Chapter 16
Sensing Sandra’s silence, everyone understood what was going on. They didn’t dare to glare at the coordinator, and even less at Mariana, who’d just got the pass. All the frustration turned to Sandra, with ironic words and fake smiles.
A few clever stars quickly switched sides, rushing over to cozy up to Mariana instead. She ignored the fence–sitters, calmly leaning on her cane as she made her way to the elevator.
Just as she reached the end of the hallway, someone caught up. “Ms. Mueller, we’ll send you the official invitation to the Global Gala for Socialites soon. We also need a medical report from you.”
A staff member from the Montoya Group stressed, “You know, we just want to make sure you’re in good health. Please follow the listed tests.”
Mariana took the list and nodded.
“Got it.”
7
She knew it wasn’t just about physical health. The Montoya Group was also screening for any bad habits. After all, she would be representing Forechester. It made sense.
Outside the Montoya Edifice, Mariana took a taxi. From her bag, she pulled out the card Edwin had given her. No doctor’s name was on it, just an address to a traditional medicine clinic. After a moment’s thought, she told the driver to take her there.
***
The clinic was inside an upscale private hospital, just past the outpatient
0.00%
building.
Mariana gave her name at the front desk and waited briefly before an elderly doctor in a long robe came out. He examined her injury carefully and then gave her a massage.
Half an hour later, Mariana stood up. For the first time in two years, she could put weight on her left foot.
“You’ve probably been taking care of your feet recently,” the doctor said. “Here’s a patch. Use it before bed every night. In three days, you should be walking like normal.”
Mariana looked at him, the doubt in her eyes gone. She sincerely thanked the doctor.
“No need. You’re a special guest recommended by Mr. Montoya,” the doctor replied.
His assistant packed the supplies and left with him. Mariana tucked the patch away and stepped out.
To leave the clinic, she had to pass through the outpatient building again. Since she needed to get her health report anyway, she figured she might as well do the tests here. She followed the list from Montoya Group and got everything checked.
5
Just as Mariana was leaving, something caught her eye. A tall woman in sunglasses and a hat hurried into the pre–op operation room.
Mariana raised her brow. That figure looked familiar.
The disguise almost worked, if not for the bag. It was the latest limited- edition Hermes, with only one piece in Forechester. She knew exactly who it belonged to.
The woman was Sandra.
33 92%
228 char
Chapter1s
Sandra was more obsessed with that bag than any acting role. Ralph probably paid the bill.
Mariana’s lashes fluttered slightly as she noticed the sign “Gynecology“.
She hadn’t heard anything about Sandra being sick lately. Why would Sandra come alone and in disguise? Why would she book a gynecology procedure? Unless…
Mariana had been thinking about using the McKinney Group’s celebration tomorrow to catch both Sandra and Ralph in one blow. But now, Sandra was giving her chances.
Mariana smirked, lowered her gaze, and slipped on her sunglasses. She walked to the nurse’s station and said in a low voice, “Hello, my friend just went in to schedule surgery. I forgot to pay for her.”
“Your friend is…?” The nurse glanced at her.
“Sandra Mueller.”
Mariana’s voice was even softer.
The nurse understood it instantly.
Working in a high–end private hospital, the nurse had seen plenty of celebrities. She kept her voice down too. “Even though an abortion is a minor procedure, we still need to confirm everything looks good before scheduling anything. It’s just a basic checkup today.”
“I see. Thanks.”
A sharp gleam flashed through Mariana’s eyes.
She didn’t expect that Sandra was pregnant.
68.87
