Craving My Ruthless Ceo novel Chapter 199

Chapter 199

Roman’s POV

The fourth floor was calmer.

I kept my head down, collar turned up slightly, avoiding eye contact.

I’d pulled on the baseball cap I kept in my car, nothing conspicuous, just enough to make facial recognition difficult if anyone asked questions later.

A doctor rushed past me, chart in hand. Two nurses stood at the station, deep in conversation about a patient’s medication neither looked up.

Room 411 was at the end of the hall.

I slipped inside and closed the door behind me with a soft click.

Pierre lay in the hospital bed, an oxygen mask over his face. Bandages wrapped around his head, his right arm in a cast. wrist elevated.

An IV drip connected into his left arm. The heart monitor beeped continuously beside him.

He looked like shit and I loved every second.

I moved closer, my footsteps silent on the floor.

This was the plan Zenco and I had discussed. Call his bluff. Make him believe we had security footage that didn’t exist. Plant enough fear that he’d never think of pursuing legal action against us, and more importantly never even think about going after Anna.

His eyes were closed, chest rising and falling with faint breaths.

I reached out and pressed my hand against the cast on his wrist.

His eyes shot open, pain flashing across his face.

A muffled groan escaped from behind the oxygen mask.

Thought I’d pay you a visit.” I leaned in close, my voice frightening. “See how you’re recovering.”

Pierre’s eyes widened with terror when he recognized me. He tried to speak, but the mask muffled his words.

“What’s that?” I pressed harder on his wrist. “Can’t hear you.”

He winced, tears springing to his eyes.

“I heard you sent your lawyers after me I let go of his wrist and gripped the railing of his bed instead, leaning over hum “Threatening legal action. Assault and battery. Really, Pierre?”

His breathing quickened, panic setting in

“You drugged a woman in my club My voice was ice: “You tried to assault her And you think you can threaten me!

He shook his head frantically, trying to deny it

16

12 22 pm

Dons Tout him off. Thave security footage of you shipping something into her drink Clear as day You walked her to the VVIP room Everything

His eyes went wide. He tried to speak again, the words garbled behind the mask

1 reached up and pulled the oxygen mask down slightly so he could talk.

There there are no cameras…. His voice was hoarse, barely audible. “The contract…. it states….”

You really think I wouldn’t put cameras in those rooms?” I laughed, cold and humorless. “You really think I’d run a club like mine without insurance? Without protection?”

I leaned closer, until my face was inches from his.

“I have everything. Pierre. Video of you trying to take advantage of her after putting her in a vulnerable state. What do you think will happen when I release that footage? When the entire world sees what kind of predator you really are?”

“No…. He breathed out, shaking his head. “You…. you can’t….”

“How would your family feel?” I pressed on. “Your business partners? Your friends? Everyone will know what you are.”

“Please….” His voice cracked. “Please don’t….”

Then you’re going to do exactly what I say.” I gripped the bed rail tighter. “You’re going to call off your lawyers. You’re going to drop this entire thing. And if you ever, EVER, come near Anna again, or even think about her, I will destroy your life. Do you understand me?”

He nodded frantically.

“I will ruin you.” I continued, my voice a low growl. “I’ll track down every woman you’ve ever harassed and make them speak. I’ll make sure the world hears what you did. That footage goes to every news outlet, every platform. Your name will be synonymous with predator. Your business will collapse. Your family will disown you.”

Tears streamed down his face now.

“Do we have an understanding?”

“Yes. He choked out. “Yes…. I understand….”

I reached out and pressed against his bandaged ribs.

He gasped in pain, body convulsing.

“Good boy” I straightened, pulling the oxygen mask back over his face. “Enjoy your recovery.”

I turned and walked out of the room, closing the door softly behind me.

I made my way back down the hallway, nodding at a passing nurse. The elevator doors opened and I stepped inside pressing the button for the third floor

My phone buzzed

Dave Done?

2.6

2:22 pm

Me Done

The doors opened and I stepped out, heading back toward Doctor Raine’s office.

Anna was walking toward me from the opposite direction, the nurse beside her.

“There you are.” Anna gasped, relief washing over her face. “I was looking for you.”

Just had to take a call.” I slipped my phone back into my pocket and moved to her side. “How did it go?”

“Fine.” She held up her arm where a small bandage covered the needle mark. “Quick and easy.”

Nurse Kelly smiled. “Doctor Raine would like to see you both again. The initial results should be ready soon.”

We followed her back to her office.

Doctor Raine was waiting, a file in her hands.

“Please, sit.” She gestured to the chairs.

We sat. I reached over and took Anna’s hand without thinking, my thumb brushing over her knuckles.

Doctor Raine opened the file.

We’ve run the initial toxicology screening.” She began, her tone measured. “Nothing conclusive has shown up yet.”

My grip on Anna’s hand tightened. “What does that mean?”

Some substances leave the bloodstream very quickly, especially within a few hours.” Doctor Raine explained. “It’s possible whatever was used is no longer present in detectable amounts.”

Fuck.” The word came out before I could stop it. I ran my free hand through my hair. “So that bastard gets away with it? He drugs her and we can’t even prove it?”

‘We’re not giving up. Mr. Blackwood.” Doctor Raine kept her voice calm. “The more detailed tests might still show something. We just need to be patient.”

Patient.” I repeated, the word bitter on my tongue.

Anna squeezed my hand. I looked at her and forced myself to breathe.

Ms. Winters, how are you feeling right now?” Doctor Raine asked, her attention shifting to Anna. “Any dizziness? Headache? Nausea?

I’m fine. Anna said. “A little tired maybe, but nothing terrible.”

“What about memory?” Doctor Raine pressed gently. “Do you remember everything from last night?”

Anna hesitated. Most of it. Some parts are.. fuzzy. Like they’re behind a fog.”

“That’s consistent with what we suspect. Doctor Raine made a note in her file “Those gaps might till in over tune or they might not. It depends on what substance was used and the dosage”

“What if the detailed tests come back negative too?” Anna asked. “What happens then?”

“Then we document your symptoms and the circumstances.” Doctor Rame said “We have your testimony. Mr. Blackwoods

3/6

Chunner 199

account of finding you, and the physical examination we did today. Even without chemical proof, that’s still evidence

Evidence that might not be enough.” I said, anger rising in my chest again.

Perhaps not in a criminal case.” Doctor Raine admitted. “But it’s something. And if he ever tries anything like this again with anyone else, there will be a pattern. A record.”

He won’t get the chance.” I said quietly. “I’ll make damn sure of that.”

Doctor Raine looked at me for a long moment, then continued. “For now, keep yourself hydrated and rest as much as you

can.”

She turned back to Anna. “If you notice any unusual symptoms, dizziness, nausea, memory issues, anything at all, you need o call me immediately or come back to the hospital.”

Anna nodded. “Okay.”

Doctor Raine pulled out a business card and handed it to Anna. “My direct line. Don’t hesitate to use it.”

Thank you.” Anna took the card.

Doctor Raine’s gaze shifted to me. “Mr. Blackwood has been very generous to this hospital. We’re always here for him and nyone he brings to us.”

Anna looked at me, surprise crossing her face.

Just glad you can help.” I said.

We’ll document everything carefully.” Doctor Raine continued. “In case further action needs to be taken. Legal or >therwise.”

I appreciate that.” I stood, helping Anna to her feet. I pulled her close to my side, my arm wrapping around her waist. Thank you, Doctor Raine.”

Of course.” She smiled warmly. “Take care of yourself, Ms. Winters.”

Anna smiled back. “I will. Thank you.”

We walked out together, my arm still around her waist, holding her close.

The hallway was lonely.

Roman.” Anna’s voice was soft. “Thank you.”

For what?”

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