitute." "I'm hanging up if there's nothing else." "Wait! I have an idea! This time, the second branch of the Welsh family will beg you on their knees and offer the project transfer agreement with both hands." A cruel glint flashed in Kathrine's eyes. She hurriedly explained her plan, and Bradson was highly satisfied. "Kathrine, you're even more ruthless than I thought!" It was a move to scrap and eliminate Steven once and for all.