Blake Corporation – Ayden's OfficeBefore
Dr. Michael left, he turned to Ayden.
"I'll be making a few calls to trusted hospitals about your nutritionist. This can't happen again."
Ayden gave a subtle nod, exhausted but alert.
"I'll handle it. Just don't bring me someone careless."
"I won't," Michael said and exited quietly.
Adrian sighed, crossing his arms. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"I've had worse," Ayden replied dryly.
Adrian raised a brow. "You better not brush this off. Our enemies would kill for a window like this. One weak moment and boom—you're history."
"I said I'll handle it," Ayden cut in.
At that moment, Ryan entered. "Sir, Madam Yvette said you shouldn't be late."
Ayden gave an annoyed look. "That woman is always finding ways to get on my nerves."
Adrian chuckled. "She's your mother. You act like she's your enemy."
Even Ayden smirked at that. "She behaves like one."
Xander shook his head. "So… you're attending dinner?"
"As if I have a choice."
"I hope she talks some sense into you. You only listen to her anyway," Xander muttered.
"Let's go," Ryan said. "You'll need time to freshen up before dinner."
"See you at the nutritionist meeting—if you survive dinner," Adrian teased, dragging Xander out of the room.
Ayden leaned back against his chair, eyes shutting briefly. Just a few minutes of rest before he faced the next battlefield—home.
Medical Center – Director's Office
Bree and Avery were finishing up their shift when a co-worker approached with a scowl.
"Bree. Avery. Mr. Marcus wants to see you both." she added with a rude tone.
"What for?" Bree asked, ignoring her attitude.
"No one knows. Maybe he's finally realized hiring a pregnant woman with no man in the picture is bad for the hospital's image," she said, smirking.
"Watch your mouth, Linda," Avery warned sharply.
"Or what?" Linda said with a sneer.
Avery lunged forward, but Bree caught her. "Bree let go. I swear I'll wipe that smirk off her face."
"Please, Avery. Don't give her what she wants," Bree whispered. "She's not worth it."
Avery calmed herself reluctantly. "I'll deal with her one day," she muttered.
Together, they stormed off toward the director's office, hand in hand.
Knock knock
"Come in," Mr. Marcus called.
They entered to see four other nutritionists already inside.
"You sent for us, sir?" Bree asked.
"Yes. I did," Mr. Marcus said. "Where's Linda?"
"I'm here, sir," Linda answered, walking in with a smug look.
"I received a call today. A prominent figure—very influential—is in need of two personal nutritionists. Your profiles have been shortlisted. I picked the top six of you based on performance and recommendations."
There were murmurs of surprise.
Bree raised her hand slightly. "Sir… with my current condition… is it even possible I'll be selected?"
"The odds are slim," he admitted. "Not everyone would accept a pregnant employee. But I still included your file. Who knows? Miracles do happen."
The group went silent.
"If selected," he continued, "you will no longer report here for daily work. Instead, you'll submit your patient progress weekly. Also, be prepared—you might be required to move into your client's home."
Linda scoffed under her breath. "As if she'll get picked." Avery shot her a glare.
Mr. Marcus ignored the tension. "Any questions?"
"Yes, sir," Bree said. "Will we know who gets selected in time?"
"Emails will be sent before Monday. Until then, all six of you—Avery, Bree, George, Simon, Cynthia, and Linda—are on temporary leave starting tomorrow."
"You're all dismissed."
They exited the office.
"I hope it's not Linda," Avery muttered. "She'll scare the client off in 24 hours."
Blake Family Mansion – That Evening
The mansion was alive with movement. Maids rushed about, preparing the grand dining hall. Cutlery glimmered under the golden lights. A scent of roasted lamb filled the air.
"He might not show," Eden said, pacing beside her mother. "After what happened last week…"
Yvette Blake smirked confidently. "He wouldn't dare."
Just then, the front door opened.
"Told you," she added smugly as Ayden walked in.
"Big bro!" Eden squealed, running to hug him tightly.
"You'll never grow up," Ayden said with a small smile. "I still wonder what Adrian sees in you."
"Plenty of things you'll never understand," Eden teased, winking.
Ayden turned toward his mother, trying to walk past.
"Stop right there, boy," Yvette said sternly. "Am I invisible to you now?"
He paused, then stepped back, leaned down, and lifted her in a warm hug. "Where's that husband of yours?"
"You mean your father?" she said dryly. "He's in his study."
Without a word, Ayden climbed the staircase.
Eden looked at their mother. "Why is he acting so cold?"
"Because he knows I'm still mad at him," Yvette said, walking toward the kitchen.