Chapter 11
Annabel woke up to the sharp scent of disinfectant.
Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting patterns on the bedsheets. She stared blankly at the ceiling, unsure if she was dreaming or awake.
Then, a deep, male voice spoke beside her. “You’re awake.”
Startled, she turned her head and met a pair of calm, steady eyes.
Kenneth was holding a medical report. Upon seeing her awake, he closed it casually and asked, “You were bleeding internally and fell unconscious on the plane, and I performed emergency treatment on you.
“How are you feeling now?”
Annabel instinctively touched her abdomen. The pain had eased considerably, but a dull ache lingered beneath her skin.
She parted her lips, and her voice came out hoarsely. “Thanks.”
Kenneth nodded and handed her a warm cup of water. “My name is Kenneth Holland. I’m a doctor, and this is my private rehab center. You’re safe here.”
The warmth of the cup seeped into her fingertips as she absentmindedly traced its edge. After a moment of silence, she looked down and softly said, “Linda… My name is Linda Smith.”
Annabel settled into the rehabilitation center. Every day, Kenneth came to do his rounds. But outside of necessary medical questions, he never pried into her private life.
One day, during a dressing change, a nurse accidentally knocked over a tray. The clatter of metal instruments hitting the floor made Annabel flinch sharply and curl up instinctively.
Kenneth’s hand froze mid–air. He noticed her protective posture over her ribs and the fresh bruises on her wrist. Quietly, he commented, “These injuries aren’t accidental.”
Her breath caught. He didn’t press her but calmly adjusted her collar and said softly, “You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. If you need help, there are lawyers and police available here.”
She clenched the bedsheet and shook her head.
Kenneth turned around without saying inore, preparing to leave, but Annabel stopped him.
it’s fine.”
“Thank you,” she uttered. A faint, pale smile appeared on her face as she added, “But really bl
The days at the rehabilitation center were so calm that they almost felt surreal. Annabel’s body gradually healed, and she sometimes went to the garden to soak up the sun.
One afternoon, she passed by the conference room and overheard Kenneth arguing with someone.
“The other party is firm on this price. There’s no way we can budge–”
“But the market data clearly shows their valuation is at least 30% inflated.”
Annabel froze mid–step. On impulse, she pushed open the door, and all eyes turned to her.
Kenneth frowned. “Linda?”
She pressed her lips together then pointed at the financial report projected on the screen.
After a moment, she said, “There’s an issue with the cash flow forecast on page three. They’ve hidden some debts; if calculated correctly, the actual premium should be raised by 15%.”
The conference room was so silent that they could hear a pin drop.
Kenneth stared at her for a few seconds, then suddenly slid the file over to her. “Go on.”
The next day, he presented her with a contract.
