Chapter 15
Like all companies during year–end, Eve Medical was frantically busy. Even Emma, just a receptionist, saw her visitor traffic double.
After two weeks on the job, none of her and Marcus’s fears had materialized. Though her feet ached from standing, it was easier than her previous position.
Her fellow receptionist laughed at Emma’s initial concerns. “You were worried about that? Do you know how many wealthy women want to marry Mr. Hernandez? I’d be thrilled if he noticed me!”
Emma smiled sheepishly, realizing how absurd her fears had been. Issac barely glanced at reception, only calling down when he needed help bringing up takeout.
She’d been curious what a CEO would order, but his portions were depressingly small – less than what
the dieting receptionists ate.
Some days he didn’t eat at all.
Passing reception, Issac noticed the girls whispering and showed a rare smile, his eyes softening. That
moment reminded him of Evelyn and Sophia, huddled together like playful creatures during their college
days – a scene he’d give anything to return to.
But he couldn’t. There was no undoing the past.
Today he had a hospital meeting, so he wore a formal suit. Though the cold raised goosebumps on his
neck and arms, he didn’t turn on the car’s heat. He remembered Evelyn standing in the winter cold, thinly dressed, cruelly shut out by him.
This was his self–imposed punishment.
The Deputy Director came to greet him. They’d worked together when Issac was still at Hernandez
Industries, but now the man looked uncomfortable. “Issac, it’s not that we don’t want to collaborate on
the new drug development, but your father…”
“Is that from the Director?” Issac stood straight, his shoulders damp from melting snow. “It’s fine. I’ll wait
here while you ask if he’ll see me.”
“Ah,” the Deputy sighed. “You’re a good kid. How did things get so bad with your family?”
Seeing Issac dripping with snow, he relented and called the Director’s office. “Wait here. He’s busy right
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Chapter 15
now.”
Issac nodded.
He stood straight outside the office, his shoes soaked from snow, yet rigid as a pine tree. The Deputy returned to his own work.
Then a small figure bumped into his leg.
Issac looked down to see a little head with strawberry hair ties. The girl rubbed her forehead, not crying, and looked up at him.
Lucas’s child?
He knew Lucas had worked at this hospital, but why would he bring a child here?
Where was Lucas?
His heart flooded with questions, but the priority was getting the little girl back to safety. Issac crouched down. The girl watched him warily, stepping back when he reached out. She wrinkled her nose. “You’re the bad man Uncle warned me about.”
“Why are you here alone?” Issac ignored the childish accusation, concerned about her being lost. He noticed the name tag on her chest. “Your name is Eva?”
“No, not Ev-” the little girl said loudly. “Evelyn is Mommy’s name. I’m Eva! With an ‘a‘!”
His heart felt like it had been struck by lightning, stealing his breath. Issac grabbed Eva’s small arm urgently. “What’s your mother’s name?!”
“Evelyn,” Eva’s eyes widened, growing frightened. “Mister, you’re hurting me…”
“Let her go!”
In a blur, Lucas shoved Issac away, scooping up Eva. He glared at Issac on the floor. “What do you think
you’re doing?!”
Issac ignored his disheveled state, stepping forward like a man possessed, looking at Eva with desperate hope. “Tell me, what’s your mother’s name?”
Eva, barely four and a half, burst into tears, clinging to Lucas’s neck and turning away. When Issac tried
to move closer, Lucas’s fist connected with his face.
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Chapter 15
“Get away!” he shouted at Issac sprawled on the ground, like a lion protecting his family. “What are you playing at, Issac? You killed Evelyn! You’re the one who drove her to suicide, and now you’re acting crazy! If you’re sick, get help. Every time I see you from now on, I’m going to hit you!”
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