Albert turned to face the voice.
There stood Joshua Barnes, the hospital director, accompanied by Jessieâs beau, Axell, and Debra, Joshuaâs daughter.
Joshua was all smiles and eager to introduce Axell and Debra to Albert.
âThis is my daughter, Debra.
Sheâs in pediatric surgery.
And meet Dr.
Calderon.
Heâs a talented surgeon.
â
Albertâs gaze lingered on the couple.
Eventually, he grinned and quipped, âSeems like youâve got high hopes for Dr.
Calderon.
Looks like heâs your top pick for a son-in-law.
â
Joshua was slightly taken aback.
Debra glanced at Axell, curious for his reaction.
Axellâs lips moved, but eventually he just stayed mum, flashing a small smile.
Joshua was eager for Albertâs investment.
He brought Axell and Debra along to impress Albert.
With their shared history, itâd be easier to discuss business.
Plus, with Albertâs late partner gone, if Debra could bond with his child, itâd create a close connection.
The mere thought had Joshua beaming from ear to ear.
Axell was feeling uneasy.
Just an hour back, Jessie had misread Axell.
He had planned to clear things up post-surgery, but Joshua
had pulled him in unexpectedly.
Axell hadnât anticipated it was about Albert.
Leaving now seemed even trickier for Axell.
Albert ushered those three into the room.
Debra, eager to display her nurturing side, bent down beside the bed, gently advising Jeslyn, âDrink up, itâll help with your fever.
â
She handed Jeslyn a glass of warm water.
Just as Jeslyn was miffed about Jessieâs departure, Debra approached, wearing an overly warm expression.
Jeslyn regarded her with disdain, âDrink too much and Iâll need the bathroom.
â
Debra aimed to explain professionally.
Jeslyn was impatient.
âI just chowed down on wontons and soup.
Whoever wants this water can have it.
â
Debraâs expression froze.
Sheâd dealt with kids from wealthy families, but never encountered such rudeness.
She wanted to discipline Jeslyn, thinking it would ease Albertâs worries.
Before she could speak, Albert intervened, âSorry.
Jeslyn isnât keen on Dr.
Calderon and Dr.
Barnes.
You two should probably go.
â