Chapter 108: Marcus‘ Karma Is Mabel
“Can you pass the phone to Noah?”
Cassius was silent for a moment.
Even through the phone.
Gemma could feel the chill in his tone.
She shivered, unable to stop herself.
She thought he’d refuse, but the next second, Noah’s voice came through.
“Gemma, I miss you. I want to be with you.”
“Why won’t you come back?”
“If you don’t come back, I won’t stay here either!”
“I’m running away to find you!”
Before Noah could finish his dramatic declaration, the phone was snatched back by Cassius.
“Focus on your own business. I’ll handle him.”
Gemma shook her head. “Noah needs proper communication. Don’t rush him.”
Surprisingly, Cassius seemed to seriously consider her advice.
“Alright.”
That made Gemma even more uneasy.
The two of them never got along.
Three sentences in, and they were usually at odds.
Cassius, with his cold and distant demeanor, didn’t seem like someone who could comfort a child.
“If it’s convenient, could you send Noah to my apartment?”
She could take care of both Cali and Noah.
Cassius didn’t respond immediately.
Sensing his hesitation, she quickly reassured him.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Noah goes to bed on time, and I’ll take him to school in the morning.”
Finally, Cassius spoke. “You’re going to take care of one adult and one child?”
“I can handle it.” Gemma kept nodding but quickly realized he couldn’t see her and awkwardly stopped.
Cassius fell silent again.
The stillness on the other end of the line made the faint sound of sniffling even more noticeable.
Gemma grew nervous, afraid he’d reject her and ignore Noah’s plea.
“I’ll bring him over. If it works out, he can stay.”
Gemma nodded eagerly. “Alright, what time will you arrive? I’ll make sure to be home.”
Cassius paused before replying, “Eight–thirty.”
Gemma did the math.
She’d finish work around six, wrap up at the hospital by six–thirty.
She’d promised Brian dinner, but it’d be seven by the time she got to the restaurant.
That left her with only 40 minutes to eat.
It should be enough.
Brian had already booked a table, so there wouldn’t be any waiting.
“Okay, it’s settled then.”
Before the call ended, Noah managed to grab the phone one last time.
“Gemma, see you tonight! You promise!”
Gemma couldn’t help but smile warmly. “Alright, see you tonight.”
Brian had gone all out for dinner.
He’d arranged for the private room to be decorated and even had the staff prepare flowers.
Setting
16.00
Chapter 108: Marcus‘ Karma Is Mabel
He showed up at Gemma’s office early, waiting for her to finish work.
“Brian, don’t you have work to do?”
Gemma was writing up the day’s surgery reports, with only one left to finish.
She’d been running around all day and felt completely drained.
Seeing Brian so relaxed made her feel a bit annoyed.
Brian handed her a bottle of energy drink. “I know you’ve had several surgeries today. Recharge a little.”
Gemma took a few sips, and her exhaustion seemed to ease.
“Brian, you are something, Running a company and still making time for everything else.”
“You’re proof that talented people really do have more energy than someone like me.”
Brian chuckled. “That’s why I planned a big dinner for you–gotta make sure you’re getting all your nutrients.”
Gemma finished the last report, double–checked it, and sent it to her supervisor’s email.
“Done! Let’s go eat.”
“But skip the whole nutrient thing. Let’s just order something simple and quick.”
Brian was momentarily stunned
But he quickly remembered how doctors often had to rush their meals.
“Fair enough. Work’s over, though.
Can’t we slow down a bit and enjoy life?”
Gemma realized he misunderstood and quickly explained.
“It’s not that. I just have other things to do tonight. I need to be home by eight.”
Brian assumed it had to do with Cali.
“Don’t worry. I sent some ice packs to her place earlier. She’s doing fine.”
Despite not knowing Cali long, Brian acted like they were old friends.
“But she’s such a workaholic. She’s probably still designing something. If you go home too early, you’ll just end up bored waiting for her to finish.”
His analysis was so spot–on it left Gemma feeling a bit embarrassed.
“It’s not entirely about Cali.”
“Oh?”
“Never mind. Let’s eat first.”
Gemma quickly left the office, eager to save time for dinner.
Watching her cheerful figure…
Brian felt reassured.
He knew she’d been with Marcus for years. Even though they were divorced, moving on wouldn’t be easy.
He was willing to wait.
As long as Gemma stayed happy and close to him…
He didn’t mind waiting another six years if needed.
“Gemma, slow down. The janitor just mopped the floor–don’t slip!”
22
When they opened the door to the private dining room.
Gemma was stunned.
Rose petals were scattered on the table, couple–themed paintings adorned the walls, and floral arrangements added to the ambiance.
This…
If it were a date, it would’ve been romantic and thoughtful.
But to Gemma, it was just overwhelming.
“This… is it…”
Brian stood beside her.
His soft gaze melting like water.
“This place is really popular. It’s the only room I could reserve. Hope it didn’t scare you.”
Gemma, “…”
“We’re ready.” Brian didn’t wait for her response and signaled the waiter to start serving.
2/91
Setting
16:00
Chapter 108: Marcus‘ Karma Is Mabel
The waiter immediately withdrew, leaving the space for them.
“Max, what’s with the sour face? Did you even want to have dinner with me?”
Margaret complained.
She’d been feeling unwell lately, and every time she called Marcus, he said he was too busy to visit her at the hospital.
Today, after much coaxing, he’d finally agreed to a meal.
Her injuries had mostly healed, but she hadn’t checked out yet.
She wanted an apology from Gemma, thinking she could make more trouble for her at the hospital.
But Gemma hadn’t made a move since that one sarcastic jab.
Frustrated, Margaret saw no point in staying hospitalized.
“I was just thinking about your discharge.”
Marcus spotted a figure that looked like Gemma and quickened his pace.
Turning a corner, he saw Gemma and Brian standing outside a private room.
Brian’s smile was gentle.
Gemma looked radiant.
Before Marcus could react, Gemma stepped into the room, and the door closed behind her.
A man and a woman, alone in a private room!
If Brian had any intentions, Gemma wouldn’t stand a chance!
No way!
He had to intervene.
“You don’t need to worry about my discharge. Mabel will handle it. Honestly, she’s more reliable. You should stick with her instead…”
Setting