THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 17

Hackett wasn't just being an alarmist.

Every single drug listed on this prescription was dangerously potent—just the slightest misstep could be fatal. Even with all his years of medical experience, Hackett would never dare prescribe something like this to a patient.

He couldn't help but wonder what kind of reckless quack would have the nerve to write such a prescription.

Hearing this, Skyler's face went pale with worry. "Is it really that serious?" he asked urgently.

"It is," Hackett replied, nodding gravely. "And on top of that, the secondary prescription contains two highly toxic ingredients. One wrong move, and someone could end up dead. Whatever you do, don't take any of that!"

As he spoke, Hackett picked up his notepad, swiftly scribbled out a new prescription, and handed it to Skyler. "Mr. Sylvester's condition will improve if you follow this regimen to reduce internal inflammation," he said.

"Thank you, Dr. Shepherd." Skyler accepted the prescription with both hands, gratitude written all over his face.

Hackett smiled and waved him off. "It's my duty to ease my patients' troubles."

He added, "Mr. Sylvester, if you ever feel unwell again, please make sure to visit a reputable hospital—or come straight to me. Don't let yourself get fooled by some back-alley charlatan. Losing money is one thing, but risking your health or your life is quite another."

In Hackett's mind, traditional medicine in Eldermere had long since fallen into decline. He considered himself one of the last truly gifted practitioners—nobody else in this city could hope to match his expertise.

If Gordon's ailment was really a deficiency of energy and fluids, there was no way he would have missed it.

Skyler listened, visibly shaken. "Absolutely, Dr. Shepherd. We'll be much more careful from now on!"

As soon as they stepped out of the townhouse, Skyler couldn't hold back any longer. "See, Uncle? I told you that woman was a fraud! Dr. Shepherd's diagnosis matches the hospital's exactly—now you can finally stop worrying."

Compared to that woman in the elevator, Dr. Shepherd's authority was beyond question.

Gordon said nothing. He lit a cigarette, the swirling smoke blurring his features.

This was getting more and more interesting.

He couldn't help looking forward to what would happen in two days' time.

**

Meanwhile—

After finishing up her business, Fortune made his way to the hospital.

When Caitlin saw her grandfather arrive, she greeted him politely, then left almost immediately.

She had more important things to take care of.

**

Serendipity Café.

Three men in suits sat at a window table.

One of them placed a folder on the tabletop and looked apologetically at the man across from him.

"Mr. Winslow, I'm truly sorry. Although we had discussed working together, your company's proposal simply doesn't measure up. In business, you need not only to read the room, but also to have an eye for investment. Anyone can see that now is the time to partner with The Chandler Group, not your firm. I'm sorry, but that's our final decision."

Since Julian had taken over The Chandler Group, the company had become the talk of Silverhaven. The media even called Julian a once-in-a-decade dark horse.

Meanwhile, Victor Winslow's Apex Game Studios was on a downward spiral.

The only reason they'd considered working with Apex in the first place was the hope that Apex would win this year's Celestial Awards.

But at this point, it was doubtful whether Apex could even deliver a proposal to Sylvester Group on time, let alone win any awards.

Hudson Barrett was a shrewd businessman. He knew better than to stick with a sinking ship—now was the time to switch alliances to The Chandler Group.

Victor opened his mouth to protest, but the man beside Hudson, Babur, cut in—