Chapter 43 Chapter 43 Chapter 43 Charles gave a nod and stepped out to make a call. "Well, isn't this a surprise, Ms. Summers!" A low, amused voice came from the doorway. Andrew stood there, tall and relaxed, his eyes half lidded with lazy charm. He didn't seem the least bit surprised to see Olivia here. Leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, he watched her, one foot casually propped against the other. "Andrew, you know Olivia?" Samuel sounded intrigued. He found it unusual, since Andrew wasn't known for mingling with women. "We're not close," Olivia said coolly. "We know each other-quite well." Andrew tilted his head at her voice, giving her a teasing smirk. "She's my only hope for a cure." "Mr. Shea, I never agreed to treat you," Olivia said, propping her chin on her hand as she met his eyes. "Who knew you'd be so bold?" "A man's got to do what he can to survive," Andrew replied, nodding sagely. "I even gave up coffee for you. That means you're responsible for me now. Olivia ignored him as she poured the medicine, though a faint smirk tugged at her lips. She didn't expect this spoiled rich boy to be so obedient. In traditional medicine, nothing frustrated a healer more than a patient who wouldn't listen. The stricter the warning, the harder they'd resist-until even the simplest cure slipped out of reach. Samuel frowned, baffled by the odd tension between them. "Since when do you follow orders so well?" he asked Andrew. "Samuel, my very life depends on her," Andrew said, stepping closer to the bed. "I'd be a fool to disobey." Samuel couldn't tell how much of that was sincere. Andrew was ruthless and calculating, yet he got along too well with Samuel's own grandson. Together, they were nothing but trouble, and Samuel wasn't about to let his guard down. "So why are you really here?" Samuel moved protectively in front of Olivia, his voice sharp. "Not to poach my doctor, I hope." "Andrew, haven't you learned to respect your elders?" Samuel tapped his cane threateningly against Andrew's shin, "I'm clearly the sicker one here. You'll have to wait for your turn." Andrew's chest shook with silent laughter before he held up his/hands in surrender. "Relax. I wouldn't dream of stealing your physician, Samuel." "Then why darken my doorway?" Samuel's smile didn't reach his eyes. Years had taught him that Andrew never visited without causing trouble. Andrew's gaze slid to Olivia, the unspoken words hanging heavy between them. Olivia needed no further hint. "The herbal soup needs reheating," she announced, already moving toward the door. Samuel's stern expression warmed as he watched he go. The door hadn't fully closed before Samuel's face hardened again. "Get on with it, boy." Andrew settled on the bed's edge, smoothing his sleeves. "I'm here to break the engagement." Samuel's blood boiled. He nearly shattered his cane imagining Andrew daring to reject his precious granddaughter. They'd been inseparable as children-so close that their families had arranged the match. After Ivy disappeared, the engagement meant nothing anymore. Women chased after Andrew constantly, but to Samuel's surprise, the young man kept 1/3 07:19 Tue, 2 Sept Chapter 43 OA 89% refusing them all, always claiming he was promised to Ivy. Samuel had always considered Andrew morally deficient, but the boy's striking looks and considerable wealth at least made him a viable candidate. For years, Samuel had upheld the engagement as a temporary arrangement-one that could be easily voided once ivy returned. Andrew daring to reject the arrangement first was an insult that struck at the very heart of Samuel's authority. "Andrew!" Samuel swung his cane with a sharp whoosh. "You dare call off the engagement with my precious granddaughter? Name one reason she isn't worthy." Andrew dodged effortlessly, rubbing his temples. "Samuel, I'm not meant for marriage, and you know my health. Why condemn Ms. Summers to that fate? She's too good for me." "That's more like it," Samuel grunted, his anger fading. A sharp intelligence flashed in his eyes as he gathered his thoughts. "There are two conditions for canceling the engagement: your grandfather must come speak with me personally, and you must apologize to Ivy in person." The message was plain-Andrew's grandfather had to be part of this, and finding Ivy was now his duty. "Understood." Andrew lowered his eyes. "I'll have Tony and the others begin the search at once." Finding Ivy immediately became his priority-only then could he be free of this engagement. Their discussion ended as Olivia entered carrying a thermos. Samuel's face brightened. "Olivia, my dear. You've saved my life and now bring my medicine too." Samuel found himself strangely comfortable with Olivia. David had mentioned she was special, and Samuel could see why-she practiced medicine with absolute dedication, never compromising her principles. This was exactly what made a truly great doctor for the people. Her transparent honesty showed in those clear eyes. Despite being fully aware of their powerful social standing, she never sought to profit from having saved them-a quality Samuel found extraordinarily rare. After surviving decades in the cutthroat business world, Samuel believed he'd encountered every kind of person imaginable. Yet Olivia's authenticity struck him as genuinely different. To his own surprise, he not only admired her but also became convinced she was meant for extraordinary achievements. "Drink this while it's warm," Olivia said, handing him the steaming soup. Her voice remained calm and even as she added, "It should relieve that tightness in your chest." Samuel initially dismissed the idea as comforting nonsense, doubting that mere soup could have any real medicinal effect. But with each sip, a soothing warmth spread through his body, slowly easing his pain. When he finished the bowl, the heavy pressure in his chest vanished completely, and for the first time in days, he could breathe easily. He tested his arm in wonder. Strangely, he felt stronger after his illness than before. 'David wasn't exaggerating,' he thought. 'Olivia works miracles. Andrew observed the scene with quiet amusement, clearly familiar with her extraordinary skills. "The herbal soup is part of your treatment," Olivia said, securing the thermos lid. "For the next few days, stick to simple meals-absolutely no seafood." She met his eyes with quiet authority. "And I'll need you to avoid strong coffee completely." A flush spread across Samuel's face. Coffee was his one indulgence, and Andrew's premium beans had been impossible to refuse. He hadn't expected a young woman to call him out like this. Now, being scolded like a careless child left him torn between embarrassment and reluctant admiration. When David hurried in, he found his formidable boss sitting meekly on the bed, taking instructions from Olivia, while Andrew merely watched, offering no rescue. Freelance photographer Violet Beck is forced into an engagement with CEO Roy Payne. He is everything her wild heart rebels against: proper, predictable, and painfully kind. But love has a way of devel...