Episode 50
Elva hesitated, her words halting, “This one’s on me. I was so wrapped up in my worries after the news broke that I lost track of my surroundings. While I was hashing things out with my assistant in the hallway, I didn’t realize Sandra was overhearing every word.
Despite your quick grasp of the trends, it still hit her hard. There were even calls coming in for her at midnight—those people insulted her harshly. I can’t fathom who would orchestrate such a thing.”
Her voice shook with emotion. “You’ve always been there for Sandra since the very start of her career. She’s never faced such blatant hostility. The barrage of online criticism is enough to unnerve even the most resilient, and she’s particularly fragile. Mr. James, I truly didn’t intend to drag you into this mess, but…”
Elijah cut in, a firm resolve in his tone. “I understand. I’m already on my way to see her.”
A faint smile touched Elva’s lips. “Mr. James, Sandra will be thrilled to know you’re coming. A chat might just be what she needs to break the cycle of her worries. Oh, and perhaps bring along some roses? She loves those flowers dearly, and seeing them could bring a smile to her face.”
No sooner had Elijah disconnected than Oliver stepped in, carrying an impressively large bouquet of roses.
“Mr. James, these just came in by air. I believe Mrs. James will be delighted with them.”
Elijah only flicked a fleeting glance their way. “Sandra is struggling with heart complications. We won’t be stopping at the hotel. We’re heading straight to the hospital.”
Oliver blinked, caught off guard. “What about Mrs. James, then?”
Elijah’s tone was unwavering as he asserted, “We’re staring down a life-and-death situation. It’s clear what needs to take priority.”
Understanding dawned on Oliver, his expression dimming slightly in resignation.
Adding a final directive, Elijah remarked, “Be sure to pick up 99 of those roses.”
“Understood,” Oliver responded, his tone laden with a mix of duty and hesitation. He chose to hold back any further questions. He carefully arranged the roses—dark pink and elegantly wrapped in crisp white paper and gauze—on the passenger seat and made his way back to the flower shop.
Elijah inspected the bouquet in his car with a critical eye. These flowers, rich in hue and wrapped with more sophistication than the typical red, caught the light beautifully.
Shortly thereafter, Oliver reappeared with an additional bouquet, placing it gently beside the first. He then slid into the driver’s seat, ignited the engine, and they were off. The hospital was only a short distance away, and they made it there swiftly.
Once parked, Oliver sprang from the car and swung open the back door with a flourish.Roses in hand, Elijah stepped out briskly, and they paced quickly towards the hospital’s bustling entrance.
