Shattered Then Healed By His Love (by Haley Blanton) novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71 A Clinic Under Fire

Natalie lifted her gaze to Atlas, her cheeks faintly flushed. “What do you mean by ‘a good match‘? Don’t talk nonsense. If he heard you, you’d regret it.”

Atlas tilted his head, thoughtful. “Strange… he looks familiar, like I’ve seen him somewhere before.”

“He’s the president of Anderson Corp. Your alma mater, Brookvale University? He’s the biggest investor behind it.”

As her words sank in, Atlas’s eyes widened in shock.

Of course he’d heard the name. Marcus Collins was legendary in Brookvale’s business world, a man whose influence stretched far beyond the city.

“So he’s that Marcus?”

Natalie nodded lightly. “Seems you’ve heard of him.”

“Who hasn’t? His name carries weight everywhere.”

Before the conversation could go further, the sound of footsteps came from the door.

“Natalie, someone’s here. We’ll finish this later,” Atlas said quickly.

“All right.”

She watched him head out, lips curving into a faint smile. Who would have guessed the earnest young doctor was also this nosy?

The clinic’s first day far exceeded her expectations. The flow of patients was steady, the revenue more than she’d dared hope.

By the time she closed up, it was already dark. Atlas had left; Natalie was gathering her bag to leave as well.

That was when the door opened.

Victoria and Zoey walked in together.

Natalie’s brows pinched, her tone sharp. “What are you doing here?”

Zoey sauntered forward, flopping into the consultation chair. “What else? To see a doctor, of

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course. I’ve been dizzy, Ms. Foster. Won’t you check me over?” She pressed her hand theatrically to her forehead.

Natalie shot her a cold glance. “We’re closed. Go home and have your father look at you.”

“But you’re still here,” Victoria cut in, removing her sunglasses with practiced grace. “You could spare a few minutes, couldn’t you? They say your skills are remarkable. I’d like to see if that’s

true.”

“My skills don’t extend to treating either of you. Leave.”

Natalie stepped to the desk, face composed, and pointed directly at the door.

Zoey’s face twisted in indignation. “Since when does a doctor get to pick and choose patients? If I spread word of this, who’d dare come here? First time I’ve seen such arrogance–it’s laughable!”

“Exactly,” Victoria added icily. “Sounds like you don’t want this clinic to last.”

Natalie’s voice was firm, her expression steely. “I intend to succeed. But I do business with principles. I won’t waste time on fools.”

The insult struck like a whip. Zoey slammed a palm on the desk, chest heaving. “Watch your mouth, Natalie. Who are you calling a fool?”

“Whoever insists on being my patient,” Natalie replied evenly, lips curling into a smile that only stoked the fire.

“You-!”

Zoey was seething, but Victoria laid a restraining hand on her arm.

“Ms. Foster,” Victoria said smoothly, though her eyes were hard, “I know you hold grudges against us. But the past is past. Don’t let it cloud your judgment forever.”

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