Chapter 23 The Face in the Sketch
Wayne’s eyes snapped open. “Where? How old? What’s her name?”
Aaron lowered his head slightly. “Outside a hospital. She looked about twenty. I didn’t get a chance to ask
–
she left before I could.”
“Do you remember her face?”
Aaron nodded. “Yeah.”
Wayne ordered, “Draw it.”
Hanson, munching on a slice of pizza, wandered over. “Oh! It’s the pretty lady!”
Wayne looked up from his laptop, where he was working. He shook his head slightly. These two sons of his couldn’t be more different one too serious, the other borderline ridiculous.
Aaron quickly finished the sketch and handed it over. “Here, Dad.”
Wayne stared at the drawing, eyes narrowing in surprise. “She really does look like her…”
Kevin stood by the desk. “Mr. Xavier, someone from the Shanks family arrived in Dracovia. Seems like they’re looking for someone.”
Xavier looked up, deep in thought. The Shanks family’s youngest daughter had gone missing years ago had they found a lead in Dracovia?
“Who came?”
“Wayne.”
Xavier unlocked his phone and dialed. “Mr. Shanks. I heard you’re in Dracovia. How about dinner tonight? Let me host you.”
“Apologies,” Wayne replied. “I’ve got something important going on –
maybe next time. My treat.”
“Alright. Let’s set it up soon.”
Though Glory Corp and the Shanks family had no direct business dealings, the Bolton family did. Xavier had met Wayne once in Circovia and respected his decisiveness and integrity.
Wayne’s team searched every corner of Dracovia to no avail. Then news came from Circovia – Julia had fallen ill. Left with no choice, Wayne brought his sons back home.
It rained for days in Dracovia. Becky barely left her apartment, buying vegetables from the shop downstairs and cooking for herself. Life was simple and peaceful.
Then, unexpectedly, her phone rang – it was Lilian.
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“Becky, how have you been?”
Becky had no idea why she was calling. Since the divorce, Lilian hadn’t contacted her Year’s. Becky had sent a holiday greeting, but Lilian didn’t reply.
–
–
not even for New
She figured the Boltons didn’t want to see her again she was a kicked-out ball they didn’t want to pick
back up.
“I’m good. And you?”
“I’m well too.”
An awkward silence.
Then Lilian asked, “Have you been in touch with Xavier?”
Becky quickly connected the dots. Afraid I’ll come crawling back, huh?
“No. We haven’t spoken in a while.”
She could almost hear the sigh of relief on the other end.
“Alright. Take care of yourself.”
Becky hung up and scrolled through her WhatsApp. In truth, Xavier had messaged her a few times, asking her to come over for meals. She’d turned him down with vague excuses.
She understood what Xavier meant – if not husband and wife, maybe brother and sister. And honestly? She wanted that.
Having a wealthy “brother” who randomly dropped tens of thousands in your account wasn’t bad at all.
–
But she was pregnant with his child she couldn’t risk it. Her belly was starting to show. Outside of hospital visits, she avoided going out altogether.
One rainy day, Becky walked past a clinic and had a sudden thought. The original Becky had majored in Finance, but also had a medicine license – a legacy from her grandmother, Jade.
She’d helped Lilian with remedies before. The original Becky had real talent, and Jade had taught her everything.
Becky stood at the clinic door for a moment, then stepped inside.
“Hi, I’m here about the job opening.”
An elderly doctor with white hair glanced up over his reading glasses, eyeing her pregnant belly and youthful face.
“Not hiring.”
“But you have a sign outside.”
“I am hiring – just not someone like you.”
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What do you mean ‘like me’?”
“Just not interested, alright?”
–
Becky understood. The old man didn’t trust her especially not someone visibly pregnant who might ask
for leave soon.
“I have a physician’s license. Didn’t bring it today. If you hire me, I’ll show it to you tomorrow.”
“I won’t ask for benefits or a salary.”
The old man raised an eyebrow, interest piqued. He adjusted his glasses again.
“Then why are you here?”
“If I treat patients, we split the earnings fifty-fifty. And don’t worry taking any time off.”
–
pregnancy won’t interfere. I won’t be
The old man’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. “Alright. Be here tomorrow
–
with your license.”
10
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B
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