Chapter 17
As the year–end approached, companies of all sizes found themselves engulfed in a whirlwind of activity. Even Sophie, who worked at the reception desk, noticed a sharp increase in the number of visitors she greeted each day, nearly double what she’d been accustomed to.
Having been on the job for just over two weeks, none of the wild speculations she and Lucas had conjured up had come to pass. Aside from the occasional foot ache from standing, this position was much more relaxed compared to her previous job.
The receptionist who shared shifts with Sophie was around her age and couldn’t help but laugh when Sophie shared her initial anxieties about the job. “You have such wild imaginations! Do you know how many women are lining up to snag Mr. Harrison? If he tried anything with me, I’d gladly go along with it!”
Sophie chuckled awkwardly, realizing how far–fetched her worries had been. Nathan Harrison, the young executive, usually passed by the reception area briskly, rarely glancing in their direction. The most outrageous request he had made was asking them to bring his takeout upstairs.
Curiosity had once led Sophie to wonder what kind of gourmet meals someone of Nathan’s stature might indulge in, but his orders were always surprisingly modest, not even enough to satisfy the appetite of two dieting young women.
Sometimes, Nathan seemed to go the entire day without eating at all.
As Nathan passed by the reception desk one afternoon, Sophie and her colleague were whispering conspiratorially. To their surprise, Nathan flashed a rare smile, his eyes softening. Sophie quickly shut her mouth and stood up to greet him. “Good day, Mr. Harrison.”
Immediately, she wished she could slap herself for using such a formal title out of habit from addressing Lucas, but Nathan didn’t seem to mind. He nodded and asked, “How are you settling in?”
“Everything’s been great,” she replied with a smile.
Satisfied, Nathan nodded again and walked away. Sophie couldn’t help but sigh to her colleague, “He’s so handsome and kind, but Mr. Harrison is really too thin. Is he on a diet?”
“Mr. Harrison isn’t much of an eater,” her colleague replied with a knowing smile. “It’s fine to admire him, but don’t fall in love, alright?”
Sophie’s colleague’s teasing sent a shiver down her spine, and she shook her head seriously. “Absolutely not. I should cut down on my romance novels.”
Nathan, meanwhile, had been reminded of Tia Clark, a playful memory from his university days with Victoria. They had been like two small animals whispering secrets, a moment Nathan longed to return to but knew he never could. There were no second chances in life.
He was on his way to the hospital for a business meeting, dressed in a formal suit, his neck and arms prickling with cold. He hadn’t turned on the car’s heater, punishing himself with memories of sending Tia away in such a harsh manner, leaving her shivering in the winter of Kingsbury City.
At the hospital, the deputy director came to greet him. Nathan had previously worked with the hospital on medical equipment, but now, there was hesitance on the director’s part. “Nathan, it’s not that we don’t want to work with you on the new drug development. It’s just that your father…”
“The director said that?” Nathan asked, brushing off the dampness from the melted snow on his shoulders. “It’s alright, sir. I’ll wait here. Please ask if the director is willing to meet with me.”
The deputy director sighed, “You’re a good kid, Nathan. How did things get so strained with your family?” Despite his own busy schedule, the deputy director made a call to the director’s office and then turned back to Nathan. “Just wait here a bit. The director is busy right now.”
Nathan agreed and stood resolutely outside the office, his shoes soaked from the snow, yet standing as tall
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【 Chapter 17
and firm as a pine tree.
His quiet vigil was interrupted when a small figure collided with his legs. Looking down, Nathan saw a little girl with a strawberry hairband, rubbing her head in confusion. She didn’t cry but looked up at him with curiosity.
Was this Simon’s child? Nathan knew Simon had been a doctor at this hospital, but why was he here with a child? And where was Simon?
Questions swirled in Nathan’s mind, but first, he needed to ensure the child was safe. He knelt down to her level, meeting her cautious gaze. Nathan extended a hand, but she stepped back, wrinkling her nose. “You’re the bad man my uncle talked about.”
“Why are you here alone?” Nathan asked, unfazed by her innocent accusation, concerned she might be lost. Glancing at the name tag pinned to her shirt, he asked, “Is your name Mia?”
“It’s not Tia-” Mia said loudly. “Tia is my mom’s name. I’m Mia!”
Her words were like a hammer to his chest, momentarily stealing his breath, Nathan gripped Mia’s small arm, his desperation barely contained. “What’s your mom’s name?!”
“Tia,” Mia responded, her eyes wide with fear. “You’re hurting me, sir…”
“Let her go!”
Suddenly, Nathan was shoved backward by Simon, who gathered Mia in his arms, glaring at Nathan with fury. “Nathan, what are you doing?!”
Nathan, disheveled and desperate, took a step forward, his eyes filled with hope, “Tell me, what is your mother’s name?”
Mia, only four and a half, burst into tears, clinging to Simon’s neck, refusing to look at Nathan. As Nathan moved forward again, Simon’s fist connected with his face.
“Get away!” Simon roared, standing over the fallen Nathan like a lion protecting his pride. “Nathan, what are you playing at? You were the one who ruined Tia Clark’s life, and now you’re acting like this?! If you’re sick, get help! If I see you again, I’ll hit you again!”
! Chapter 18
Chapter 18
