The Divorced Military Queen Awakens (by Sadie Baxter) novel Chapter 610

Yet in the glare of Jexburgh's true power players, she discovered she was still merely wallpaper.

Moments earlier, Zachary had strutted like a peacock; in Weston's presence, he curled up like a plucked chick.

The encounter underscored, once again, Weston's untouchable stature within the city's loftiest circles.

They might as well have lived on different planets, their realities never meant to intersect.

When the door finally clicked shut, Zachary's screams died abruptly, swallowed by plush walls and thicker secrets.

Laura was no saint; she felt no urge to plead for a bully's salvation.

If he had tormented her and Harvey without mercy, then let him bleed half to death and savor every shard of that agony.

And yet, the person avenging her tonight was Weston. The knowledge pressed on her chest with a helpless, bitter weight. No matter how many times she tried to cut their ties, fate kept knotting the two of them together.

What kind of price would he demand this time?

Outside the Orchid Pavilion Club, Weston's sleek black sedan waited under the awning, engine humming like a caged beast. Without a word, he scooped Laura into his arms, slid into the back seat, and told the driver, "Hospital. Now."

As the car headed to the hospital, Weston said, "If I hadn't walked into Orchid Pavilion today, did it ever cross your mind what might have happened to you? Harvey may have helped you once, but hurling yourself into danger to repay him was beyond reckless."

"I never expected it to spiral like that. I invoked Julius Whitethorn's name, and every staff member knew he'd granted my entry. I just didn't think Zachary Kingston would be foolish enough to doubt me."

"Stop assuming people are smart. Don't let this happen again."

Laura kept silent, staring at the blurred city lights beyond the glass.

Weston frowned. Her silence hinted she might do the same thing all over again.

"He helped you once. You've rescued him more than enough times. The ledger is balanced."

Weston's lips flattened until his teeth almost cracked. Light? She dared to call that ineffectual man her light? Then what, in her eyes, am I?

In truth, they were the majority shareholder, but Weston saw no need to elaborate.

Laura's mouth parted in silent surprise. This was one of Jexburgh's most prestigious private hospitals; she had come here before, never guessing that Weston's family had shares here.

The doctor guided Laura to the examination cot, the vinyl mattress rustling beneath her as she settled. With a soft metallic rattle, the curtain rings slid shut, sealing the little cubicle in harsh clinical white.

Weston remained outside, a tall shadow blurred by the gauzy fabric. Yet Laura could feel him—his attention pressed through the cotton like heat through paper.

"Weston, please... would you wait outside for a moment?"

"What are you afraid of?" Weston countered, his voice low and unyielding.

"I'm not afraid. I just don't like anyone but medical staff present while I'm being examined," she replied, studying his dim outline haloed by the overhead light.