Some hours later, In the elegant living room, tensions brewed as Marcus and Zinnia confronted Ma'am Luna. The air was thick with frustration and disapproval. The matriarch sat in the center, her figure composed despite the storm around her, with other family members occupying their own corners. Marcus, his anger palpable, launched into his tirade. "Grandmother, I can't fathom why you entrusted Duncan with such a crucial responsibility. He has proven to be nothing but a total loser. He skips work, doesn't show up on some days, and less than 24 hours before the presentation, he hasn't even shared the presentation with us. Last night, he returned home late, and this morning, he left early without a word. It's unacceptable." Zinnia, echoing her brother's sentiments, stepped forward. "I stand with Marcus on this, grandmother. Duncan's lack of seriousness is appalling. You've granted him undeserved privileges for too long, and he's taken advantage of both you and us." Lisa and Isab
Entering the hospital, the tension among the trio continued to escalate. At the reception counter, Zinnia faced an earful from the nurse who had tried to reach out to her earlier without success. In an impolite manner, Zinnia shunned the nurse, demanding to be directed to Duncan's location. Witnessing Zinnia's unexpected outburst, the onlookers in the hospital lobby recognized her as a public figure. In an attempt to salvage the situation, Ma'am Luna stepped in, apologizing to the nurse on Zinnia's behalf. She explained that Zinnia was only expressing concern about Duncan's condition and that her mannerisms may be lacking due to the worry. The nurse offered a guide to Duncan's location, and the trio followed the directions. Along the way, Zinnia continued to grumble about the hospital staff, prompting Ma'am Luna to warn her to behave appropriately. Arriving at Duncan's ward, they were met by the attending doctor who stepped out to explain Duncan's critical condition. The doctor
Karla's breath caught in her throat as Duncan winked at her, dispelling the tension that had gripped the room. "Duncan…you're awake?" she stammered, surprised by his sudden shift. "Yeah," he replied, sitting up on his elbow and casually removing the oxygen mask, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You like my acting?" Karla's initial shock turned into frustration. She straightened up, clenching her fists in front of his face. "Are you serious, Duncan? You are kidding at this moment?" Duncan furrowed his eyebrows, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Karla, I was just…" "Shut up! You probably don't know how worried I was earlier. I was about to die of worry, you know. Now you are thinking it's funny?" "I'm not kidding. I know I got you fretting, but it was never my intention. I had this worked out, you know?" He smiled, attempting to lighten the mood, but it only fueled Karla's anger. "You are going to die now!" she threatened, attempting to hit him. However, he quickly grab
Karla sighed, a blend of irritation and amusement in her expression. "You're unbelievable, Duncan. One of these days, your prank will be the end of me."Duncan, still holding her close, grinned mischievously. "But admit it, it was a good one."Karla, torn between annoyance and affection, finally managed a smile. "Fine, it was a good one. But promise me, no more acting like you're unconscious. Ever." Duncan nodded, his eyes reflecting sincerity. "Promise. Now, can we get back to a less dramatic evening?" Karla rolled her eyes, but a small laugh escaped her. Letting go of her previous worry, Karla took a deep breath, attempting to compose herself. "You're always worried about me, Karla. I don't appreciate that," Duncan said, releasing his grip on her. "Quit doing that, okay?""No. I won't," she replied firmly, her gaze unwavering as she looked directly into his eyes."Why…?""It's because I love you so much, and you know it.""Karla, I know, but…""It's fine." She held up her ha
After hearing the exit footsteps of Zinnia grow distant, Duncan finally opened his eyes. He sat up on the bed, a sense of triumph in his expression, and stretched out his arms. Pulling the IV pole along with him, he walked to the window and opened it. As the morning sun lit up his face, he chuckled, reveling in the unfolding drama."A perfect day to make a new achievement, it seems." The door opened, and he glanced over his shoulder to see Karla walking in."You're awake?" she asked as she approached him."Yeah. Good morning.""Good morning. Uh, I saw Zinnia leaving."Duncan smirked and turned to face her. "Guess what.""What?""She was reassigned the task just like I had anticipated.""Oh, really?""Yep. It wasn't Marcus.""Woah. But… Marcus was in the right position to get it.""Ma'am Luna seems to value Zinnia more than Marcus. Though I've not confirmed that or know why, but that seems true.""Strange.""That, I will figure out later. Now, guess what Zinnia told me?""What? I c
Returning her gaze to the bed, Abigail pointed at the person who unfortunately turned out not to be Duncan. "Who's this?" Avoiding Abigail's gaze, Karla took a step forward. "He's my…" she paused and cleared her throat. "My driver." "What the heck is going on?" Abigail was confused. "You got your driver to pretend to be on this bed as Duncan?" "Obviously." Karla shrugged. "And where is Duncan?!" "He left." "What the heck do you mean? Where did he go?" "To handle the presentation." "For the Lennart family? How's he going to do that?" Karla quietly stared at her as her driver excused them. "Tell me everything…!" "Yes, just bring your voice down. Relax. Okay?" Abigail exhaled and nodded, folding her arms. "Go on, I'm all ears now." Karla sighed and looked away as she thought of where to start explaining. However, back in the personalized meeting room, Lady Zelda and Babette dropped their gaze to the foot of the person, who sported a nice pair of Italian shoes. Lifting thei
Nicholas, frustrated and feeling the pressure of the situation, mumbled to himself, "If only she'd see reason." He paced outside the room, contemplating the potential consequences of Duncan's unpreparedness for the presentation. Inside the room, Duncan was focused on crafting his own presentation. He knew the importance of delivering a compelling pitch to secure the deal for the Walton Group of companies. As he worked diligently, Babette entered the room to check on his progress. "Sir Duncan, how's it going? Do you need any assistance?" Babette inquired. Duncan looked up, appreciating her concern. "I'm working on it. It's a bit challenging, but I'll manage. I appreciate your trust in me, Babette." As Duncan continued his preparations, Babette couldn't shake off her own concerns. She stepped closer and whispered, "Sir, are you sure about this? Nicholas offered to represent us, and he seems confident in making a successful presentation." Duncan paused, considering her words.
Duncan tried to keep his composure as Zinnia walked up to him. He faked a smile, turning to face her. "What do you mean?" he asked, attempting to sound casual.Zinnia took off her glasses, her gaze fixed on Duncan. "I remember you," she stated. Duncan's heart skipped a beat as he asked, "From where?"Zinnia smiled knowingly, "You were the other guy I saw in the hallway when I was leaving after my presentation the other time." Duncan chuckled, glancing away. "Oh, that was you," he said with a feigned surprise. Inwardly, he let out a silent sigh of relief, grateful that she didn't notice the tension he had been hiding. Duncan made a short prayer of thanksgiving in silence, grateful that Zinnia had recognized him without revealing his undercover identity. Returning his gaze to Zinnia, he noted the hardened expression on her face."Good to see you again, Miss," Duncan greeted, trying to maintain a composed demeanor."Miss? Don't you know me?" Zinnia questioned, her tone challenging.