From His Invisible Wife to the World's Icon novel Chapter 18

Today was the day the first group of children with leukemia were scheduled for surgery.

She needed to organize a series of matters with the hospital doctors and nurses, and finalize the payment transfers with the administration.

While waiting with the parents, Lydia realized she hadn't eaten breakfast and felt her blood sugar dipping, so she left Alice behind and headed to the hospital cafeteria.

Passing by the OB-GYN department, she ran into Frederick and Sierra.

"Mr. Foster, Ms. Sutton's body has recovered remarkably well over this period. She is in her optimal reproductive window and we can schedule the IVF..." The head of the OB-GYN department's words were cut off by a sharp look from Sierra.

Sierra arrogantly stroked her lower abdomen and threw a contemptuous glare her way. "Lydia, don't misunderstand."

"Mom and Dad aren't home, so Frederick is just accompanying me for a routine physical check-up."

The man's handsome face remained devoid of emotion as his gaze brushed lightly over hers.

She never knew he could be this hypocritical.

He was already trying to have a child with another woman, yet just the night before last, he had wanted to have a baby with her.

Expressionless, she brushed past them.

After finishing up at the hospital, Lydia rushed over to the Ford Group.

Walking into the lobby, she spotted Xavier's assistant, Wesley West. She had contacted him last night after finding the documents in the coat.

Only after calling Wesley last night did she realize the trench coat actually belonged to Xavier.

She followed Wesley up to the CEO's office.

"Ms. Sterling, Mr. Ford is in a meeting. Please wait for him in his office."

"Alright."

Wesley respectfully withdrew.

Lydia looked around the massive CEO's office. Its stark black, gray, and white tones made it feel quiet and rigorous. The faint scent of cedarwood unique to him drifted through the air, inexplicably reminding her of the night he had picked her up—the sensation of his warm, firm muscles brushing against her skin through the soft fabric...

She only snapped out of her daze when the man approached.

She was surprised to find he was wearing the very same charcoal plaid suit jacket she had hastily thrown on at the bridal boutique last night. It was a high-end designer's spring collection, the only one of its kind in all of Averton.

Remembering their discussion on quantum shuttle technology from two days ago, his insights had been incredibly innovative and might give her a completely new perspective. "Mr. Ford, do you have some time? I'd like to treat you and Harrison to dinner as a thank you, and maybe we could discuss the research institute."

The man glanced at her, pressed a button on his intercom, and ordered, "Come in for a moment."

Wesley immediately walked in. "Boss?"

"Check my schedule," the man said indifferently.

It dawned on her that a high-and-mighty CEO wouldn't have time to eat with her. She instantly wanted to back out, but she had already spoken and genuinely wanted to express her gratitude, so she looked at Wesley expectantly.

"2:00 PM or 7:00 PM?"

"Wesley, let me call Mr. Zane and see which time works best for him."

She pulled out her phone, her gaze drifting out the window, and stared in shock at The Foster Group building not far away. She subconsciously stepped forward.

Suddenly, she tripped, lost her balance, and collapsed onto a solid mass.

She looked up in terror, locking eyes with Xavier's dark, heavy gaze, only then realizing she had fallen right into his lap. She scrambled to push herself off him, but a sharp flare of pain in her wrist made her slip just as she created some distance, sending her crashing back down.