James was already seated in a sleek car, gliding toward Graydon Hospital when his phone began to ring insistently. He raised an eyebrow, surprised to see Evelyn's name flashing on the screen. Their relationship was over—he had no reason to answer her call.
Yet the phone continued its urgent trill, as if the device itself were pleading. With a frown, James finally picked up, letting his voice carry a cool indifference.
"Listen carefully, James. You need to turn yourself in immediately!"
Evelyn's voice rang sharply through the speaker, commanding and forceful.
James froze. Her words carried both authority and alarm, a combination that caught him off guard.
"James, that diamond is valued at twelve million dollars. Are you out of your mind? I understand you may have done this to impress me, but have you considered the legal consequences? While there's still a chance to fix this, you must surrender it. Don't worry—given Johnsons Company's influence in Graydon, I'll do everything I can to keep you out of jail," Evelyn continued, her tone a mix of disappointment and righteous indignation.
It took James a moment to realize what she believed: that he had stolen the costly diamond ring. His lips curled in a subtle smirk. "You're mistaken," he replied calmly. "I didn't steal it." He offered no further explanation, unwilling to waste words on her assumption.
Evelyn's voice rose with fury. "You're denying it, James? Jason and the staff at Johnsons Company have confirmed everything!"
James's expression remained composed, his voice steady despite her accusations. "Is that truly what you think of me, Evelyn? You trust Jason's word more than mine?"
Evelyn hesitated for a moment, her tone softening slightly. "James, I didn't mean to offend your pride, but this is serious. Even I have my doubts about the owner of Crags Jewelries. You have to understand—there's no way I can protect you from this."
James couldn't resist a hint of sarcasm. "So you really think I took it? Fine, believe whatever you want. You can alert the police, call them right now if you like. I'm not afraid."
"James, why are you—" Evelyn began, but her words were cut short as he ended the call abruptly.
Evelyn stared at the phone in stunned disbelief, her mouth slightly agape. This wasn't the James she had known—the one who would listen and respond respectfully. Not only had he ignored her advice, but he had also dismissed her entirely.
"James, I never imagined you could be so stubborn and ungrateful," she murmured to herself, a mix of hurt and exasperation in her tone. "Perhaps I was foolish to care at all. Do as you please. Our relationship is over, and I won't trouble myself with you any longer."
In that moment, Evelyn felt a strange satisfaction. By calling off the wedding, she had finally revealed James's true character to herself—his defiance, his pride, and his independence.
"You heard that, Evelyn," Jason's voice cut in, full of contempt. "James is nothing but a common thief."
"Evidently, ending your relationship with him was the best choice. Who knows what trouble he might have caused you?"
Evelyn frowned, irritation rising despite her usual composure. James's behavior continued to disappoint her, his defiance challenging her expectations.
"Jason, what brings you to Johnsons Company today?" she asked, smoothly redirecting the conversation toward business.
Jason winced slightly as he spoke, each syllable pressing painfully against the bruises on his face. "Don't you remember, Evelyn? The Riverford fundraiser is tonight. That property has drawn attention from several powerful figures in Graydon. We need to be prepared."
At the mention of business, Evelyn shifted instantly into her sharp, calculating managing director persona. "You're correct. The Riverford property is indeed valuable. It's imperative that we protect it."
Jason seized the moment, a smile spreading across his face. "I knew you wouldn't ignore this opportunity. My family is ready to provide unwavering support to Johnsons Company. With our combined resources, it's practically a done deal."
Evelyn allowed herself a small, approving smile. "Thank you, Jason. That's very considerate of your family. Naturally, we'll ensure our gratitude is properly returned in the future."
Encouraged by her acknowledgment, Jason beamed. "Oh, and Evelyn, I also brought your favorite flowers—white lotus. Just as beautiful as you are."
He reached to hand over the carefully arranged bouquet, only to see the petals crushed and smeared with his own blood from the earlier altercation with James. His expression fell into a mixture of shame and disbelief.
Ever the insufferable meddler, Emily immediately interjected. "Oh, it's no big deal! Only a few flowers are damaged. I'll take them if Evelyn doesn't want them. I haven't received flowers in ages."
Jason's face twitched in frustration, his promise of vengeance against James barely concealed beneath his forced politeness.
Meanwhile, a car pulled up to the entrance of Graydon General Hospital. Ronald Carter, the driver, turned respectfully toward James.
"Shall I take care of this, Mr. Anderson? One word from me and Johnsons Company could vanish completely from Graydon. They are nothing but worthless scum."
"My relationship with Evelyn may be over, but I am not the type to indulge in petty revenge," James replied quietly from the back seat. "Ronald, that is beneath us."
He continued, "By the way, Ronald, you are now the wealthiest man in Graydon. It's time to refine yourself a bit—shed the rough edges left from your time on the streets. There's no need to hide constantly."
Ronald gave a bashful smile. "Yes, Mr. Anderson, you are right. I will do my best to improve. But reaching your level… that's going to be difficult."
James shook his head slightly, amused and bemused by Ronald's antics. Then, with a gesture, Ronald opened the car door for him, and James stepped out, hurrying into Graydon General Hospital where he worked as a physician.
People passing by the hospital paused, taken aback by the scene.
"Wait, is that the man getting out of the car? Isn't that Graydon's wealthiest man, Ronald Carter?"
"My goodness, is the richest man actually acting as a chauffeur? That young man—he looks familiar. Isn't that Dr. Anderson?"
"Think about it. Ronald wouldn't open the doors for an ordinary doctor. This must be someone important, someone we don't know."
"Exactly. He has to be significant, someone strong and not from around here. After all, Ronald has the final say in Graydon."
Brian Sullivan, one of James's colleagues, approached, smirking as James adjusted his white coat.
"Alright, James," he said mockingly, "I heard the rumors. Evelyn broke up with you."
James's scowl deepened. How had news of their separation spread so quickly?
Observing James's reaction, Brian's smirk widened. "You didn't know? Johnsons Company just announced it publicly—Evelyn and William are getting married. Essentially, they've informed everyone that you've been rejected. No offense meant, just reporting the facts."
James's icy gaze met Brian's. "Appreciate the bluntness. Now, if you're finished, kindly leave."
Brian's smile faltered as he tried one last warning. "Hear me out, James. While you were with Evelyn, no one dared oppose you. Without her protection, you're nothing in this hospital. Understand that, don't you?"
James raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Brian, is this about jealousy? Admit it."
The bluntness of his words flushed Brian's cheeks crimson. He had always been envious, unable to understand how Evelyn could find James attractive despite his often arrogant behavior.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a sudden commotion in the corridor. Men dressed in black, all wearing tailored suits, stormed in, shouting orders.
"Clear the way, everyone!"