~Central Hospital ~
Several minutes after Bob left the hospital ward, Aaron arrived, his footsteps brisk and hurried. The elevator took longer than expected to arrive, and when it finally arrived, he stepped in and hastily shut the door, eliciting complaints from those waiting. He barely acknowledged them—his mind was elsewhere.
Reaching the corridor leading to Desmond's ward, he took a deep breath to gather his composure before he pushed the door open.
Inside the ward, Desmond lay on the hospital bed his gaze on the blank canvas of the ceiling, looking visibly drained. His face was pale, tiny beads of sweat clinging to his forehead. His hand clutched his abdomen tightly, and his usually sharp eyes was dull. An IV drip was attached to his hand to provide him with much-needed fluids, but it was clear he isn't close to recovery.
"Dad", he called tentatively as he pulled a chair closer and sat down, he gazed at Desmond briefly while assessing his condition. "How are you feeling now?" His voice was calm, but tinged with concern lingering beneath his usual arrogant tone.
Desmond scoffed, his lips curling in displeasure. "Painful," he muttered as he shifted slightly to face him. "The doctor said it was an acute gastritis. A bleeding ulcer sent me to the emergency room isn't it ridiculous?." He winced, his fingers tightening over his stomach.
Aaron's brow furrowed, his tone inquisitive. "Did you have any symptoms before this?"
Desmond sighed lightly. "I ignored them because I assumed that it was just indigestion. But now it seems that damn alcohol…" His voice trailed off, a flicker of suspicion crossing his face. He wasn't a lightweight when it came to drinking and can be able to handle his liquor should there be any emergency. But last night, was a different case and it all changed after Jessica gave him some drinks.
Aaron narrowed his eyes. "Dad, do you think someone tampered with your drink?"
Desmond's lips pressed into a thin line. "I don't want to jump to conclusions, but… Jessica, Jessica. She might not be as innocent as she appears."
Aaron's expression darkened slightly. "Are you suggesting—"
Desmond cut him off with a dismissive wave. "Not yet. But I want you to keep an eye on her. She is about to join the Group and when she does make sure someone watches her every move. I don't trust her not anymore."
Aaron exhaled and leaned back in his chair. "Understood." He glanced at the IV drip. "What is the doctor's suggestion about your discharge?"
"They'll keep me under observation for another day. If my condition stabilizes, I can leave tomorrow." Desmond sighed, rubbing his temple. "There is no time for me to be lying around in a hospital bed. There's so much to take care of."
Aaron's brows furrowed in displeasure. "Don't you know your health should come first."
Desmond let out a short, dry laugh. "Of course, my health is paramount but—without the necessary resources, one's health might be useless Aaron." His gaze turned cold and distant as he instructed Aaron. "Find out everything you can about last night. If someone tried to pull some stunt on me, I'll make sure they regret it."
Aaron gave a curt nod. "I'll handle it."
As silence fell between them, Desmond leaned back against the pillows, his mind brimming with suspicion as he reveled on the incident and his interaction with Jessica last night. He couldn't help but doubt. "Jessica… was she truly the naive woman she pretended to be?" He mused.
Tomorrow, once he left this hospital, he intended to find out.
Aaron stayed back in the ward with Desmond in the hospital discussing events the channel of actions that needs to be taken. A thought flashed through Aaron's mind "What mission is Bob on?" Aaron asked his gaze pointed as he stared at his father.
Desmond gaze flickered lightly with secrecy dancing in it. "Just some facts investigation, nothing much." He answered.
Aaron didn't feel convinced about the answer taking note of the brief pause before he answered.
Aaron studied Desmond carefully but his expression was impressive but his gut told him there was more to it than just a simple investigation.
"Facts investigation?" Aaron repeated, his tone laced with skepticism. "That's unlike you, Dad. Since when do you bother with minor details?"
Desmond smirked faintly, but the glint of secrecy in his eyes didn't fade. "Since I ended up in this damn hospital bed," he said, adjusting his position slightly. "Something doesn't sit right with me, Aaron. And when things don't sit right, I dig deeper and deeper until I get answers." He answered with his gaze focused and daring.
Aaron leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "And Bob? What exactly is he digging into?"
Desmond exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping lightly against the hospital blanket. "Let's just say... I have a feeling last night wasn't a coincidence. Someone played a hand, and I don't like being on the receiving end of manipulation but—it is more confusing because I was there when she brought the drink and in was the one that opened the seal." He muttered with his brows furrowed.
Aaron's eyes darkened. "You think Jessica had something to do with it?"
Desmond chuckled, but it lacked humor. "It's too early to tell. But whether it's Jessica or someone else, I'll find out soon enough."
Aaron remained silent for a moment, then nodded. "I'll keep an eye on her at the company."
"Good." Desmond's smirk deepened. "Let's see what kind of game she's playing."
While they discussed quietly, the sharp ringing of Aaron phone blared loudly in the ward. He pulled out the phone, his mood turned sour and his fingers clenched around his phone as he saw Vera's name flashing on the screen. His patience was already wearing thin, and the fact that she had the audacity to call at this hour also fueled his irritation.
He took a deep breath before answering, his voice cold. "What do you want, Vera?"
There was a brief pause, then her voice came through, smooth but laced with irritation. "Aaron, do you have any idea what time it is? It's past midnight. Where the hell are you?"
Aaron scoffed, rubbing his temple. "Since when do you care about my schedule?"
Vera clicked her tongue. "Since you decided to stay out this late without informing me. Do you expect me to just sit here and wait like an idiot?"
His jaw tightened. "I don't owe you an explanation, Vera."
She let out a sharp laugh. "Oh, really? You don't owe me an explanation, but I'm supposed to tolerate your attitude? Aaron, I'm your—"
"Don't," he cut her off, his voice dangerously low. "Don't start with that."
Vera fell silent for a moment before speaking again, her tone shifting to something softer, almost pleading. "Aaron, why are you doing this? What wrong have I done to you? Isn't it proper for one's wife to know of his whereabouts? She asked with frustration laced in her tone
Aaron exhaled, his fingers pressing against his forehead. "I don't have time for this, Vera. If you're calling just to argue, save it."
"Aaron—"
He didn't wait for her to finish. He ended the call, tossing his phone onto the small hospital table beside him as he rubbed his forehead with anger, irritation and frustration.
Desmond, who had been silently watching the exchange, smirked. "Lover's quarrel?"
Aaron shot him a sharp look. "Lovers? Far from it."
Desmond chuckled. "Why? Are you regretting your choice?"
Aaron leaned back in his chair, his eyes dark. "Regret is an understatement."
Aaron exhaled sharply, his fingers tapping against the armrest of the chair. It was painfully clear—he had never liked Vera, not for a single second. Their marriage had never been about love, attraction, or even convenience. It was a game, a move on the chessboard meant to spite Davis.
He had happily agreed to the arrangement, not because he wanted Vera, but because he wanted to see Davis lose. Lose his fiancée. Lose his position. Lose control over everything that once belonged to him.
He had enjoyed watching Davis struggle, watching the cracks form in his once-perfect world. Watching as all that mattered to him fade off while he wallows in dejection and silence. He had also hoped he succeeded in taking away Ethan but that man is more loyal than his life.
But that was where his interest ended in Vera Louis. He is not interested in her at anytime. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever.
Vera was nothing to him—just another piece in a game he had already grown tired of.
Desmond, lying on the bed, observed Aaron's expression with amusement. A knowing smirk played on his lips. "Aaron, why not give her a chance?" he asked, his tone laced with mock curiosity.
Aaron let out a long sigh, leaning back in his chair. His fingers rubbed his temple as if trying to ease the irritation Vera had caused just by calling. "I wanted to," he admitted, his voice low, almost contemplative. Then, his lips curled into a bitter smile. "But I can't… because one doesn't give what he doesn't have."
"That cold?", Desmond chuckled with mischief glittering in his eyes.