Early the next morning, Josef persuaded Shirley to take some rest. She briefly considered entering the hospital to greet Zacharias, but given the complex circumstances, she opted to head home instead.
She went to Ava’s house to rest. She called Willow, who was currently abroad, selecting her wedding dress. Willow and Jasper had already: set out on a journey around the world. Shirley could finally relax knowing that Zacharias was under Josef’s care, and she enjoyed a good night’s sleep.
She stayed at Ava’s house for three days and planned to return to Flintstone Residence once Zacharias was discharged from the hospital.
However, the man hadn’t sent any messages during those three days. It wasn’t until the fourth day, at 6.00AM, that he finally messaged her. I’ll be discharged today. Please come over.”
She was surprised when she saw the time and. wondered why he was up so early. So, she replied, ‘I won’t go over. I’ll go directly to the Flintstone Residence.
‘No. You must come. Shirley hesitated, but before she could reply to Zacharias, he called her. She pondered why he was in such a hurry. She answered her phone and said, “Hello!”
“This is an order,” he stated firmly. Seeing his urgency, she reluctantly agreed, “Alright, I’ll come over immediately.”
“I want to see you before 8.00AM,” he demanded and hung up the phone. Shirley couldn’t help but wonder about Zacharias’ unwavering insistence. She mused, Why does he need to see me? If it’s about moving things, his bodyguards could easily handle his luggage and accompany him.
However, after three days of rest, she also felt the need to return to work. She got in her car and drove toward the hospital.
When she arrived, everything was already packed and ready on his side. He was sitting in the lounge, his posture suggesting that he was waiting for someone.
Shirley’s heart skipped a beat, and she hoped Zacharias wasn’t waiting for her. She couldn’t help but notice how much better he looked now, draped in a high-neck black woolen sweater that bestowed upon him an air of elegance and sensuality.
“You’re here,” he greeted with a nod. She reciprocated with a nod. Just then, Freddie entered and informed Zacharias, “They’ve arrived.”
Zacharias then turned to her and said, “Come with me.”
Shirley initially thought that when Freddie mentioned “they’ve arrived,” he was referring to Zacharias’ convoy. She followed Zacharias and stood by his side as they ascended the elevator, heading toward the hospital’s back entrance.
After reaching the private exit, which had already been cleared, several cars were parked, accompanied by more than a dozen vigilant bodyguards. Some stood facing outward, and one, wearing an earpiece, guarded the car door with an air of confidence and competence. That man was none other than Cole.
As she stepped outside with Zacharias, he seized the moment to draw her closer. Before she could react, he had already taken her hand and guided her out.
At the same time, Cole’s gaze lifted to welcome the arriving individuals, and his expression changed when he saw them. He saw Zacharias holding a girl’s hand-none other than Shirley.
When she saw Cole, she instinctively attempted to free her hand from Zacharias’ grip. Soon, a sudden panic coursed through her.
However, Cole’s professionalism remained steadfast. As Zacharias approached him, Cole nodded respectfully and conveyed, “Mr. Oswald is waiting for you in the car.”
Zacharias acknowledged with a smile, promptly entering the vehicle as Cole opened the door.
Shirley, still standing a couple of feet away from Cole, harbored a desire to explain herself. Yet, she was acutely aware of the gravity of the situation, which made it an inopportune moment for such a conversation.
Cole’s gaze remained fixed on her, betraying his curiosity. However, his unwavering professionalism restrained him from displaying any emotional reactions. He offered a slight nod to her and redirected his attention to their surroundings.
Inside the car, the two most important people in the country, Zacharias and Ren, were engrossed in a discussion of crucial matters.
Shirley, being mindful of not disrupting Cole’s work and not wanting to attract attention, chose to stand silently in a corner, quietly observing the unfolding events.
