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Novel Catalog
Chapter 35
“No.” Veronica immediately rejected Xavier’s offer.
Xavier had been incredibly helpful to her recently, but she didn’t want to owe him anything more. She wasn’t sure what his intentions were, but she knew she needed to keep some distance.
“Why? Is it because you look down on my abilities?” Xavier asked, a playful smile tugging at his lips as he opened the car door, ready to put her luggage inside. Veronica grabbed his wrist, stopping him.
“What’s the matter?” Xavier looked at her, confused.
Veronica took the luggage from his hand, her expression serious. “Xavier, you and I are just ordinary friends. I’m really grateful for everything you’ve done for me recently, but after my dad wakes up, our family is planning to leave Bloomstead. I already owe you so much that I can’t possibly repay it. So, I don’t want to trouble you anymore.”
Even if her adoptive parents recovered soon, Veronica didn’t want to drag Xavier further into her problems. It wasn’t about being ungrateful; it was about not wanting to keep receiving favors without being able to offer anything in return. She had no wealth or power to offer, and if she stayed in his life, she feared she would only continue to be a burden.
Xavier stood still for a moment, processing her words. He wasn’t sure what she meant by that, and as she started walking away with her luggage, he quickly caught up to her, grabbing her wrist. “Do you hate me, just like those people do?”
Veronica froze, surprised by the sudden question. Xavier’s reputation in Bloomstead wasn’t the best. He was often seen as a playboy, someone who didn’t take life seriously, and many people ridiculed him for it. But Xavier didn’t care about their opinions, and he’d always done what he wanted.
When he first met Veronica, he had thought she was just an average-looking girl, but there was something different about her. Unlike others, she wasn’t two-faced or pretentious. Spending time with her had felt comfortable, and he found himself drawn to her. He’d started thinking of her as a friend.
Her words, though, made him question everything. Did she not want to be his friend? Was there something about him that made her uncomfortable?
Veronica blinked, startled by his question. “I… didn’t mean that,” she stammered. She hadn’t realized how much her words might have hurt him. For a brief moment, she had sensed something in Xavier that wasn’t just arrogance.
“If that’s not it, then why are you telling me this?” Xavier’s grip on her wrist tightened, his voice low but sincere. “I asked you to work for me because I find you interesting. I want you to be with me, just so my days aren’t so boring.”
“Really?” Veronica was skeptical, raising an eyebrow. “You really want me to work for you just because you’re bored?”
Xavier rolled his eyes. “Isn’t it obvious? I’ve got enough money and influence to do whatever I want. You’re the only person who’s been straightforward with me. I like that. That’s why I want you around.”
He released her wrist, then grabbed her arm, pulling her toward the passenger seat of his car. “You don’t have to worry about anything. I make the decisions in my company, and I’ll make sure you have time for whatever you need. Your job is to spend time with me. That’s it.”
Before Veronica could protest further, Xavier slammed the car door shut and hopped into the driver’s seat, starting the engine.
As they drove through Bloomstead, Xavier’s phone rang. He briefly excused himself, answering the call while Veronica stared out the window, lost in her own thoughts. When they arrived at her apartment, he dropped her off, promising to be in touch later, but he left quickly after receiving another call about a business matter.
Veronica, now alone, went inside and began preparing to clean. But just as she was about to start, her phone rang—Daniella’s name flashed on the screen.
“Mom, what’s up?” she answered, trying to hide the exhaustion in her voice.
“Roni, your dad is awake! Your dad is awake!” Daniella’s voice was filled with excitement and emotion, cracking with joy.
Veronica’s heart skipped a beat. “Really? That’s great! Mom, I’ll be there right away. Wait for me!”
After quickly hanging up, Veronica grabbed her helmet, rushed downstairs, and hopped on her motorcycle, speeding to Saint Hospital. She barely parked the bike before dashing into the hospital, her heart racing with anticipation.
Inside the ward, her adoptive parents were sitting together, chatting quietly. When Veronica burst into the room, she couldn’t hold back her excitement.
“Dad?” she called, rushing over to Tony and enveloping him in a hug. “Dad, you’re awake! That’s wonderful!”
Tony, still groggy from his long recovery, looked at her in confusion. “Huh? Whose child are you? Are you mistaken?”
Veronica froze, surprised by his reaction. Daniella couldn’t take it anymore and playfully slapped Tony’s arm. “You foolish old man. Can’t you recognize our daughter’s voice?”
Tony blinked, still disoriented, but then it clicked. His expression softened. “Roni, is it really you?” His voice was thick with emotion. He reached for her hand, his rough palm gently caressing it as he looked at her with concern. “I’ve burdened you. A pretty girl like you had to make yourself look ugly just for me.”
Veronica chuckled through her tears, sitting beside him and pulling him into a hug. “Dad, I’m just happy you’re awake. It’s not a burden. And besides, I’m just pretending to be ugly to make my job easier.”
Tears filled her eyes as she felt the relief of knowing her father was finally awake. But then, a thought struck her, and she turned to Daniella. “Mom, has the doctor checked up on Dad?”
Daniella nodded, but her face lit up with gratitude. “Oh, speaking of which, I have to thank your friend. He’s the one who helped us contact the top domestic experts to come and treat your dad. You should thank him properly.”
Veronica frowned, surprised. “Are you talking about Matt—?”
Before she could finish, Daniella stood up, gesturing toward the door. “It’s him, Young Master Matthew. He said he’s your friend.”
Veronica’s gaze shifted toward the door, and there he was—Matthew, dressed in a gray shirt and black pants, standing at the threshold. Behind him, Thomas was carrying a fruit basket.
When Veronica saw him, her smile immediately froze, replaced by an icy expression. “Why are you here?”
Her tone was sharp, filled with a mixture of annoyance and confusion. She wasn’t expecting him—especially not here, in her family’s space.
Daniella quickly swatted her on the back of the head. “Veronica, how can you speak like that? He’s your father’s savior! You should be thanking him properly.”
“Savior?” Veronica muttered under her breath, her frustration bubbling up. Who is saving whom now? she thought. He may have helped, but he almost caused my death, too.
“Mom, he owns a hospital. It’s the duty of the hospital to treat patients. There’s no ‘savior’ in this context,” she said bluntly to Daniella, though her eyes remained locked on Matthew, her tone full of disdain.
Daniella seemed shocked at her words but quickly recovered, trying to steer the conversation in a more polite direction. “Roni, don’t be so rude. How can you talk to him like that?”
Tony, upon hearing Veronica’s comments, furrowed his brows and gave her a stern look. “You should be more respectful, Veronica. This man has done a lot for us.”
Matthew, sensing the tension, shot Veronica a cold glance before stepping around her to greet Tony. “Mr. Murphy, how are you feeling? I hope you’re doing better,” he said, his voice smooth, but distant.
Veronica’s chest tightened. Why did he have to show up now? She didn’t want to owe him anything, but here he was, acting as if nothing had ever happened between them.
