Chapter 6 Fever

David's condition hadn't gotten any better, and now a new crisis was brewing. Across town, Eugene was seething after Jennifer turned him down. He made a call, his face twisted with anger. "Go ahead with the next step," he said coldly.

That morning, Jennifer had just woken up, still groggy, when she got a call from Madison. She informed her that the company had received several legal notices from suppliers, and worse, the court had frozen the company's funds because of these notices. Payday was around the corner, and if they couldn't pay their employees on time, morale would take a nosedive.

Jennifer's mind snapped into focus.

"I think Mr. Brown should handle this. He's got connections in the court, and maybe he can get the funds released faster," Madison said urgently. The sudden freeze on their funds was clearly fishy, but they needed time to gather evidence. Things would be much easier with someone to help in the court.

Jennifer shot down the idea almost immediately. "My dad's in the hospital and needs to rest. Send me the payroll details, and I'll make sure we have enough funds by payday."

David had done well in business over the years and had bought Jennifer a storefront that brought in $20,000 in rent each month. She could mortgage it to borrow a few million dollars. Along with her savings, it should be enough to cover a month's payroll.

Jennifer spent two days running around and finally got the bank to expedite the loan. She transferred over $800,000 to Madison's account and told her to make sure the salaries were paid on time. After finishing at the bank, Jennifer planned to take a cab but realized she didn't have much money left. Her paycheck wouldn't come until the end of the month, so she decided to save money by taking the subway.

Halfway there, the clear sky suddenly turned to heavy rain. She rushed to a nearby bus stop to take shelter, but the rain only got heavier, soaking her completely.

Frustrated, Jennifer tried to hail a cab, but with so many people doing the same, the app showed a half-hour wait.

Parked nearby in a black Bentley, Francis watched her with interest, his fingers tapping the steering wheel. He had been in the area on business and spotted Jennifer running through the rain. She was alone and without an umbrella, looking quite helpless. He watched her anxiously glance around and fumble with her phone.

A white Mercedes pulled up in front of Jennifer, and a man got out, trying to pull her into the car. Francis's amused expression vanished instantly. He revved his engine and drove over, nearly grazing the man's car.

"Are you blind? Can't you see there's a car here?" the man shouted, startled. He quickly checked his car for damage, ignoring Jennifer.

Francis stepped out of his Bentley, holding a black umbrella, and sneered. "I didn't see your crappy car, just you hassling a woman." He glanced at Jennifer and motioned for her to come over.

Terrified by the man's rough handling, Jennifer ran to Francis and hid behind him.

Seeing the Bentley, the man's bravado faded. "So what if you're rich?" he muttered, but quickly got back into his car and sped away.

Jennifer bit her lip and whispered, "Thank you, Dr. Carter."

Francis noticed her pale lips and dripping hair. He handed her the umbrella. "Get in the car."

As soon as she touched the cold metal of the door handle, Jennifer swayed and nearly collapsed. Francis caught her around the waist, the umbrella falling to the side. She slumped against him, eyes closed and breathing shallowly. He touched her burning-hot forehead.

Jennifer had been running around for days without proper rest or food. She had felt dizzy that morning, and the rain had pushed her into a high fever.

Francis's jaw tightened. He scooped her up and placed her in the back seat, driving straight to the nearest hospital.

In the ER, the doctor scolded, "Her temperature is 103°F. She passed out from the fever. Why didn't you bring her in sooner?"

Assuming Francis and Jennifer were a couple, the doctor continued to lecture while preparing IV fluids to reduce the fever and fight the infection. Francis said nothing, silently taking the bill to pay.

When Jennifer woke up, she was lying in a hospital bed with an IV in her hand. The room was private, and Francis was sitting on a nearby sofa, working intently on his tablet.

Jennifer didn't want to disturb him. She tried to reach for the water on the bedside table, but the tray fell to the floor with a clatter. Francis looked up, put down his tablet, and walked over.

"I'm sorry," Jennifer croaked. "I just wanted some water. I didn't mean to bother you."

Francis felt the cup—it was cold. He refilled it with warm water and handed it to her. "Drink up." Jennifer lowered her eyes and drank, her long eyelashes casting trembling shadows on her cheeks.

Francis's Adam's apple bobbed as he loosened his tie.