Chapter 10

The corridor was silent save for the harsh, echoing sound of Richard’s strikes against Todd’s legs. Each brutal blow resonated with sickening cracks, and Todd’s screams filled the air as his bones shattered. His once-arrogant demeanor was gone, replaced by bloodied, broken agony. James watched without flinching, feeling a strange satisfaction at the justice unfolding before him.

Laura, Todd’s mother, lunged forward, her face twisted with rage. “You monster!” she screamed, her voice raw with fury. “You can’t do this to my son!”

Richard turned calmly and, without hesitation, kicked her back with a force that sent her sprawling to the ground. He took a step forward, towering over her. “I suggest you stay silent,” he said, his voice low and menacing. “Or you’ll find yourself joining him.”

Laura’s face paled, and she crawled backward, too terrified to speak. Henry, Todd’s father, stood frozen, his eyes wide with fear as he realized the danger of crossing James and his powerful allies.

Dr. Robert Blake, though visibly shaken, held his ground. He crossed his arms, his defiance unbroken. “You think you can scare me?” he spat, glaring at James. “I’m the vice president of this hospital. I can have every one of you thrown out. And I assure you, I’ll be seeing you in court for this.”

James gave him a calm, assessing look. “You seem quite confident, Dr. Blake. But that’s a lot of bluster for a man who might want to consider his appearance.” He raised an eyebrow, his cryptic statement hanging in the air.

Richard’s gaze sharpened, picking up on James’s hint. A dangerous smile spread across his face as he nodded to his men. “Strip him of that hair,” he ordered, a deadly calm in his voice. “Let’s give Dr. Blake a look that matches his… reputation.”

Before Robert could react, two of Richard’s men seized him, holding him in place as a third man took a razor and mercilessly shaved off every remaining strand of Robert’s hair. By the time they were done, Robert’s scalp was cut and bleeding, his appearance stripped of the polished pride he clung to.

Despite his bruised and humiliated state, Robert still tried to cling to his authority, his voice shaking as he threatened, “You’ll regret this. I have powerful connections, and I will make sure every hospital turns against you, Carter. Mark my words.”

But his confidence wavered as a figure entered the corridor, drawing the attention of everyone present. Michael Grant, the esteemed president of First Hospital of New York, walked in, his presence alone enough to silence the room. Known for his uncompromising stance on ethics and patient care, Michael’s reputation preceded him, and he was the last person Robert had expected to see.

Michael’s gaze swept over the scene before landing on Robert with cold disapproval. “Dr. Blake,” he began, his voice carrying a weight of authority that made everyone in the corridor tense. “Your actions today have disgraced not only yourself but this entire institution.”

Robert’s face drained of color. “Mr. Grant… sir, this is a misunderstanding. These men—”

Michael raised a hand, silencing him. “Enough. I have all the information I need.” He pulled out a folder from under his arm, filled with documented proof of Robert’s bribery, misconduct, and abuse of authority. “Your corruption runs deep, Dr. Blake. And your behavior here has confirmed that you’re unfit for any position in this hospital.”

Robert’s mouth opened and closed, his face etched with desperation. “Please, Mr. Grant, I… I didn’t mean—”

Michael’s gaze was unyielding. “You are officially stripped of your title as vice president. Effective immediately, your medical license will be revoked, and you will face criminal charges.”

The words hit Robert like a blow, and he staggered, his last shred of arrogance dissolving as he processed the severity of his punishment.

“No, no… please,” he pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper. “Have mercy. I… I can change, I swear.”

Michael’s face remained impassive. “The police are on their way. You can explain yourself to them.”

As if on cue, the sound of footsteps echoed from the end of the hall as two police officers approached, summoned by Michael. They took Robert by the arms, leading him away as he struggled weakly, still mumbling pleas for mercy. His family watched, too shocked and terrified to intervene.

Once Robert was gone, Michael turned his attention to Todd, who lay on the ground, writhing in pain. He shook his head, a look of disappointment crossing his face. “Todd Blake, you have disgraced yourself and your family. Your actions here are despicable, and your disrespect toward patients and staff is intolerable.”

Laura, who had finally managed to pick herself up, cried out, “Please, Mr. Grant, don’t punish my son for one mistake.”

Michael’s gaze turned icy. “This was no mistake. Your son deliberately endangered a patient’s life, taunted her family, and abused his position. As of today, Todd is banned from this hospital and all others in the city.”

Laura’s face twisted in horror. “But… his legs, they’re… he needs treatment.”

Michael’s expression remained impassive. “I suggest you find another city. He will not be receiving care here.”

Todd’s face went pale, the gravity of his situation dawning on him. His earlier arrogance was now replaced with fear and despair as he clutched his broken legs, realizing the severity of his punishment.

Michael turned to James, his expression shifting to one of respect. “Mr. Carter, I apologize for the distress this has caused you and your sister. I assure you, there will be no further interference with Emily’s care. She will have the best treatment available.”

James nodded, his face softening as he extended a hand. “Thank you, Mr. Grant. Your support means a great deal to me and my family.”

Michael took his hand, giving it a firm shake. “You have my word, Mr. Carter. No one will harm Emily again.”

As Michael left to oversee the formalities of Robert’s dismissal, Richard remained by James’s side, nodding in satisfaction. “Justice served, wouldn’t you say?”

James glanced at the retreating figures of Robert’s family, now disgraced and humiliated, and allowed himself a slight smile. “More than I could have hoped for.”

The onlookers who had witnessed the entire scene were left in stunned silence, whispering amongst themselves as they absorbed what had just happened. James’s power was now undeniable, his influence reaching far beyond anything they’d expected. He had allies in high places and was a man not to be trifled with.

As he returned to Emily’s side, gently adjusting her blanket, James felt a renewed sense of purpose. The battle for his family’s safety and dignity was far from over, but he knew now that he was not alone. With allies like Richard and Michael by his side, he could confront whatever challenges lay ahead—and he would ensure that no one would ever threaten his loved ones again.