Chapter 10 Why Not Just Call an Ambulance?

“Mr. Hayes, your meal is here,” a young nurse said as she came in with a tray.

Emma froze.

Several of the dishes were from The Oak Room. Utterly over the top for a hospital meal.

“Here.” He unwrapped the cutlery and handed it to her. “Friendly rate: fifty bucks. Remember to transfer it.”

She took the utensils.

“Do you have any friends coming to keep you company tonight?” he asked.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. No need,” she murmured.

“Good. I’ve got things to deal with. My secretary, Anna Scott, will be here. If you need anything, contact her—or me.”

He checked his watch and stood to leave, but after a few steps, he turned back.

“Your boyfriend just passed away, right? What about the proposal I made last time?”

She almost choked on her food.

“I really don’t want to date anyone right now,” she said, setting down her knife and fork.

“Understood. I won’t push.” He nodded and walked out.

Watching his retreating back, she suddenly felt she’d been too harsh. After all, he had been the one to save her.

Inside T Bar, Liam swirled his drink slowly.

Beside him sat his cousin, John Parker.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a woman turn you down. Quite something. No wonder you like her,” John teased.

“I don’t exactly like her,” Liam muttered, restless.

“You don’t?” John tilted his head and laughed. “You mention her every time we meet. Has that hickey on your neck finally faded?”

Liam sighed and rubbed his forehead.

• It’s true. She’s always on my mind. *

Just then, his phone lit up.

Emma: [Sorry, Mr. Hayes.]

Liam: [It’s fine.]

Emma: [Thank you.]

[$50 transfer. Meal cost.]

Liam paused, took a slow sip of his drink, then typed:

[Next time, you’re buying.]

A new WhatsApp message appeared from her, then disappeared before he could read it.

He frowned slightly, puzzled.

“John’s right. If you didn’t care, why’d you go rescue her yourself?” Oliver Dawson tapped his glass. “You could’ve just called an ambulance.”

Liam said nothing, his thoughts drifting back to her sapphire-blue eyes.

The next day, he signed off on her discharge and drove her home.

“Moving out?” he asked, taking in the boxes and half-packed suitcases.

“Yeah.”

“Why? This place is good.”

He glanced around and immediately spotted his jacket draped over the sofa.

“My ex-boyfriend passed away yesterday. I’m afraid he’ll come back to haunt me,” Emma said dryly, wondering how to politely kick him out.

He sat down like he owned the place, with zero intention of leaving.

“Did you take the door off?” he asked.

“Yeah.” She nodded, fingers brushing the empty frame. “Replacing it would cost three thousand, and the locksmith was one-fifty.”

“I thought you were in mortal danger,” he said, crossing his legs. “When does the lease end?”

“Next Wednesday.”

“The door’s gone. Why not move tonight?”

“Move where?” She grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and tossed it to him.

“Move into my villa,” he said, catching it with a faint smile.

Emma froze. Something flickered in her chest, but she forced it down.

“Just forget it. You should go back, Liam. There are plenty of beautiful women in high society waiting for you…” she began.

“But not everyone gets the chance to spend the night with me,” he said mildly.

• Oh my God. *

• So this cold man has never been with anyone else. *

• Such a traditional man. *

Heat rushed to her cheeks. She twisted open a bottle of water and drank like it could save her.

“Stay safe tonight. Call if you need anything.” He rose and headed for the door.

“Liam,” she called softly as he passed.

He stopped, waiting.

“Thank you,” was all she managed.

He didn’t answer, just walked out.

She watched his back disappear, then looked at the broken door.

Splintered wood lay scattered across the floor, like the pieces of her life.

• Step into marriage? *

• No. I won’t. Never. *

She booked a hotel and messaged the landlord to arrange repairs for the door.

As night fell, she drove to the garage Ben always used, the one owned by Chloe’s uncle, Charles Winslow. This would be her final “gift” to them.

She clearly stated the dashcam needed repair and emphasised that she was a friend of Ben’s.

Leaving the car with the shop, she turned and walked away.

By Wednesday, the engagement ceremony had been cancelled.

Charles had clearly heard the recordings on the dashcam and found the hidden camera.

The Grant family already viewed Ben’s lack of affection for Chloe as a major issue. His demand that she end the pregnancy only disgusted them further, and they ultimately called off the engagement.

Both families were thrown into chaos.

Emma basked in her quiet victory for a few days, but her housing problem still needed solving.

That evening, she waited in unusually good spirits by the elevator as the workday ended.

Ding!

The doors slid open to reveal Liam and Ryan inside.

She stepped in, only for the elevator to stop again at the 18th floor, where the corporate communications team pushed their way on.

She tried to edge away, but the crowd squeezed her right up against Liam.

She took a deep breath and nearly choked on it.

“Emma, move over a bit,” someone beside her said, nudging her toward the space next to him.

She stumbled and almost lost her balance. Reaching out instinctively, her fingers closed around a warm, large hand.

“Ah!” she gasped, steadying herself and trying to pull away, but he held on firmly.

• Oh no. *

Just then, a WhatsApp notification popped up on her screen.

Hunter: [Your outfit is ready. Can you pick it up tonight?]

[Your boyfriend will love it.]

She glanced at the message and quickly locked her phone.

But beside her, Liam had already seen it.

When the elevator reached the basement, she rushed out and got into her car.

She turned on the navigation and drove to the address she’d been sent.

The car stopped at the entrance to an estate. The security guard stepped forward to block her, just as another message arrived.

[Waiting at the gate for two minutes.]

She stepped out of the car, taking a moment to admire the property: a grand Gothic Revival estate, elegant and imposing.

A familiar car pulled up beside her and rolled its window down.

Liam.

Their eyes met.

The guard opened the gate for him, but he didn’t drive in.