I looked up when he paused and saw the grimness in his gaze. “Scarlett, if you cause me to go through that pain of losing a loved one again, I will never forgive you. I will leave your kids to fend for themselves, get it?”
It was not a notice; it was a warning.
I pursed my lips and gave him a firm nod. “Yes. If I die, you will leave your nephew and niece to die.”
I was certain both Ashton and John would make the same choice.
The hospital was chilly at night. I shuddered when the night breeze blew along the hallway.
John calmed down. He couldn’t bring himself to get mad at me and stood aside to let me in. “Come on in. It’s chilly out there. Are you putting on a show to gain my sympathy?”
His voice was flat, but at least he was no longer unapproachable.
I found John’s stubbornness adorable. Flashing a smile, I entered his room.
We were short on time, so I sat down and immediately inquired, “Will we get all the test results tomorrow?”
John was sitting opposite me with his legs crossed. His relaxed figure stiffened upon hearing my question. “Tomorrow afternoon. Before the results are out and we can be sure you are fine, I won’t forgive you.”
“No, John. You need to forgive me,” I interjected firmly. “Once the results are out, make the arrangements for the best treatment available and get the best medicine there is. Kick up a big fuss. The bigger the better.”
John furrowed his brows as he inched nearer to me. “Do you feel unwell?” he inquired as he scanned me carefully.
Without waiting for my reply, he stood up and took my arm. “Come with me.”
I stood rooted to the spot and uttered helplessly. “You’ve got it wrong. That wasn’t what I meant.”
John kept his grip on my arm and glowered at me. “Really?”
“Yes,” I replied with a nod. “I want to beat them at their own game.”
John was almost convinced, but he still stated his doubts. “You’ll regret it if this is a lie!”
Amused, I pushed him into his chair. “Got it. I dare not make a fool of myself in front of the great Mr. Stovall. Calm down and listen to my plan.”
Ten minutes later, John held his chin thoughtfully after listening to my plan.
I grew impatient as he remained silent for a long time, so I gave him a push. “What do you think? Will it work?”
John gave me a strange look and was about to answer when his phone rang.
He chuckled lightly and handed his phone to me. “Tell your guardian about it.”
My guardian? Who could it be? Cameron or Zachary?
I glanced at the screen and nearly laughed out loud when I saw the caller’s ID—Old Man Ash.
“John, why did you save Ashton’s number to this name!”
John merely shrugged and headed to the balcony to smoke.
I shook my head wryly and answered the call. “Hello, it’s me.”
There was no sound from the other end of the line, so I continued speaking, “Ashton? Can you hear me?”
Still, there was no response. Puzzled, I glanced at the screen and confirmed the call was connected before bringing it back to my ear. Hmm, perhaps the line there is bad. I need to wait for a while for him to receive the signal.
John came back to me with a cigarette between his fingers. As I wasn’t talking, he asked, “What is it? Why do you look so serious?”
I pouted and gave him a shrug. “There’s no sound. Perhaps the line is bad.”
John cocked an eyebrow to show his suspicion. He took the phone from me and held it by his ear. Shortly after, he snickered and gave the phone back to me. “You should prepare your apology.”
“Mm?” I was taken aback. “He spoke to you?”
