Chapter 10

As the car drove through the city, Dr. Williams sat in the back seat, reading the morning journal.

“How could they ever assume my success is tied to some collaboration with Dr. Leonardo?” she muttered. “I had no idea his father was a very influential Attorney General, and even if he is, what does that have to do with my ratings? Why would they even highlight such proximity?”

Her eyes narrowed as she turned the pages. “Reading this article, you’d think they’ve never heard of my work at all. Must be another arrogant man behind this.” She clenched the paper in irritation. “Find me the journalist who wrote this. Wherever he works, I want him located. It’s time he learns to acknowledge women’s achievements in the field, as I get him retired.”

Romaric, her personal driver and bodyguard, nodded quietly after a glance through the rearview mirror. Just then, her phone rang. Seeing the name on the screen, she hesitated before answering.

“Hello, Mom.”

“Are you on your way? Adeline told me you haven’t arrived yet,” her mother said.

“Mom, I’m on my way. You don’t have to call every single time I have a session with her.”

“Well, that was the one condition we agreed on for you to keep working,” her mother replied in a calm but firm tone.

“And I’ve never broken that promise. Tell the nosy Adeline that I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Hmm… honey, speak of her respectfully,” her mother ordered.

“Fine. Then tell the sweet and lovely Adeline I’m on my way.”

“Good. Well, take care, I love you.”

Silence lingered before Williams replied with a restrained “Humm.”

“I said I love you, honey,” her mother repeated.

“I got you, Mom. Please.”

The call ended.

Williams sighed, set her files on her lap, and turned toward the window. Raindrops began sliding down the glass. “Every time I come here, it rains,” she whispered. Her expression softened from annoyance to unease.

The rhythm of the rain drew her mind backward to the night before the Niran Kai Medical Center officially became hers.

Flashback

That evening, she had come home from the hospital completely drained. Her mother, Kai Malee, was waiting at the dining table. Dinner together had always been mandatory back then.

“How was your day, Williams?” her mother asked as she took her seat.

“Not bad. I had a complicated surgery, but it went well. Doctor Niran Williams will be making headlines again.”

Kai smiled faintly. “Hmm… seems like you care a lot about those headlines, honey.”

“Mom, that’s all people care about. That’s all they ever remember.”

“And what about you? What do you care about the most?”

Williams chuckled. “Mom, am I in a therapy session now?”

“Oh no, I’m just asking,” Kai said gently.

“Well, I care about my work. Being a good doctor, that’s what I fought for.”

Kai nodded slowly. A moment of silence settled between them before she finally spoke. “Williams,” Kai called with a heavy voice.

“Yes, Mom?” Williams’s tone grew serious as she could feel her mother’s shift in energy.

“I want to tell you something important.” Kai exhaled. “It’s time for you to take the lead.”

“Mom?”

“Honey, from the moment you told me you wanted to save people, I fought hard to build something that could belong to you, a place that would reflect your vision of a better future. I think it’s time for me to enjoy my life and give you what was always meant to be yours.” Her eyes softened. “In two days, you’ll officially become the legal representative of the Niran Kai Medical Center. Mr. Polo will contact you with the documents. I’ll keep a few shares, but this is only regarding the financial aspect. From now on, you won’t see me at the hospital anymore. It’s yours now. Congratulations.”

Williams sat silent, her mind spinning. “But Mom, why? How?”

“It has always been yours. From the moment you became this brilliant doctor, you made me proud, and I know you can handle all this, but there’s a condition attached to it.”

That night, a promise was made, and from that day on, Dr. Williams became the head of the Niran Kai Medical Center. She also moved into a new home to live as a fully independent woman.

Her mother’s definition of happiness wasn’t only about stepping away from the hospital’s burden; it was also about giving herself a chance to open her heart to the man who, all those years, had remained hidden in the shadows while helping her build this life. Between him and Williams, however, the distance was far colder than anyone imagined. Williams never acknowledged him, but she also didn’t oppose her mother’s wish to move on from her late husband.

The car finally stopped.

Williams adjusted her coat and stepped out, closely followed by her bodyguard. The residence they approached was in a private, gated area—discreet, peaceful, and hidden from public eye. No journalist would ever discover she visited here. For someone of her stature, being seen at a psychiatrist’s office could have sparked scandal.

Knock. Knock. Knock. Romaric gently tapped on the door.

After a few moments, it opened. On the other side stood a slender woman with long reddish hair.

“Dr. Williams,” the woman greeted.

“Adeline,” Williams replied, stepping inside.

“You’re welcome,” Adeline said, motioning towards the living room.

Williams entered as her bodyguard stayed behind. She strolled, her heels softly echoing on the polished floor, before settling on the couch.

“Would you like some coffee?” Adeline asked.

“Yes, thank you.”

Outside, thunder rolled. The rain grew heavier, drumming against the glass like a warning.

Williams glanced at the empty chair across from her and whispered under her breath, “Let’s see what demon you’ll try to pull out of me today.”

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