“So, who is?” I laugh dryly. “A madman like yourself?”
Mason cackles.
“My grandfather helped build the company. My father was the one who strengthened its influence in the market while that spoiled bitch enjoyed a carefree life. I dedicated years–”
“I’m not here to listen to the ignorant ramblings of a twisted, illegitimate bastard.”
“You can’t prove anything, Lewis.”
“Oh? I wouldn’t be who I am today if I were as incompetent as you are…” I
retort, turning on my heels to gesture for the men to cover his mouth. Bending
down, I take another drag and press the cigarette against his neck. The man grunts in pain; his knuckles whitening. I repeat my actions a few more times, until the cigarette is put out.
Tiring of him and this game, I instruct the head of the guards to do as they will with him, then make to leave.
“He is not to die,” I order.
Without another word, William and I head back to the villa. I take a quick shower and personally head out to meet with Mason’s father while William heads to the site to ensure a speedy resolution of the incident.
As the next largest shareholder of Quinn Industries, Arthur Moore will be in charge of facing the media regarding the scandal of the collapsed building. If Natalie is to take over the company, she will need not only a strong senior supporter, but a larger number of shares to have control. This man is the key.
The meeting with Arthur is quick and effective. With enough pressure from Lewis Corporation and irrefutable evidence of Mason’s countless crimes, we settle with Natalie gaining over fifty percent of the shares along with the man’s irrevocable support.
Chapter 17
NATALIE
“H eyyy…” a low, masculine voice rouses my senses. “I’m back…” he
whispers. Slowly, I peel my eyes open to see a familiar figure sitting
next to my bed. I squint, adjusting to the light, when I’m hit by the striking scent of antiseptic, inducing a wave of nausea.
I gulp, trying to process my current situation. My neck is supported with a cervical collar, restricting any kind of movement, and my left leg feels heavy, hard, and immovable.
“When the anesthetic wore off, she was given a dose of antibiotics and painkillers to relieve her pain,” Mrs. Whittle’s soft voice mumbles, walking to the other side of my bed, her wrinkly forehead crumpled with worry.
She must have been terrified.
Out of the corner of my eyes, I watch Derik gently lift my hand to his cheek.
The concern is evident in his beautiful grey eyes. He sits, staring at me patiently, as he plants small kisses on the backs of my palms.
“W-water…” I mutter, feeling parched.
Quickly, Mrs. Whittle brings a cup of water. When I open my mouth, Derik takes it away and pulls a cotton ball from seemingly nowhere. He soaks it and
presses it gently against my mouth, dabbing as lightly as possible.
“Let me…” he tells the old lady. Though hazy, Mrs. Whittle’s suspicion does not escape my gaze, which makes a giggle flow out of me that sounds like a long and loud groan.
“What are you thinking?” Derik questions, cocking an eyebrow. His voice is low and his tone is soft, almost sounding like a hum from an aria. Coaxing me to relax, he strokes my cheek a few times before putting away the water.
From the corner of my eye, I watch Mrs. Whittle standing anchored to the side of the bed wearing a scrutinizing expression on her face. The woman is probably too stunned to react. If I hadn’t been privy to the man’s gentler side, I would be surprised, too.
After all, it’s rare to witness Derik Lewis attentively ‘serving’ somebody.
I cough, clearing my throat, earning myself another kiss on the hand. As if getting the signal, Mrs. Whittle quietly turns and exits the room, giving us some space and privacy.
“How long have I been out?” I ask as thoughts from the accident start rushing to my mind. “What about the project? Derik, you know how much time and effort I poured into this project!”
Derik sighs huffily.
“You’re in this state and, still, all you can think about is work? I’m very disappointed in you, Natalie Quinn.”
His brows knit together, followed by a flash of exasperation mixed with anger in his bloodshot eyes. I’m in the hospital, though. No matter what, he won’t bark and get mad at me, right?
“I-I’m just worried that things have gotten so messy. Are there any casualties?” I continue with my jaw clenched, feeling helpless while my heartbeat starts to race. I was supposed to be there for them. It was my responsibility to ensure their safety while completing the project.
How could I not worry?
Derik sighs in resignation.
“William has settled everything. There were over twenty people who were buried under the rubble. Fortunately, they were rescued in time. They’re being treated here in this hospital.”
I sigh in relief.
