The Unexpected Heir

unfamiliar

Chapter Nine

As Charlie hastily entered the grand hotel, accompanied by his driver, they wasted no time in heading towards the reception desk. Determined and slightly agitated, Charlie introduced himself to the receptionist, eager to make his urgent request known.

"I'm Charlie Thompson," he declared in a direct manner, his words carrying a sense of urgency. "A man accompanied my ex-wife here not too long ago, but she's been drugged. I need you to show me to the room immediately."

Fully aware of the potential obstacles that awaited him, Charlie felt compelled to assert his authority, relying on his stature and reputation to help him quickly reach his ex-wife and navigate any challenges that may arise.

Following Charlie's urgent plea, the receptionist responded swiftly, her nod indicating a positive acknowledgement of his request. Determined to assist, she promptly retrieved the master key, leading the group in a hurried rush towards the designated room.

Upon reaching the room, she swiftly inserted the key into the lock, opening the door without hesitation. To their dismay, they were greeted by the distressing sight of Michael, who had been attempting to take advantage of Charlie's ex-wife. In that moment, Charlie's protective instincts kicked in, compelling him to react swiftly.

Reacting instinctively, Charlie moved to cover his ex-wife, shielding her from further vulnerability. Without wasting any time, he confronted Michael head-on, unleashing a series of powerful punches, driven by a mix of anger and a fierce desire to protect.

Fueled by a mix of fury and protectiveness, Charlie unleashed a series of forceful punches on Michael, his fists connecting with solid impact. Each blow served as a powerful declaration of his disdain for Michael's audacious attempt to exploit his ex-wife's vulnerability.

In the midst of the intense confrontation, the wailing sirens of approaching police cars pierced through the air, echoing in the vicinity. The urgency in the sound signaled the imminent arrival of law enforcement.

As if on cue, the officers burst into the hotel room, their presence instantly adding a sense of authority and apprehension. With Michael now outnumbered and overpowered, he was swiftly apprehended, his freedom coming to a sudden and abrupt end.

Seething with anger and disbelief, Charlie glared at Michael, his tone laced with a mixture of contempt and incredulity. "Who do you think you are? Do you believe she's someone you can simply exploit without facing the consequences of your actions?" Charlie's words conveyed not only his frustration but also his unwavering determination to safeguard his ex-wife.

Defiantly, Michael attempted to justify his actions with a retort. "Why do you care about her? She just divorced you yesterday. Why don't you let us enjoy?" he sneered. Charlie, unable to tolerate Michael's callous attitude, felt compelled to strike him once again, his hand gripping Michael's collar tightly, a visual representation of his firm grip on justice and protection.

Charlie's tone grew even more fiery as he responded to Michael's audacious comments. "You dare to call violating someone's privacy and taking advantage of them without their consent 'enjoyment'? Your actions are absolutely disgusting," he retorted, his voice heavy with anger and disgust.

An unsettling chuckle escaped Michael's lips, revealing his true nature and complete lack of remorse. With an air of superiority, he dismissed Charlie's concerns. "You're just too nosy for your own good," he sneered, his words drenched in disdain. "Don't delude yourself into thinking you're anything special. There's no chance I'll spend even a moment in a jail cell. My father will make sure of that," he boasted, his arrogance and entitlement seeping through every word.

Charlie couldn't help but chuckle sarcastically in response, his eyes locked with Michael's. The derisive sound held a hint of disbelief, a silent challenge to Michael's unwarranted confidence.

In response to Michael's arrogant proclamation, Charlie's voice remained firm and resolute. "Take him away," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. The gravity of his words seemed to startle Michael, his former confidence shaken by Charlie's authoritative stance.

As the officers began leading Michael away, his protests grew louder and more desperate. "Who are you?" he shouted, his voice filled with disbelief and a tinge of panic. "You clearly don't understand the power of my family. You're going to regret this. I am a Cooper, the future CEO of the Cooper family!" His words, though defiant, carried a hint of desperation and a futile attempt to salvage his diminishing sense of control.

With his spirited outburst floating in the air, Michael was swiftly escorted out of the room, his threats fading into the distance. Charlie, however, remained unswayed, his expression unwavering. The weight of Michael's family background did not intimidate him, for he knew that justice could not be compromised by empty titles or lofty promises.

Charlie swiftly made his way over to Alice, concern etched on his face as he assessed her unconscious state. Realizing the urgency of the situation, he determined that getting her to the hospital was of paramount importance.

Gently, he lifted her into his arms, cradling her in a bridal style, and began hurriedly navigating the hotel hallway. As he hurried along, memories of their shared moments flooded his mind, a bittersweet reminder of what they once were.

In an attempt to connect with Alice, Charlie called out her name softly, hoping that perhaps some part of her consciousness would register his voice or respond. Yet, the effects of the drugs she had been administered rendered her weak and unresponsive, further fueling Charlie's determination to get her the medical attention she desperately needed.

"You are such a fool for divorcing me when you can't even take care of yourself," he uttered, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and concern. With Alice still in his arms, he swiftly moved towards the waiting car, instructing the driver to head straight to the Thompson's hospital.

Upon arrival, Charlie carried Alice into the hospital, his face worn with worry. The nurses, alerted to their presence, quickly appeared with a stretcher, gently transferring Alice onto it. They swiftly navigated the corridors, guiding her into the ward and ensuring she received immediate care.

Time passed, tensions mounting, until finally, the doctor emerged from the ward.

Charlie anxiously approached the doctor, his expression filled with concern as he posed the pressing question: "How is she?"

With a reassuring tone, the doctor tried to alleviate Charlie's worries. "There's no need to worry," he said. "She simply passed out due to the excessive dosage of the drug. It may have had a negative effect on her, but it's not a significant cause for concern. She will likely only sleep for a few hours."

As the doctor provided his explanation, Charlie couldn't help but clench his fists together, attempting to contain his frustration and annoyance at what had transpired.

Seeking further reassurance, Charlie inquired once again, his voice tinged with concern, "Are you certain she will be fine?" The doctor met his gaze, offering a reassuring nod and words of assurance, "Yes, I am confident that she will recover without complications."

Relieved yet still visibly unsettled, Charlie attempted to find solace in the doctor's words, hoping that Alice would indeed overcome the effects of the drugging incident and emerge unharmed.

The doctor responded to Charlie's concern with a thoughtful nod. "Yes, she's going to be alright. However, it's important that you take measures to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future. I can see that you truly care about her well-being. Keep up the attentive approach."

Charlie let out a soft chuckle, the sound carrying a hint of sadness. "She's not my wife anymore; she's my ex-wife. We went through a divorce just yesterday," he revealed, his disappointment evident in his expression. Upon hearing this, the doctor's face mirrored a pang of sympathy for Charlie's recent emotional upheaval.

"I am sorry about that," the doctor expressed sincerely, his words tinged with a touch of weariness. His emotions threatened to surface, evident in the almost-tear that hovered on the edge of his eye. He had been grappling with his own feelings since receiving the news of Charlie and Alice's divorce yesterday. Witnessing Alice's vulnerability and cluelessness served as a stark reminder of his frustration, fueling a mix of anger and disappointment within him.

Recognizing the need to prioritize his own well-being, Charlie made the decision to leave the hospital and attend to other matters. Though a part of him acknowledged that Alice's actions had broken his trust and led to their divorce, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions towards her. He regarded her decision to be with someone who had almost assaulted her as a foolish betrayal, yet he couldn't completely disregard the fact that they had shared a history together.

Instructing the doctor to take good care of Alice, Charlie also provided him with some lines to relay to her if she were to wake up and ask for him. With a neutral expression, he bid the doctor farewell and exited the hospital, accompanied by his trusted driver.

The next day, Alice gradually opened her eyes, her vision blurry and head throbbing with a lingering headache. As her surroundings slowly came into focus, she realized she was in a hospital and confusion clouded her thoughts. Uncertain of how she had gotten there or what had transpired, a wave of anxiety started to creep in.

Just as her unease threatened to escalate, the doctor entered the room. Catching sight of Alice awakening, he greeted her with a somewhat surprised yet relieved tone. "Oh, it's good to see you awake, Mrs. Alice. You had a blackout yesterday after being drugged," he informed her, his words causing her to be taken aback and leaving her with more questions than answers.

"What are you talking about? Got drugged," she exclaimed, her voice filled with confusion and a hint of fear. As she wracked her brain, desperately trying to piece together the events of that fateful night, fragments of memory resurfaced. One vivid recollection stood out—the moment Michael had handed her a drink, his face betraying a sly smile. In a rush of panic and distress, she recalled gulping it down, hoping for temporary solace from the heartbreaking news delivered by the Thompsons about their contract being put on hold.

With a mix of relief and astonishment, she absorbed the doctor's words. "I think you remember everything now. It's good your ex-husband was there early to save you, and the guy is behind bars." The shock of learning that Charlie had not only come to her rescue but also ensured the perpetrator faced justice left her speechless. Grateful yet overwhelmed, she found solace in the fact that Charlie had stepped up when she needed him most, bringing her to safety within the sterile walls of the hospital.

"I can't believe this. I trusted Michael and divorced Charlie. I am such an idiot," she muttered angrily, her voice laced with regret as she berated herself for her past choices. The weight of her betrayal towards Charlie and her misplaced trust in Michael crashed down upon her, leaving her overwhelmed with self-condemnation.

Adding to her turmoil, the doctor interjected with a somber tone, "It's really unfortunate. Well, he asked me to tell you that you aren't a kid anymore and should always protect yourself, as he can't protect you anymore." The doctor's words sliced through her thoughts, delivering Charlie's message with a shocking finality. It was a stark reminder of the consequences of her actions and the repercussions of letting go of the person who once vowed to keep her safe.

Her head spun with disbelief as she processed the doctor's statement. "Did he say all that?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and heartfelt remorse. She clutched her head, trying to make sense of the situation while grappling with the consequences of her choices.

"Yes, and that's not all," the doctor continued, his voice measured and understanding. "He also stated that if you want to mingle with people, you should know the type of people to associate with. It's important to be discerning and not simply go out with any guy, thinking they care about you." As the doctor expressed Charlie's message, he fulfilled his duty to pass on his words of caution. Then, he proceeded to check her temperature, ensuring her physical well-being.

"Your body system is normal," the doctor confirmed reassuringly. "I will prescribe some medication and prepare your discharge. Just make sure to rest properly." His instructions were met with gratitude from the patient, who appreciated both his care and Charlie's message of wisdom.

As she expressed her desire to retrieve her belongings, the doctor promptly assisted her, retrieving her bag and handing it over to her with gentle efficiency.

She appreciated his kind gestures, reaching into her bag to retrieve her card. She carefully handed it over to the doctor, extending her gratitude for his excellent services. "You should credit me with all the bills. Thanks for your good services," she said, her voice filled with appreciation. However, the doctor shook his head, denying her request.

"Well, this is the Thompson Hospital, and we have all the right to give you the best treatment," the doctor said, his tone resolute. "But your ex-husband paid for everything you're going to need, even if you want to move here permanently. I don't know what happened, but he looks devastated seeing you in such a position. He's a great guy, I must admit." The doctor's assumption left Alice shocked, her mind reeling with a mix of confusion, surprise, and a glimmer of hope for reconciliation.

He had refused to accept money from her, leaving Alice puzzled and curious about where he had acquired the funds. The possibilities swirled through her mind—had he taken out a loan to cover her expenses? Was he attempting to impress her or prove something? Her thoughts spun with speculation, searching for a rational explanation behind Charlie's unexpected generosity.

"Don't dwell on it too much," the doctor interjected, his tone attempting to offer solace but inadvertently provoking a sense of frustration within Alice. "You can have a fresh start. He doesn't seem like he wants to get back together with you. Perhaps he's simply expressing concern or extending pity, as any compassionate human would." The doctor's final statement struck a nerve, fueling her anger as she felt misunderstood and dismissed.

"Can you please stop? Aren't you done talking?" Alice's voice sliced through the air, filled with frustration and impatience. She had reached her limit with the doctor's assumptions and attempts to offer unsolicited advice. Her anger and disapproval were palpable, and she made it clear that she had other matters demanding her attention.

The doctor, taken aback by her outburst, quickly recognized his error. He realized the impact his words had on Alice, who despised being pitied. Sincerely apologetic, he promptly acknowledged his mistake and excused himself to prepare her discharge in an attempt to rectify the situation.

She reached for her phone, her fingertips tapping against the screen as she contemplated calling Charlie. A surge of conflicting emotions washed over her, leaving her uncertain of what she should say. Should she apologize for her past actions or express her gratitude for his heroism in saving her? The weight of her confusion bore down on her, and she decided to set it aside for now.

Instead of dwelling on the phone call, Alice opted for a practical solution. She dialed her driver's number and requested a pick-up at the Thompson Hospital. After concluding the call, she placed her phone on the side table, giving herself a respite from the intensity of her thoughts.

Not long after, the driver arrived as requested, offering Alice an opportunity to confront her fear and call Charlie. Anxious, she hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath and dialing his number. The first ring passed, but there was no response. With a dismissive tap, she tried again, hoping this time he would pick up.

To her surprise, Charlie's voice came through the line. "Hello, who's this?" he asked, prompting her to double-check the number she had dialed. Confused yet hopeful, she confirmed, "Is this Charlie?" His response of affirmation briefly caught her off guard.

Charlie's voice on the other end sounded distant and unfamiliar, intensifying Alice's confusion. His response, echoing caution and reserve, left her feeling uncertain. It seemed Charlie either had deleted her number and now feigned ignorance, or her voice had changed enough to make her unrecognizable. The puzzling possibility of sounding different immediately crossed her mind, making her question whether she had inadvertently masked her true identity.