Chapter 16 After three days of recuperation , the wounds on Doriss back had mostly healed .. She decided to request a discharge slip from the doctor for the following day . Although the doctor advised her to rest for another two days , she persistently pleaded for an exception , assuring him that she was perfectly fine . Seeing that her condition had indeed improved significantly , the doctor relented after a thorough check up . The thought of leaving the hospital tomorrow brightened Doriss mood considerably . She wandered into the small garden behind the hospital , finding herself in a long corridor adorned with vibrant blooms . Spring had painted the world in bursts of color , and the sight was breathtakingly beautiful . Doris sank onto a bench , closing her eyes as the gentle spring breeze brushed against her skin . The soothing warmth carried the faint fragrance of flowers , wrapping her in a cocoon of tranquility . But the peace didnt last . Suddenly , a shadow loomed over her , blocking the sunlight and halting the breeze . Doris opened her eyes to find the person she least wanted to see Ryan . Doris , fancy meeting you here , Ryan said , his voice tinged with mockery as his eyes swept over her blue striped hospital Whats this ? Got yourself injured and ended up in the hospital? gown … Doris didnt dignify him with a response . Her immediate reaction was to stand and leave , but Ryan was quicker . He gripped her shoulder , forcing her back onto the bench . Ryan , dont touch me , she snapped , glaring at him with open disgust . Unbothered , Ryan smirked and casually twirled a strand of her hair between his fingers . You still smell the same just like I remember , he said . Doris felt a wave of humiliation crash over her . Yanking her hair out of his grasp , she shot him a scornful look . I havent showered in three days . Ryans smirk only widened . Doris , I came all this way just to see you . So , how does it feel to get whipped by a cane ? His voice dripped with mockery , the corners of his lips curling into a smug grin . Doriss eyes widened as her gaze snapped to his face . How do you know about that ? Your brother told me , Ryan taunted , his tone gleeful , his eyes sharp with malice . All I wanted was for your dad to give you a little lesson . Who wouldve thought hed go this far and land you in the hospital ? You see , without me , youre nothing . When you were with me , did your dad ever lay a hand on you ? Doriss fingers dug into the edge of the bench , her nails pressing against the wood as anger simmered beneath her calm facade . Stop pretending to care , Ryan . These injuries are all thanks to you . And yet , Ryan said , his arrogance radiating from every pore , you still think you can resist me ? Stop fighting . In Hampstone , who can hold a candle to me ? Doris raised a brow , her voice sharp and unyielding . What , you think you can possibly compare to the Hartman family heir ? The Watson family , while wealthy , was nowhere near the apex of Hampstones social hierarchy . At the very top stood the Hartman family a storied dynasty with a legacy spanning more than a century , their wealth and influence unmatched . Their ancestors had even held noble titles , making them true aristocrats . Ryans expression faltered for a brief moment before he laughed , brushing off her remark . Doris , did I mention that the Hartman heir happens to be a good friend of mine ? 1/4 13:05 Wed , 26 Chapter 16 Hes hosting a grand party to celebrate being hole in the enemy and raking some the fairly bone and I rea family is on the guest list . I was planning to introduce you to his hot your gut the men aged her Feigning pity , he added , If your beg me , for I might rendering you that come Doris scoffed , a cold smile curling her lips . You want me in beg your Keep dexansing Ryans gaze darkened , the faint smirk on his lips replaced by a chilling ear Brake This time on the same says to guess what itll be next time ? Cross me again , and there wont be anyone who can you a a The lawyers letter Ryan had sent to Doriss parents was warring , threer writer noms of hey the the eyes the rebellious , and rebellion had to be punished Unbeknownst to them , their tense interaction was being lonely okerred from nearby tree , Lewis took in the scene with an expression as cold as ice , he treaty die Sonding the date of or fed on the nes He didnt linger . Without a word , Lewis turned and strode hack to his waring Rolle Rogue the cinched note toot the thermos hed been holding into the drivers hands . Get rid of it , he redend curly The driver glanced at the thermos , sensing something was off , but wisely kept his mouth shor By the time Lewis arrived at Hartman Group headquarters , his focus hard already shifted to the mountain of work rating him . As always , his demeanor was calm , calculated , and utterly unreadable a form of corres A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts . Daniel , his assistant , stepped in and reponed eagerly . Me Hat Ive done some digging into the man in the photo you sent me . His name is Ryan Watson , the CEO of These Gesus Interestingly , hes also Mrs. Hartmans ex boyfriend . Hartman came from a modest background , which is why Ryans parents never approved of their relationship dengine the three years they were together . The Watson family has always favored someone more compatible Specifically , Leia Martin , heiress to the Martin family fortune and their long time family ally . Ryans mother even approached Mrs. Hartman personally to pressure her into ending things Daniel added , Word in the circle is that Mrs. Hartman , realizing the Watson family would never accept her agreed to breakup settlement one million dollars . Ever since , shes been labeled a gold digger . And Leis was actually Ryan brother Jakes girlfriend before their engagement . Word has it that Leia and Jake broke up just before Jakes car accident put him into a coma . But the timing seemed convenient , likely orchestrated to save face . Otherwise , how would it look if the future sister in law had been moled with her fiances brother ? He sighed dramatically , shaking his head , Poor Jake . Not only did he lose the CEO position during his coma , but his girlfriend ended up with his little brother . And Kyan ? What kind of man steps into his brothers shoes and mares his future sister in law like that ? Daniels disbelief was palpable , his expression practically begging for confirmation that the world hadnt gone mad . Lewis finally looked up , the corners of his lips curling into a faint , sardonic smile . Ryans a cruel pragmatist . Marrying into the Martin family secured his position as CEO , giving him both power and a lovely wife . Gotta meet this guy in person one day True . Daniel agreed , his cynicism now matching Lewiss . To men like him , when it comes to power , women are just another bargaining chip . The intercom on Lewiss desk buzzed , interrupting the conversation . Pressing the speaker button , Lewis heard his secretary , Alyssa Evans , announce . Hartman , Ryan Watson , the CEO of Watson Group , is here for your ten oclock appointment . It was scheduled last week Lewis didnt even hesitate . Cancel it . Find an excuse to send him away . 2/4 13:05 W 26 Feb Chapter 16 He leaned back in his chair , his expression unreadable save for the faint glint of disdain in his eyes . He wants to meet me ? As if its that easy , he scoffed inwardly . But as his thoughts returned to the hospital garden , where Ryan had dared to approach Doris , a sharp pang of irritation clawed at him . In his eyes , Doris might not mean anything to him emotionally , but she was his wife now . That role came with responsibilities and boundaries . The very idea of being disrespected by her actions , or v cheated on , was utterly unacceptable to him . or worse , being Lewiss thoughts were a storm of disdain and calculated fury as he pondered , Doris and I are already married , yet she still dares to tangle with Ryan? If shes trying to play both sides , then her scheming runs far deeper than I thought . And as for Ryan , he is already engaged to another woman , yet hes still trying to meddle with my wife . Then he shouldnt blame me when I take things to the next level ! Mr. Hartman , didnt you just say you wanted to meet him ? Isnt it the perfect chance now that the enemy is handing himself over on a silver platter ? Daniel was eager to see how Lewis would handle this . Lewis leaned back in his chair , exuding an air of aloof superiority . Do I seem that easy to meet ? Dont give him more credit than he deserves . Daniel blinked , then nodded quickly , catching on to his bosss calculated approach . Youre right , Mr. Best to cool down his arrogance first . Lewis barely raised an eyebrow and looked up , a cryptic smile playing at the corners of his lips , like the calm before a storm . Daniel felt a chill of anticipation . Ryan has no idea what hes up against . This is going to be brutal , he thought . For the past two days , Lewis had maintained a routine of dropping off meals at the hospital for Doris , leaving almost immediately afterward . Meanwhile , Doris had decided not to tell him she was being discharged . She quietly handled the paperwork and was ready to leave when she bumped into Ivan in the lobby . Ivans sharp eyes landed on the documents in her hand , his brow furrowing in confusion . Doris , youre on your own ? Wheres Lewis ? She smiled softly , Yeah . Hes at work . Well , that works out . Ive got nothing on my schedule right now . Let me take you home for him . Thats really not necessary . Ill just grab a taxi . Not a chance . If Lewis finds out , hell chew me out for being irresponsible . Doris hesitated at his earnestness but eventually relented , allowing Ivan to escort her to his car . As they drove , Ivans warm voice filled the air . He glanced at her through the rearview mirror , his enchanting eyes crinkling with an easy , charming smile . Doris , Lewis might have a sharp tongue , but deep down , hes got a good heart . Dont hold his words against him too much . Doris shook her head lightly , her tone calm . I wont Ivan gave her a grin and a playful thumbs up . Youre really something else beautiful inside and out . The unexpected compliment drew a small laugh from Doris . How do you know Mr. Hartman ? she asked , curious . 3/4 13:06 Wed , 26 Feb E En En Chapter 16 He answered , Lewis and I go way back . We were classmates in middle and high school , and now were coworkers . Weve always had a solid bond . Doris mused silently . No wonder someone like Lewis would have a friend like Ivan ! Ivan noticed her thoughtful expression and raised an eyebrow , worried that he mightve said the wrong thing . Why did you ask me that ? Nothing , she said . I was just curious . Thats all . Before long , they arrived at Greenlake Hill . Doris stepped out of the car , nodding politely . Thank you , Mr. Mitchell . No worries . Ivan watched as she disappeared into the gated community before pulling out his phone . He dialed Lewis , his tone easygoing . Lewis , I ran into Doris at the hospital and gave her a ride home . By the way , she didnt look very well . Is she sick ? You need to show her more care , man . Focus too much on work , and your wife might- Lewis ended the call with a curt click before Ivan could finish . Staring at the Call Ended message on his screen , Ivan shook his head with a helpless smile . Hes got such a bad temper . Only Doris would have the patience to put up with it , he pondered E Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!