Chapter 22
Chapter 22 Awaiting Matthew’s Return
Naomi felt a blush warm her cheeks, a mixture of happiness and shyness. “Well, it would be nice to see him, of course, but I really came to visit you today, not to… I mean, seeing Matthew isn’t the important part.” She tried to sound casual.
Robert, with the perception that came with age, saw right through her polite demurral. A knowing smile touched his lips.
“My grandson has the social instincts of a brick,” Robert said fondly. “If I don’t orchestrate a meeting now and then, I’m afraid you two would never cross paths. Since you’re already here, you must say hello. I expect he’ll be pulling up any minute p>
His words sent a thrill through Naomi. Coming today had definitely been the right move.
Just the thought of seeing Matthew soon made her pulse quicken with excitement. On the surface, however, she maintained a calm composure, continuing her polite conversation with Robert.
At that same moment, a long, sleek black Rolls–Royce turned off the main road and glided through the gates of Stewart Manor. Sunlight gleamed off its polished surface as it moved silently down the tree–canopied drive, a perfect symbol of the quiet luxury that defined the
manor.
In the spacious back seat, a tall, elegantly dressed man was reviewing a financial report, a cup of strong black coffee held absently in his other hand. An air of intense, focused authority surrounded him, the kind that made the very atmosphere in the car feel several degrees cooler and compelled silence from anyone sharing the space.
The doctor, Miles Flores, seated across from him, felt it acutely. No matter how many times he’d accompanied Matthew on these visits, he could never quite shake the nervous tension. He hardly dared to breathe too loudly.
Matthew finally closed the folder and set it aside, his sharp gaze lifting to meet Miles‘. “What’s your assessment of my grandfather’s condition this week? Any progress?” His voice was calm, but it carried an edge that demanded precision.
The temperature in the car seemed to drop further. Miles cleared his throat. “Mr. Stewart’s condition… hasn’t shown significant improvement, but the treatments have maintained stability. If he continues to cooperate fully, we can at least prevent any decline p>
It was well known in certain circles that Matthew Stewart was a formidable figure–unyielding, precise, and intolerant of failure or excuses. Crossing him or delivering unsatisfactory results was a sure way to find oneself professionally sidelined in this city.
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Chapter 22 Awaiting Matthew’s Return
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Thus, even though Miles was a highly regarded specialist who commanded respect in his own hospital, in Matthew’s presence he became deferential, almost timid.
“I see. So the best we can hope for is that he ‘doesn’t get worse?” Matthew’s eyebrow arched slightly, his words deliberately drawn out. The tone alone was enough to make a cold sweat break out on Miles‘ brow.
“Well, to be candid,” Miles ventured awkwardly, “Mr. Stewart has seemed somewhat… resistant to the treatment regimen lately. His compliance with the medication hasn’t been ideal. If you could encourage him, I’m sure we’d see better results.” It was a deflection, but a necessary one.
Matthew’s expression darkened slightly. He was a man used to decisive action and immediate solutions in business, but his grandfather’s stubbornness was a unique challenge.
Days of treatment with no visible improvement had undoubtedly tried Robert’s patience.
Miles was supposed to be among the best in his field. Matthew had even begun discreet inquiries abroad for a renowned specialist rumored to handle complex cases, but so far, there had been no leads.
For now, his only recourse was to try to secure Robert’s cooperation with the existing plan. They needed to maintain the current stability until a more effective solution could be found.
His gaze remained piercing. “I’ll speak to him. But you and your team need to redouble your efforts. If the situation remains static, I will have to reconsider the foundation’s continued funding commitment to your hospital’s research wing this fiscal year p>
His voice held the chill of finality. Miles shuddered. “Understood, completely understood. I’ll convene a consultation with our top specialists immediately upon my return p>
In truth, he’d been holding near–daily meetings trying to crack the case, to no avail. He was silently pleading for more time.
Matthew dismissed him with a glance, turning his attention to the passing scenery as the car came to a smooth halt before the manor’s main entrance.
The butler was there immediately, opening the door with a respectful nod. Matthew stepped out, with Miles following a step behind, and together they entered the house.
Back in the conservatory, Robert was finishing his coffee. Hearing firm footsteps echo in the marbled hallway, he checked his watch. “That will be Matthew now,” he said to Naomi, his eyes twinkling.
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(02)
Chapter 22 Awaiting Matthew’s Return
Naomi’s face instantly brightened, her eyes darting eagerly toward the doorway, heart fluttering with anticipation.
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The next moment, Matthew walked into the room. The afternoon light from the large windows fell across his path, for a moment outlining his form in a dramatic silhouette.
He carried himself with an innate, effortless authority. His features were sharp and striking, his frame tall and athletic at well over six feet. Everything about him commanded attention.
Naomi’s breath caught. Even Ruby, standing slightly behind her, was momentarily stunned by his presence before quickly giving Naomi a subtle, encouraging nudge with her elbow.
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.