The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 220

I slept for a full twenty-four hours in my apartment. If Lucille hadn't called, I probably would have kept sleeping.

"Well, this is a first. Vivian actually invited us to the main estate for dinner," Lucille said, her tone a perfect blend of disdain and triumph. "It's obvious she's trying to ride your coattails after the massive media coverage you got from taking down that logistics company."

I rubbed my temples and asked, "So you agreed?"

"Why wouldn't I agree?" Lucille huffed defensively. "We used to bend over backward just to get an invite. Now that they're practically begging us to come, of course I'm going to say yes."

I thought about my rapidly deteriorating marriage with Ferris. Then, I remembered that he had genuinely helped me clear my name. "Fine," I replied. "I'll head over now."

In the grand dining hall, Ferris and his parents were already seated at the table. Seeing us walk in, they stood up out of basic politeness.

Lucille took her seat with a beaming smile. "You really shouldn't have gone to all this trouble, Vivian. It's just a casual dinner, but you've prepared an absolute feast."

To be fair, the spread tonight was significantly more lavish than usual.

"Well, everyone's been so busy lately, we haven't had a chance to sit down and share a proper meal," Vivian replied smoothly. "Since we all finally have some free time, it's the perfect excuse to get together."

"That's very true. My poor Selena went through absolute hell recently. She definitely needs a good meal to recover," Lucille said, throwing a glance my way before continuing. "Thank God justice was served and her name was cleared. Now, everyone in Port Capital—no, the whole country—knows what an incredible, brilliant anesthesiologist Capital General has."

Watching Vivian's brow twitch with annoyance, I secretly kicked Lucille under the table. But once Lucille started talking, it was like a runaway freight train.

"Oh, as her mother, I couldn't be prouder. I heard the police department is even giving my Selena an award. That's not something just anyone gets." Lucille talked a mile a minute before shifting gears. "And things have certainly gotten lively at The Hayes Residence! Just today, someone actually knocked on our door asking if Selena was single..."

I never expected Lucille to steer the conversation toward matchmaking. Just as I opened my mouth to stop her, Vivian smiled sharply and cut in. "Yes, Selena certainly brought glory to the Hayes family this time. However, Thorne Logistics is an asset of the Thorne Family. Considering the massive uproar this caused, I highly suggest we all keep a low profile from now on. Don't you agree?"

Lucille's smile froze on her face. "What does it matter if it's the Thorne Family? No matter how powerful they think they are, they can't exactly fight the police, can they?"

"Don't mention it," Ferris replied, his face entirely unreadable. "I just didn't want any unnecessary complications arising in our marriage of convenience."

His response didn't surprise me. After all, if I went down in flames, the Sterling family would inevitably be dragged down with me.

Over the past few weeks, I had learned exactly where I stood with him.

I didn't argue.

But immediately after, Ferris's voice dropped to a chilling temperature. "However, I strongly suggest you drop any heroic fantasies moving forward. The Thorne Family is far more dangerous than you think."

My grip on the seatbelt tightened drastically, and my heart skipped a terrifying beat. I tried to find some trace of emotion on his face, but Ferris remained as stoic and unbothered as ever, as if he had merely made a passing comment about the weather.

Only then did I let my guard down slightly. Forcing a tight smile, I feigned composure. "You're joking, Dr. Sterling. I was just doing my job."