Chapter 85


    Chapter 85


    At dusk, Gwendolyn clocked out and waited for the bus, the droning hustle of the city filling her ears.


    Suddenly, a soft beep sliced through the din, and a sleek Porsche pulled up in front of her. The window


    rolled down to reveal Sanford’s stern face.


    “Hop in. i’ll give you a lift,” Sanford offered calmly.


    “Mr. Hamilton, I appreciate it, but I’m fine with the bus,” Gwendolyn demurred.


    Jeannie had mentioned that their families weren’t exactly on friendly terms. She didn’t want to get too


    entangled with the Hamilton family.


    “I have a business matter to discuss. Get in. We’ll talk,” Sanford insisted, his tone suggesting it was a


    settled matter.


    With a bitten lip, Gwendolyn hesitated a little before opening the door and settling into the back seat.


    “Mr. Hamilton, what is it you wanted to discuss?”


    “Dr. Yates put in your request for a permanent position. After discussion, we’ve decided to approve it,”


    Sanford said, pressing on the gas, his driving smooth and assured.


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    “Thank you, sir,” Gwendolyn couldn’t help but feel a thrill. Her dream of earning her medical license and


    opening her clinic was one step closer.


    E


    “You’ve earned it. Your performance has been exceptional,” Sanford admitted. He had never seen


    Aiken so impressed with a young doctor, evenmenting that her surgical technique was superior to


    his.


    Sanford didn’t take it seriously, though. He didn’t believe a girl straight out of school could be that


    capable unless she came from a lineage of doctors with a wealth of umted knowledge. But


    Gwendolyn’s background was anything but that.


    “Thanks for saving my grandmother today. She’s finally agreed to let a caregiver look after her,”


    Sanford nced at her in the rearview mirror, his remaining shred of conscience prompting him to add,


    “If you ever need help, feel free to reach out.”


    “I will.”


    They rode silently the rest of the way as if he just wanted to give her a ride. The car stopped before


    Howard’s cozy vi.


    After a quick thank you, Gwendolyn stepped out.


    “Gwen, you’re back!” Jeannie popped a confetti cannon, showering Gwendolyn in a cascade of colorful


    ribbons.


    “Surprise! Gwen, it’s my brother’s birthday! We’re all here!”


    Owendolyn, Ured from work? Come sit, Roselind called out warmly.


    Arge birthday cake adorned the dining table with Roselind and Jameson seated nearby and Howard


    smiling at her in his wheelchair. Gwendolyn discreetly patted her sweater pocket.


    “Gwen, take a seat!”


    Jeannie pulled her next to Howard while Marina served dish after dish, ending with a birthday cake.


    “All set!”


    “Marina, sit. Honey, stop fussing. It’s just family tonight, a little celebration for Howard,” Roselind


    coaxed Marina to sit beside her.


    Their branch of the family usually threw grand birthday parties, but this year was the simplest.


    After Howard’s narrow escape from death, they had no grander wishes.


    “Howard, make a wish!” Jeannie was the life of the party, orchestrating the proceedings.


    Howard’s lips curved slightly, indulging her. He turned to Gwendolyn as if beseeching the heavens to


    grant her a silent wish.


    He sliced the first piece of cake and set it before her.


    Jeannie teased. “You two are quite the pair.”


    Gwendolyn’s eyes sparkled as she epted the cake.


    “On such a fine day, we should have a toast, Roselind suggested. “We must have a drink.”


    “Madam, I’ll get it.” Marina hurried to fetch two bottles of red wine, serving everyone. Even Howard was


    coaxed into a ss.


    Clink!


    “To health!”


    “To Howard’s swift recovery and a sweet, blissful marriage!”


    Jeannie was a little drunk and identally sshed soup on Howard.