Chapter 8

James strode down the hallway of Maple Properties, his steps quick and resolute, the echo of Ray and the guards’ humiliation still lingering in his mind. Alexis walked beside him, her demeanor professional and respectful, an evident contrast to the earlier mockery he had faced.

She gestured toward a set of polished mahogany doors. “Mr. Carter, here’s your office,” she said, opening the door to reveal a spacious, luxurious workspace with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline.

James took in the opulent setting—a modern desk, state-of-the-art equipment, and plush leather seating arranged around a glass coffee table. He turned to Alexis, his expression calm but curious. “Quite the upgrade from the construction site, don’t you think?”

She managed a smile, an acknowledgment of his past. “I’m genuinely sorry for how you were treated earlier. It was inexcusable.”

James gave her a curt nod. “I appreciate your support, Alexis. And I’ll need it, especially as we investigate Ray’s connections within the finance department.”

“Consider it done,” she replied, determination in her eyes. “I’ll start by reviewing the department records. If he has any allies manipulating things behind the scenes, we’ll find out.”

After a quick tour of his new office, James checked his watch. Time to see Emily, he thought, feeling a pang of urgency. Thanking Alexis, he headed out, eager to visit his sister.

The sterile smell of the hospital hit him as he entered, but nothing could have prepared him for what he saw next. Emily lay on a narrow stretcher in the corridor, her IV pole awkwardly positioned beside her, her face pale and drawn. A wave of disbelief surged through him.

“What… what is this?” he muttered, his voice low but seething with anger. He moved closer, placing a comforting hand on Emily’s shoulder. “Emily, are you okay?”

Emily’s eyes opened slowly, and she managed a weak smile. “James… they said… they needed my room.”

Fury clenched in his chest as he kissed her forehead gently. “I’ll be right back.”

He stormed down the hall to the advanced ward he’d personally arranged for her, only to find the room occupied by a young man lounging comfortably, a minor bruise on his forehead. Surrounding him were his parents—Henry and Laura Blake—and, worse yet, Dr. Robert Blake, the hospital’s vice president.

Henry looked up with an indifferent glance, while Laura practically coddled Todd. Dr. Blake, however, noticed James’s entrance and raised an eyebrow, a smirk spreading across his face.

James took a step forward, his tone cold. “Dr. Blake, I reserved this ward for my sister. Why is she lying in a corridor while this… boy with a bruise enjoys her bed?”

Robert laughed, his voice condescending. “Oh, her? I figured she could wait. After all, Todd here needs the best care, don’t you, Todd?”

Todd shrugged, clearly unbothered by the exchange, as his mother patted his arm affectionately. “You don’t understand, Mr. Carter,” Robert continued, his tone dismissive. “This is family. We make sure family is treated properly.”

James’s gaze darkened. “Emily has been suffering for months, while your nephew is here over a bruise.”

Robert sneered. “And what of it? Your ‘pauper sister’ can wait. She’s lucky we even admitted her in the first place.”

James clenched his fists, his voice deadly calm. “Take her bed back, or I will make sure you lose your position in this hospital.”

Robert laughed, shaking his head. “You think you have that kind of power here? One word from me, and your sister’s out on the street. How’s that for ‘power,’ Mr. CEO?”

The final insult snapped James’s restraint. Without another thought, he took a step forward and punched Robert squarely in the jaw. The force sent the doctor reeling back, crashing into a nearby chair as a shocked silence fell over the room.

Laura gasped, clinging to Henry, who seemed too stunned to speak. Todd gaped, looking between James and his bleeding uncle in shock.

Robert spat out a trace of blood, his face twisted with rage. “You… you think you can assault me and get away with it?!” He pulled out his phone, dialing security. “You’re going to jail, Mr. Carter. And I’ll make sure you’re blacklisted from every medical facility in the state!”

Unfazed, James discreetly pressed a speed-dial on his own phone, his eyes never leaving Robert’s livid face. “Victor,” he said quietly when his call connected. “I need some assistance.”

On the other end, Victor’s voice was calm and assured. “I’ll handle it. Give me a moment.”

Before Robert could continue his threats, the door swung open, and three hospital security guards burst into the room, sizing up the situation. They glanced at Robert, then at James, confusion evident on their faces.

Robert straightened, his smug demeanor returning as he addressed the guards. “This man assaulted me. I want him arrested and escorted out immediately.”

The lead guard turned to James, his expression uncertain. “Sir, is this true?”

James met the guard’s eyes, his voice steady. “I did what I had to do for my sister’s safety. And trust me, removing me would be a regrettable decision.”

The guard hesitated, glancing at Robert, who was growing more irate by the second. “Don’t just stand there! Arrest him!” Robert barked.

Just then, James’s phone buzzed with a message from Victor: Help is on the way. Give them five minutes.

James slipped the phone back into his pocket, feeling a surge of reassurance. “You’re making a mistake, Robert,” he said calmly, his tone unwavering. “You think you’re untouchable, but that’s about to change.”

Robert sneered. “Spare me the theatrics. In five minutes, you’ll be sitting in a police station. Say goodbye to your sister’s treatment, because she’s as good as gone.”

Laura finally found her voice, chiming in, “And good riddance. This hospital doesn’t need riffraff like her anyway.”

James glanced at her, disgust evident on his face, but he remained silent. He focused on his goal, determined to protect Emily at all costs.

Moments later, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the hall, and two sharply dressed men entered the room, each carrying an air of authority that immediately commanded respect. One of them, a man with a calm yet powerful demeanor, approached James.

“Mr. Carter,” the man greeted, extending his hand. “Mr. Johnson, Maple Properties’ legal counsel. I’ve been briefed on the situation.”

Robert’s confidence wavered. “What… what is this?”

Johnson turned to him, his expression cold. “Dr. Blake, we’ve reviewed your actions here, and I can assure you, they’re in violation of hospital policy. Tampering with patient assignments for personal reasons? That’s grounds for an immediate disciplinary hearing.”

Robert stammered, his face growing pale. “But… this is my hospital!”

“Not anymore,” Johnson replied smoothly. “Your abuse of authority has been documented, and Mr. Carter’s legal team will ensure this is handled swiftly.” He looked at the security guards. “If anyone interferes with Mr. Carter or his sister’s treatment again, they’ll answer to us.”

The guards shifted, now looking at Robert with uncertainty. Robert’s confidence dissolved, replaced by desperation. “You… you can’t do this to me!”

James took a step forward, his voice calm and commanding. “I suggest you leave before you make things worse for yourself. Emily’s care will not be interrupted again.”

Robert, now deflated and cornered, glanced around at the accusing eyes before finally storming out, muttering under his breath. His family followed, heads down, the weight of their disgrace evident.

Once the room was cleared, James turned to Johnson, nodding in appreciation. “Thank you.”

Johnson gave a respectful nod. “Anything for you, Mr. Carter. I’ll make sure there are no further issues with Emily’s care.”

As the team left, James finally entered the advanced ward with Emily, setting her equipment up and settling her into the bed. He sat beside her, squeezing her hand gently.

Emily opened her eyes, smiling weakly. “Thank you, James. You… you didn’t have to fight them for me.”

James’s voice softened, his gaze warm. “I’d fight the world for you, Emily. And I’ll make sure you’re never treated like that again.”