CHAPTER 88: SOFT WORDS, HARD INTENTIONS

Martin left the Hale estate at full speed and went straight home. Once inside, he spread the documents across his desk.

His eyes moved over the pages slowly, absorbing each line.

The accident had occurred overseas while Edgar was on vacation, a strategic location the enemy chose because it was outside the Hale family’s influence.

He checked the dates of Edgar’s trip and cross-checked the list of companions, only to find that Edgar had been traveling alone all along.

Then he traced the path from one city to the next, following the trail Edgar had taken throughout his trip, searching for the real reason behind his unusual route.

His chest tightened when he looked back at the date and time of the accident. His hands curled into tight fists, anger twisting in his chest.

When he realized he had crumpled the paper, he forced himself to let go.

He turned to the next page, revealing a series of photos from the accident scene.

He couldn’t bring himself to look at them at first, but after a few seconds he forced his eyes to focus.

He had to pay attention to every detail, because it was crucial to solving the crime that had led to Edgar’s death.

After he had learned everything the documents could offer, he knew the rest of the answers were waiting at the scene.

The next day, he boarded a flight and headed to the city where Edgar’s final hours had taken place.

...

Lyra’s day was unusually busy, and she was starting to regret having to reschedule so many appointments because of Dante and the director.

She had to call patients one by one, reschedule their visits, check which days they could come, and, if they couldn’t, move their appointments sooner—leaving the clinic packed and chaotic.

"It’s fine, it’s fine... it’s just this week that’s busy," she murmured to herself as she exhaled, rubbing her neck in exhaustion.

There were a few minutes left before the second round of check-ups began.

Lyra glanced at her watch and sighed. She still hadn’t eaten, and her stomach was starting to growl.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Doctor, someone’s here to see you," the nurse called.

"Who?" Lyra asked, her eyes refusing to leave the schedule.

"A cleaner... she said she’s in a hurry because she’s from one of the other buildings."

Hearing that, Lyra lifted her head, staring straight ahead for a moment before turning toward the door where the nurse was still waiting for her response.

It had to be Ivy. The director had informed her that Ivy would start work today.

"Okay, let her in."

Just as she expected, Ivy stepped into view in her cleaner’s uniform.

Lyra smiled warmly and stood to greet her.

"It’s nice to see you here," she said, noticing Ivy in her work uniform and the smile on her face. She looked much better than the last time they met.

Ivy walked toward Lyra in slow, hesitant steps. In her hands was a small packet of food and a drink.

"Um... doctor, I just wanted to say thank you. I hope you don’t mind accepting this sandwich and drink. It’s nothing much," she said, offering them to her.

Lyra blinked in mild surprise, a warm feeling blooming in her chest.

She accepted the small packet from Ivy’s hands.

"Ivy, you came at the perfect time. I haven’t eaten yet."

Ivy’s eyes lit up in relief. She had worried earlier that the doctor wouldn’t need something as simple as this.

"In that case, please eat. Um... I need to get back to my post and start work."

"Thanks, Ivy. See you again." Lyra lifted the packet in her hand as she thanked her.

After Ivy left, Lyra quickly ate before returning to her work.

...

A week passed, and early that morning, Lyra found herself standing at the director’s door. She knocked and stepped inside once he granted her permission.

"Ah, Dr. Ashford, please have a seat. I assume you’re here to show me the updated schedule."

"Yes." Lyra pulled out a chair and sat down.

"You may revise and sign it if everything looks fine." Lyra slid the schedule file across the desk to him.

The director opened the file, flipping through the pages one by one and reading each detail carefully.

"Mm... looks fine." He pulled a pen from his pocket and signed the approval section. Then he closed the file and pushed it back toward her.

"With this, you’re granted flexibility for the prenatal home visit during morning hours. But..."

He lifted a finger, signaling there was a condition.

"Only for his wife. If he happens to have a pregnant mistress, please let him know he’ll need to submit a new request. And make sure you tell him politely—don’t offend him."

He shrugged and spread his hands slightly, as if the reason should be obvious.

"You know he’s our biggest funder. We can’t afford to lose him. The hospital has many projects lined up, including two new buildings."

Lyra felt a flicker of annoyance.

Part of her wondered if she should use her own money to surpass Dante and become the biggest funder just so the director would finally stay out of her way.

But outwardly, she replied politely, "Yes, I understand. I won’t offend him."

The director leaned back and crossed his arms. "Don’t start tomorrow—start next week."

"Next week, of course. I’m actually off tomorrow."

After the chaos of rearranging her entire schedule, she had applied for leave just to breathe a little before diving into another busy stretch of work.

She needed the break. Besides, she had already promised Monica that she would follow her to a tea party.

"Wait, you’re not working tomorrow?" A puzzled look lingered on Carvin’s face.

Lyra tilted her head to the side and quietly cursed under her breath, because he was the one who had approved it.

Then she looked back at the director with a polite nod.

Carvin opened his computer and clicked into the staff portal. Sure enough, he was the one who had approved her leave.

"But we have an important meeting with Mr. Cortez tomorrow. I need you there. Can you move your day off?"

The director kept his eyes on her, as if trying to pressure her into saying yes.

But Lyra shook her head and crossed her arms in an X to show her refusal, replying politely, "I can’t. I already have plans. I’m not able to change my leave."

"Ah, in that case, I can’t force you," he said, though frustration tugged beneath his calm expression.