Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin) novel Chapter 7

Jenson froze for a moment, a flicker of irritation crossing his face.

If Jeremy wasn't allowed to see Alan, then Jenson wouldn't gain the favor he needed from the Alvarez family, and the partnership he had been angling for might slip away.

His gaze flicked toward Richard's composed face, and he forced a smile. "Mr. Alvarez, since Dr. Hanks is already here, why not let him take a look? Another perspective can only help Alan's case, right? It might even speed up the diagnosis."

He couldn't leave empty-handed. Getting Jeremy here had been no easy feat. Jenson had practically begged him to come.

Richard felt slightly annoyed. He had gone to great lengths to secure the help of an elusive doctor. Allowing another doctor to interfere, especially one of lesser reputation, could upset the delicate arrangement.

His disdain for Jenson deepened, though he maintained a polite tone. "There's no need. The doctor I've invited is more than sufficient."

Jeremy was one of the most sought-after doctors. His expression darkened when he heard the exchange.

He smirked and said scornfully, "Mr. Lambert, it seems you invited me before getting a hold of the situation. Did you think I was someone to be summoned and dismissed at your whim?"

Jenson's expression darkened, and he quickly opened his mouth to explain. But Jeremy didn't give him the chance. With a sharp wave of his hand, he snapped, "Don't contact me again!"

Turning on his heel, he strode away without looking back.

Richard's cold gaze lingered on Jeremy's retreating figure. He couldn't believe a renowned doctor had such a fragile ego.

Jenson's expression grew even darker.

As the heir to the Lambert family, he was used to being welcomed and fawned over wherever he went. Richard's attitude was one thing. He could chalk that up to the power dynamics between their families. But Jeremy was a mere doctor without a powerful background. How dare he act so high and mighty?

This felt like a slap to his face.

Seline, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward. She hurried after Jeremy, attempting to smooth things over. "Dr. Hanks, please, you misunderstood. That's not what we meant—"

Jeremy didn't even let her finish. He cut her off saying, "I'm sorry. Let's keep things cordial. I'll remember what happened today."

Seline didn't expect things to end up this way. She protested, "How can he do that? Even if he doesn't want to see Alan, we've already paid him!"

She was trying to stand up for Jenson.

Jenson, though inwardly fuming, forced himself to remain calm in Richard's presence. "It's fine, Seline. This is a minor issue."

Seline looked at Jenson with a pained expression and sighed.

Richard, paying no attention to their exchange, turned to Joe. "Joe, go bring them up."

Then, he strode toward the elevator without sparing them another glance.

Jenson's brows furrowed together as he stood rooted in place, his dissatisfaction with the Alvarez family growing by the second. He had brought the doctor and gone out of his way to help, yet Richard refused to even let Jeremy examine Alan. And now, Richard was leaving him behind to greet someone else?

Seline gently tugged on Jenson's sleeve and muttered softly, "Jenson…"

Jenson took her hand in his, intending to reassure her, but his words died in his throat as the elevator doors opened.

Both Jenson and Seline froze in shock when they saw it was Suzanne.

Jenson's gaze hardened immediately. So much for giving up. She was clearly finding new ways to cling to him. He hated it most when she showed up while he was handling serious business. She used to be good at reading the room, but now, she was becoming more and more insufferable.

However, Jenson's eyes lit up with surprise. Earlier, he hadn't noticed what she was wearing from inside the car. But now, he could clearly see Suzanne standing there with light makeup that accentuated her delicate features and her strapless bodycon dress that hugged her curves perfectly. Her figure was incredible.

Seline, who had been keeping a close eye on Jenson, clenched her fists. The way Jenson was looking at Suzanne was the same look he had given Seline once, back when she had worn lingerie in an attempt to seduce him.

Suzanne was undeniably more beautiful than before.

Seline thought she must be here to seduce Jenson. This bitch just wouldn't give up. She had already broken up with Jenson, yet she was still clinging to him. And dressed like that, no less.

However, she couldn't help but wonder who the man beside her was.

Seline's initial anger shifted into a spark of excitement. Was Suzanne deliberately parading another man around to provoke Jenson? She had to know that Jenson hated it when a woman flirted with multiple men.

Seline leaned closer to Jenson, her voice hesitant and concerned. "Jenson, do you think Sue might be dating that man?"

Jenson had already noticed the man standing confidently at Suzanne's side. The air of authority about him only deepened the scowl on Jenson's face.

But before he could react, Richard stepped forward, his expression lighting up as he extended a hand. "Mr. Doyle, we've been eagerly awaiting you."

Shane smiled politely and shook Richard's hand, noting the slight tremor in the older man's grip.

Suzanne remained silent, her expression calm and composed.

Richard's deferential attitude toward Shane only deepened the confusion on Jenson's and Seline's faces.

Who was this man to command such respect from Richard? And why was Suzanne associated with someone like him?

Seline's nails dug into her palms. Why was it that every man Suzanne met seemed more impressive than the last?

Richard, still holding Shane's hand, glanced over his shoulder expectantly, as though waiting for someone else. But aside from the woman accompanying Shane, there was no one else. Richard's unease grew.

Carefully, he asked, "Mr. Doyle, is the doctor here?"

Shane glanced briefly at Suzanne, then back at Richard with a knowing smile. "Of course."

He gestured toward Suzanne. "This is her."

Both Richard and Joe turned to look at Suzanne. The woman before them was undeniably beautiful with an air of elegance. Was she the renowned doctor?

Richard and Joe were shocked.

This had to be some kind of joke. Jane couldn't possibly be a young woman.

Alan was in critical condition. They couldn't afford to mess things up.

Richard's gaze darted toward Joe as if to question if this man was truly Shane. Joe nodded without hesitation.

Shane's distinctive baby-faced features were well-known in their circle. There was no mistaking him.

Richard's eyes flickered with doubt, but he quickly steadied himself as he took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain composed. If Shane was who he claimed to be, then whoever he brought had to be capable.

Gathering himself, Richard offered a warm smile. "I must've underestimated you. I didn't expect such a renowned expert to be so young. Please, come in!"

He stepped aside, lowering his head slightly as he added, "Thank you so much for coming. You've given my son hope!"

Suzanne gave a small nod. "Mr. Alvarez, you're too kind. Let me examine the situation first."

She wouldn't make promises before seeing the patient, but Richard seemed unbothered. His voice brimmed with confidence. "If you're handling it, I have no doubt everything will be fine!"

The entire exchange unfolded in full view of Jenson and Seline, who could barely contain their shock. They couldn't believe what they were seeing.

Suzanne, whom they had believed to be utterly useless, was being treated like royalty by the head of the Alvarez family.

Seline couldn't hold back any longer. She turned to Jenson, her face etched with worry. "Jenson, the doctor Mr. Alvarez mentioned… He didn't mean Sue, did he?"

Jenson's brows furrowed, his thin lips pressing into a tight line. He, too, was filled with doubt.

"She's being so reckless!" Seline began pacing anxiously. "This is about someone's life! If something goes wrong, it won't just implicate my dad—it'll drag you down with her too!"

Jenson's expression darkened immediately. Suzanne was becoming more and more thoughtless.

The only reason he hadn't cut ties with her before was because she used to behave. He couldn't let Suzanne ruin this and jeopardize his partnership with the Alvarez family.

Stepping forward, he blocked Richard and the others. He lowered his head slightly, his expression full of apology. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Alvarez. She doesn't know anything about medicine, let alone how to treat Alan."