Chapter 18 He's Fast, but Dr. Elim Is Faster

Marcus stormed out of the VIP suite, but Connie and Dr. Elim were nowhere to be seen down the long hallway. The elevator doors opened, and Peter hurried toward him. "Did you see Dr. Elim and Connie?" Marcus asked. He quickly stepped forward and grabbed Peter by the arm. Peter shook his head. "I didn't see them on my way here. Mr. Holden, what happened? Why is Dr. Elim so angry?" "Go ask your wife," Marcus said coldly. He let go of Peter and walked toward the elevator, taking out his phone to make several calls. Within two minutes, the entrances of Quinton Hospital were surrounded by security guards dressed in black, forming a tight blockade. Not a single person could get in or out. Meanwhile, Natalie and Connie had already returned to the villa. Natalie entered the secret room, removed her disguise and changed into her regular clothes. "Ms. Walker, Marcus' men are guarding the hospital entrances," Connie reported as she checked the surveillance footage. "We'll leave through the basement," Natalie replied calmly. She had designed the villa so that the secret room led directly to the basement, which in turn connected to a warehouse at the foot of the mountain near Quinton Hospital. Marcus had blocked the hospital entrance, but she would simply take another route. "Got it, Ms. Walker. I've also informed Peter, and he's heading back to the VIP suite. I've sent people to keep an eye on their move out of the other villa," Connie said as she finished taking care of everything on her phone. Yet, a hint of doubt lingered. "Ms. Walker, why was there a medical request email from the Holdens on Jessy's phone? I'm certain I didn't leak any information." Natalie walked over to the window and glanced outside, recalling the sandalwood scent she had smelled earlier on Marcus. No one used sandalwood at Quinton Hospital, and Marcus had claimed he didn't wear any perfume. That scent must have come from elsewhere. Charles' identity was special. While outsiders wouldn't know, the Holden family certainly did. They knew Marcus had been taking Charles around for medical treatment. Natalie had another assistant look into it and discovered that Cassie was known for her deep religious devotion. When Ethan had taken her to see Marcus earlier, he had quickly left. Later, when Natalie reviewed the surveillance footage, she discovered that Marcus had gone to meet with Cassie. "Connie, if I didn't trust you, you wouldn't still be here. I believe it's not your fault," Natalie said calmly. She didn't share her suspicions with Connie. "Stay here and keep an eye on Peter's family as they leave the hospital. I'll leave first." "Yes, Ms. Walker. I'll make sure everything is done right and won't disappoint you," Connie replied. "Alright." Natalie grabbed her canvas bag, stuffing her phone and iPad inside. She didn't take Charles' medical records with her, as she had already memorized the details. "I'm leaving now," she said. "Got it, Ms. Walker," Connie answered. "If Marcus asks about me, can you handle it?" "Don't worry, Ms. Walker. I can manage." "Then, I'm off." Natalie nodded at her. "Take care, Ms. Walker." "Mhm." Natalie slung her bag over her shoulder and entered the basement through the secret room. She made her way out of Quinton Hospital swiftly. … Meanwhile, Marcus had reached the hospital's entrance. He asked his men, but they hadn't seen Dr. Elim and Connie leave. No cars had left in the last few minutes either. Marcus frowned and headed back to the VIP suite. Just as he reached the inpatient floor, he saw Peter storming out, dragging Rita by the arm. "Let go of me," Rita said with a sob. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I was just trying to help you, darling!" Frustrated, Peter turned and slapped Rita hard across the face. "How did I end up marrying such a fool? Not only did you mess things up for me, but you'll also cause trouble for Janet and Jenny. Do you think it's your place to question the person I brought back? "Someone sends you a message claiming Dr. Elim is fake, and you didn't even think to call me and check? Instead, you run to the VIP suite and cause a scene." Peter's voice cracked with frustration. "Rita, why don't you use your brain? Have you gotten so comfortable that you've lost it completely? "Do you know how hard I worked to get Dr. Elim's attention and be promoted? Do you think I'd be where I am without Dr. Elim? Do you think you'd be Mrs. Bundit of Quinton Hospital?" Peter's eyes were red with frustration. "I've told you a thousand times to focus on being a good wife and mother and leave my work alone. Why couldn't you just trust me like before? Why did you have to believe a random text message this time?" By the end, Peter was sobbing. "Now look, we've lost everything." After releasing Rita, Peter covered his face and sank to the floor in front of the hospital's entrance, breaking down in tears. Soon, the announcement of the new director's appointment would be circulated throughout the hospital, and Peter Bundit would leave in disgrace. "Mr. Bundit," Marcus said, his voice deep and magnetic, as he stepped forward, "Can I have a word?" Peter looked up at Marcus with a bitter expression. "If this is about Dr. Elim, I have nothing to say. The moment Dr. Elim revoked my position as director, I lost the right to speak about them. You'd best seek answers elsewhere." "Mr. Bundit, you must have seen Dr. Elim's real face," Marcus said as he bent down and pulled Peter aside. "I've sealed off all the hospital exits. Dr. Elim is still here. I need to find her." "Sorry," Peter replied, his face showing a bitter expression. "I've never seen Dr. Elim's real face." Even if he had, he wouldn't tell anyone. Dr. Elim had only stripped him of his position as the director of Quinton Hospital and ordered them to leave. They hadn't taken back all the money he had earned or the future he had secured for his children. This was his last bit of dignity, but also a warning. Dr. Elim had always used a mix of kindness and strictness to win people's loyalty. Peter's savings were now enough for him and Rita to live comfortably for the rest of their lives, even if he never worked again—provided they didn't continue making foolish decisions. Since Dr. Elim had the power to grant him hope, they could just as easily plunge him into despair. "Mr. Holden, I haven't seen Dr. Elim's real face, so I don't know whether they're a man or a woman. Since Dr. Elim rejected your request for treatment, it means they won't take you on. "They never accepts the same patient twice. You should take this time to find another doctor who can operate on Mr. Holden Senior." With that, Peter stood up, pulling Rita along as they stumbled away. In the short span of time, it was as if he had aged ten years. Marcus frowned, still not believing he couldn't find Dr. Elim in such a short time. He was fast, but Dr. Elim was clearly even faster. It had been a long time since Marcus had encountered someone who was faster than him. He narrowed his eyes and made another call. "Block all exits in Balford. Search for an elderly woman with gray hair. She's bundled up, wearing reading glasses and a mask."