Charles returned to Jivalis with a stony expression. No one dared ask about his mysterious month-long absence.
That evening, over drinks, when Daniel, his childhood friend, pressed him for details, he revealed only a few scraps of information.
Just then, Leo, his secretary, sent over his upcoming schedule along with news that the Brown Family had pulled out of the Barion project.
Charles absently scrolled through documents on his phone. The name 'Meredith' made his fingers freeze mid-swipe—but he continued scrolling almost immediately.
The woman he had been with for a month was connected to the Brown Group? What were the odds?
Meanwhile, Meredith returned home to find Mark waiting—a rare occurrence.
"Sarah mentioned you've barely been home this month. Where were you?"
Memories of him with Joanna flashed through Meredith's mind. Seeing his face now made her stomach turn.
She instructed Sarah to select gifts from storage before telling Mark, "Let's go. You promised—we're visiting Rachel today."
Without another word, Mark drove them to the hospital.
In the ward, Meredith helped Rachel sit up and gestured to Mark. "Grandma, Mark's here to see you."
Rachel's face brightened with genuine delight. She clasped Mark's hand over Meredith's and implored, "Mark, I don't have much time left. After I'm gone… you take good care of Meredith."
Mark's expression grew uncomfortable.
Meredith looped her arm through his, forcing a smile for Rachel.
"Don't worry, Grandma. We're doing great. He treats me very well."
Her grandmother nodded, relieved. "Good, that's good…"
Halfway through, Meredith remembered the soup left in the car. She stepped out, Mark following behind, discreetly wiping his hands.
"I'll play the show with you if I have to. But you better hold up your end of the deal."
Meredith shot him a glance.
"I will. The Brown Group's out of the bidding."
Only then did satisfaction flicker across Mark's face.
As they reached the lobby, a white-clad figure with sleek black hair entered the hospital.
Spotting Mark, she dashed over and clung to his arm, swaying it playfully. "Mark, how come you've been ignoring me?"
Meredith hadn't expected to encounter Joanna here. Her eyes involuntarily locked on Mark.
Mark froze for a second, glancing self-consciously at his polo shirt, so unlike his usual attire around Joanna.
His momentary panic melted into an unconscious smile at the sight of her face.
"Work's been hectic. Why are you here?"
Joanna pouted sweetly. "I grazed my leg in gym class. Just here to change the dressing."
Mark tensed immediately, eyes falling on Joanna's leg, where a bandage was wrapped below her knee.
Frowning with concern, he opened his mouth to speak, but Joanna pointed at Meredith nearby.
"Who is she?"
Mark froze, hesitating before replying, "She's… just a friend."
Joanna walked right up to Meredith, beaming as she extended her hand. "Hi, I'm Joanna, Mark's girlfriend."
'Girlfriend?'
Meredith scoffed inwardly. So Mark actually dared to call her his girlfriend.
Faced with Joanna's friendly gesture, she remained motionless, her gaze flicking coldly between their faces without a word.
Mark took Joanna's hand, holding it gently.
"How could you be so careless? Come on, I'll take you to get it changed."
Joanna smiled playfully. "It wasn't on purpose!"
Mark booped her nose affectionately, and the two turned to leave.
Just then, Meredith's voice cut through the air like ice.
"Mark. Don't forget what you promised me."
Aksara