Chapter 103: The Outstanding Professional

Chapter 103: The Outstanding Professional "Doctor Athena, Mr. Alfonso Adams is here to see you." Athena furrowed her eyebrows, watching her personal assistant, Ciara, make the report with her usual blend of cheerfulness and eagerness, as if she held the secrets of the universe in her hands. "Did he state his reason for being here?" She finally asked, reclining deeper into the chair as if her body could magically absorb some patience. "No, ma’am," Ciara answered smartly, her tone suggesting that she was thoroughly aware of her boss’ struggle with impatience. "Should I send him away?" Athena would have loved to. The thought of dodging any more theatrics from the Adams family was enticing, particularly when she felt as though she was beating her head against a high gate at the end of every tunnel of inquiry. The team’s investigation into the events of the last two nights had turned up null. No witnesses, no leads, and still no word from Mr. Thorne! Sighing heavily, she realized the weight of her obligations. But she was a doctor, after all; sending Alfonso away wasn’t really an option. Not only was he her patient, but he also had an uncanny ability to bubble over with melodrama, which frankly was the last thing she needed right now. I will send him away if he talks about the news of this morning. Athena vowed, shaking her head at the memory of Ethan’s grand announcement a few hours ago, regarding how her acquired businesses would now be run. He had made it fully operational at the same time too. Just an hour ago, he’d sent her a report which detailed their sales volume making a formidable leap. But why wouldn’t it? It was Ethan after all. A male who understood the power of a good scandal. Yet, if this was what Alfonso was here for, she would certainly send him packing. "Let him in," She said decisively. "But be ready to kick him out at the first sight of theatrics. The man can be quite bothersome." Ciara smiled and nodded. "With all pleasure, ma’am." Once Ciara left, Athena folded her arms across her chest and swirled her chair to face the window, looking out at the busy street below. The only thing that had at least brightened her inquiry spectrometer was the test Chelsea had given her before leaving the country. Kendra was indeed Fiona’s daughter fully. But that wasn’t exactly groundbreaking news for Athena. What truly baffled her was Chelsea’s sudden departure after promising to stay at least two weeks with them. Of course, Areso had gone with her, because those two were like peanut butter and jelly — inseparable. What was the story between Chelsea and Sandro? Now that was the gossip she craved almost as much as she wanted to unravel the tangled lives of Gianna and Zane. And it felt worse that she couldn’t conduct any research on the matter to satiate her curiosity. "Good afternoon, Doctor Athena," A meek voice interrupted her thoughts. Athena cussed out mentally, before swirling back to face Alfonso, who was now standing by the door frame with an air of practiced charm. "Am I permitted to come in?" He asked dramatically, with all the sincerity of a soap opera star poised for his big moment. Athena maintained a bland face, but inwardly, she was scrunching her nose at his preposterous demeanor. When did this arrogant male start asking for permission to enter her office after being ushered in by the secretary? She waved him in, barely containing her eye roll at his theatrics. As she watched him walk toward her, she couldn’t help but wonder if he was in cahoots with Fiona—just as he had been six years ago. This thought sent a shiver of annoyance down her spine. "What can I do for you, Alfonso?" she asked, her tone as cool as a cucumber but laced with her trademark edge. "I came here for my treatment. You remember?" he replied, attempting to conjure an expression of concern, though it was as convincing as a three-dollar bill. Athena nodded, relieved that he at least had a legitimate reason for intruding. She immediately stood up from the chair, turning to head for the door. "Aren’t you coming?" she prompted, and Alfonso looked startled at the idea that she wouldn’t make small talk first. But to avoid triggering the dragon of a woman, he obediently followed her. "You’re still in your early stages, so you might not need bed rest in the hospital, although I would suggest it," Athena stated matter-of-factly, her voice taking on an air of professionalism that had become second nature, as she dropped her stethoscope on the lab table. "This is because the nurses could take care of you properly. We can even make a space for you in your wife’s ward; I’m sure you would like that..." Athena’s words tasted bitter in her own mouth, yet she was a professional doctor first and foremost, and this man was paying handsomely for her services, no matter how much his presence irked her. "That would be good. Thank you, Doctor," Alfonso said with a gracious nod, getting rid of the transparent rope on his hand that had evidently tightened his arms during the blood draw. "However, I won’t be coming in now. I have some matters to take care of. Maybe next week?" Athena nodded stoically. "That’s okay. You can collect your medication at the pharmacy station. I’ll be taking my leave now." However, before Athena could escape the cabinet of curiosities that was Alfonso Adams, he stopped her with a quick motion. "Wait, please, about the payment..." Ah, the payment. This was the real crux of his visit, wasn’t it? Athena held back a scoff as she turned to face him again. "Have you fulfilled your own part of the bargain? Let me see the evidence." Alfonso stretched his phone toward her, after opening it to reveal his transaction history like a magician unveiling his tricks. "As you can see, the staff has been paid, and from the news this morning, you can note that they have started work too. Ethan Patterson has retained most of them." Athena nodded, her expression shifting to cautious approval, sensing she was already done with this conversation. "That’s okay. Good, actually. I’ll make the transfer now." Her phone slid into her pocketed palm naturally as she prepared to conduct the transaction. Alfonso watched curiously as Athena pulled her phone from her pocket, focused intently on the screen. To say he was surprised when his phone immediately dinged with an alert would be a gross understatement. He checked and rechecked the amount; it was correct! She had just sent the money as if it was child’s play! He had thought she would make a call to her backer first, but it turned out the rumors were true: she was a rich doctor. "Have you received it?" She asked when she suddenly looked up, meeting his gaze with curious nonchalance. Alfonso, still stewing in his thoughts, nodded. "Can I ask what’s the relationship between you and Ethan?" Athena furrowed her brows, throwing him the kind of look usually reserved for those who had just spilled coffee on her favorite blouse. "He’s an astute businessman; I’m an outstanding professional saleswoman. Nothing much to it. I’ll be taking my leave now." She walked out of the room immediately, unwilling to let him continue his questioning. A sinister smile, however, crept onto Alfonso’s lips when she was finally out of earshot. It didn’t matter what she thought, he mused. She would pay for all of it. From now on, her days would be filled with sorrow. If it didn’t stem from he and Zack’s plans, it would occur from he and Fiona’s schemes, or perhaps the mercenary they had in tow. Athena’s happy days were definitely over.