Chapter 7

To Mr. Polo, it felt as though Dr. Emilio was playing a dangerous game. Reckless, perhaps even desperate. Yet maybe he was only scrambling to protect his career. Everyone at Niran-Kai knew the rule: never be the one to bring Dr. Williams bad news.

The unlucky ones never received promotions. Dr. Williams hated bad news.

“Well,” Polo continued, “what the hospital proposes is this. We will reimburse you for the cost of your procedure, and the medical center will take full responsibility for restarting it—if you are willing to continue with Niran-Kai.” He turned toward the couple’s lawyer before shifting his gaze to Kannika. “As for Miss Evelyn, we will terminate the pregnancy and compensate her as well. Of course, we are open to hearing her position on the matter. If you agree, we can proceed with the signing.”

Evelyn’s heart stopped. At last, she had heard what she dreaded most: ABORTION. The word struck her like a cold blade. There was no way she could agree, and yet if the couple demanded it, what right did she have to refuse? The embryo belonged to them—their egg, their donor’s sperm. Across the table, Mrs. Mayeur stared at her with eyes full of pain.

“My clients agree to termination,” the couple’s lawyer interrupted firmly, “but they will not continue with Niran-Kai Medical Center, and if we are to discuss damages, however, let it be in the presence of someone with full authority to accept responsibility.” His gaze landed sharply on Dr. Emilio.

“The director will be here soon, but we can proceed,” Emilio insisted.

“Then make your proposal now, so we may consider it before she arrives,” Polo added, though his eyes betrayed his disapproval.

“We will proceed only in the director’s presence,” the couple’s lawyer replied coldly. “That is final.”

The lawyers exchanged hard stares. Meanwhile, Evelyn sat brushing her hair with trembling fingers, whispering silently to herself. Kannika leaned closer.

“Don’t you think you should accept?” her friend murmured. “It is already hard enough on them.” She nodded toward the couple, their hands clasped tightly together.

“Then she will be here,” Polo said at last. “I will call her.”

“Let me do it,” Emilio said quickly as he stood. He was unsatisfied but cornered. If the discussion turned to money, the parents wanted Dr Williams herself.

He walked briskly to her office. Inside, Dr. Williams sat bent over a pile of documents, scrutinizing them with her usual sharpness.

“Dr. Williams,” Emilio began softly, “we can start.”

“Good. Give me a moment,” she answered without looking up.

“You are welcome,” Emilio said and withdrew.

Alone, Williams straightened her posture. She adjusted her suit jacket, her lips tightening into a confident line. “There is nothing above Dr. Williams,” she whispered to herself. “And there is nothing she cannot handle.” At that, she summoned her assistant Malaya, gathered her files, and walked toward the hall.

Inside the meeting room, the tension was palpable. Each party seemed already fixed on a choice, yet all waited for the director.

When Williams entered, her presence filled the space. Her face was firm, revealing no emotion, though she offered a polite smile in acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation. Staff members rose to their feet; only the patients remained sited with their lawyers.

Evelyn’s expression changed at once. She looked at the director as if she had seen a ghost.

“Dr. Williams,” she whispered under her breath, though no one seemed to notice.

Williams greeted each person, including Evelyn, then took her seat. Their eyes locked briefly. Evelyn’s chest tightened. Abruptly, she stood.

“Please excuse me,” she said quickly and left the room. Kannika followed her without hesitation.

All Evelyn wanted in that moment was to flee. She walked swiftly down the hall, heading straight for the car.

“Wait, wait,” Kannika caught her arm. “What is going on? Do you not want the abortion?”

“No,” Evelyn cried softly. “I just want to go home. I need to think.”

“Are you sure? Then maybe we should at least tell them,” Kannika pressed, confused.

“Just take me home.” Evelyn slid into the car.

Under the gaze of hospital staff, Kannika climbed into the driver’s seat. She had no choice but to obey. She started the engine. But before they could leave, Dr. Emilio rushed after them and blocked their way.

“Miss Evelyn, is something wrong?” Emilio pleaded, leaning into the window.

“No, please, I just need time to think.” Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest.

“But we are already set,” he urged.

“I need to think.”

“Please, if you wanted to—”

“Give us time,” Kannika cut him off, seeing Evelyn’s distress. “We will call you later.”

“Hmmm…” Emilio hesitated, then stepped back reluctantly. He watched helplessly as the car drove away.

He was back to the beginning. Running his hands through his hair, he cursed under his breath. Frustration consumed him. Yet his troubles were only starting.

Behind him, Mr. Polo appeared.

“Did they leave?” he asked sharply.

“Yes. They needed time to think,” Emilio muttered.

“Hmmm.” Polo’s eyes narrowed. “I have twenty years of experience, Doctor. And my experience has taught me something. People who behave like you always have something to hide.”

“Listen, Mr. Polo, I will handle this.”

“No, you will listen to me.” Polo stepped closer, his voice low and hard. “If you want to gamble with your career, do that. But do not gamble with mine. Whatever game you are playing, you had better stop. Remember, all that’s in the dark always comes to light.”

He paused, his eyes unflinching. “Now go explain to Dr. Williams what just happened. Because the meeting is postponed till further notice.”

He turned on his heel and left, angry and disappointed, leaving Emilio standing alone in the corridor.

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