The Ex Who Became His Obsession novel Chapter 18

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The sound of Alyssia’s cup hitting the floor echoed in the room. Her face turned pale as she thought, ‘Dr. Lewis?‘

The doctor who had originally been assigned to perform Rosalie’s operation also had the same surname.

But that doctor left the country overnight on the very night Rosalie’s condition turned critical, forcing Alyssia into a frantic chase that ended with her nearly getting killed–and still failing to catch up.

Beatrice, stunned, sat down beside Alyssia and took her hand. “Aly, what’s wrong? Your hands are so cold.” She then touched Alyssia’s forehead and asked, “Do you feel unwell?”

“My mom is asking you something.” Leonard’s voice was icy. “That whole fragile act might work when you’re playing cute, but don’t start pulling it out every time you want attention.”

Beatrice immediately shot Leonard a glare.

“Dr. Lewis? You mean Dr. Alfred Lewis, the surgeon at Elmbrook General Hospital?” Alyssia looked at Milena, her gaze sharp her expression intense and unsettling.

Milena flinched and instinctively took a step toward Leonard, as though seeking protection.

Leonard extended his arm and rested it on the back of the sofa behind Milena. In front of everyone, he made such a gesture, as though he were ready to pull Milena into his embrace.

“Elmbrook General Hospital only has one Dr. Lewis who would be qualified enough to treat Mr. Johnson,” Leonard coldly answered for Milena.

“I understand,” Alyssia said, lowering her head and pressing her nails lightly into her palm. She stood up and gave Beatrice a composed smile. “Mrs. Rivera, it’s late. I’ll be going now. Have a nice evening.”

Beatrice gripped her hand, refusing to let go, her face showing concern. “Aly, are you alright?”

‘I’m fine,” Alyssia answered gently. “Mrs. Rivera, don’t worry about me. I’ll take care of myself.” She then pressed her lips together and turned, walking toward the door without a second glance.

Leonard suddenly straightened up, his voice low. “Alyssia.” He hadn’t expected Alyssia to actually leave the house in front of Beatrice.

But Charlie was faster, already stepping out ahead of him. Hearing Leonard’s voice, Charlie turned, his gaze calm but cold as it met Leonard’s. “Rosalie’s lead surgeon also has the same surname as Dr. Lewis,” Charlie remarked.

“So what?” Leonard asked icily, his expression stormy. He thought, ‘How does Charlie, an outsider, know so much about Rosalie’s situation?‘

Charlie scoffed, “Mr. Rivera, since you care so deeply for Ms. Johnson, why do you keep holding on to Alyssia? She and the Clairmont family owe you nothing.” After saying that, he quickly walked off in pursuit of Alyssia.

Rage surged through Leonard as he moved to go after them.

“Stop right there,” Beatrice’s voice cut in, calm but firm, right at that critical moment.

Leonard turned back and saw her slowly rising to her feet. “Start talking,” Beatrice said. “What’s going on with Dr. Lewis?”

“Mrs. Rivera, this is not Leonard’s fault,” Milena quickly explained. “It’s just that my grandfather was critically ill and didn’t trust foreign doctors, refusing treatment. I had no choice but to ask Leonard for help.”

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Chapter 18

“Milena,” Beatrice interrupted her with a smile, “I know, out of all the city’s heiresses, you’re the smartest and most understanding. You stay quiet while my son and I have our discussion, alright?”

Milena froze, unable to speak a word.

Beatrice was about to continue questioning Leonard when something seemed to cross her mind. She turned back, smiling as

she looked at Milena.

Milena, unnerved by her overly sweet smile, felt a chill run through her. “Mrs. Rivera.”

“Milena, did you know that Dr. Lewis is Rosalie’s lead surgeon?” Beatrice asked.

Milena’s eyes welled with tears, and she replied, “Mrs. Rivera, I didn’t know before. After I found out, I felt guilty. That’s why I specifically asked for those experts to come and consult on Rosalie.

“But Alyssia misunderstood me, thinking I wanted to harm Rosalie. She not only hit me, but also almost pushed me down

the stairs.

“Leon knows all of this. I didn’t lie, and I didn’t set Alyssia up. If she hadn’t hit me and messed up my face, I wouldn’t have even told you. I’ve got shoots and auditions lined up tomorrow, and now I have to cancel everything.”

After saying all that, Milena thought that Beatrice would finally say something in her favor.

To Milena’s surprise, Beatrice spoke in the softest tone and immediately gave her the boot, “Milena, go home and rest. Once your face is better, go back to work.

‘From now on, don’t come to Rosewood Manor. I fear the bad vibes here might rub off on you. I wouldn’t want your mother to blame me later.”

At first, Beatrice’s words seemed reasonable, but upon reflection, each one carried an underhanded implication. Beatrice was Leonard’s mother, and no matter how strange her words sounded, Milena couldn’t dare to argue or get angry.

Milena felt a mix of frustration and anger, but all she could do was quietly say her goodbyes to Leonard, wipe away her tears and run out of the house.

Beatrice waited expressionlessly until Milena was completely out the door. Then she turned her gaze, giving a quiet order to oseph. “Call a few people to come up with me.”

Once on the second floor, Beatrice sat on the sofa. “Pack up all of Ms. Clairmont’s clothes, shoes, jewelry, and cosmetics. Don’t leave a single thing behind.”

Leonard followed her inside, looking displeased. “Mom, what are you doing?”

Beatrice sighed deeply, “I can’t keep this future daughter–in–law, nor do I want to.”

‘Mom.” Leonard frowned.

“Don’t bring up Dr. Lewis. I’m not interested,” Beatrice said, folding her arms, staring up at the ceiling. “Don’t talk about Rosalie either. It’s none of my business.”

“Mom, you-”

“And as for Alyssia and Milena, don’t even mention them. Neither of them will ever marry into our family.”

Beatrice clapped her hands and stood up, moving gracefully. “I’ve warned you about this, but you’ve never listened. I’ve raised you for more than twenty years. But from now on, I don’t give a damn about you anymore.”

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She left, but not before tapping Joseph’s forehead and reminding him, “Remember, if anything is missing. I’ll deduct your bonus for a whole year.”

Alyssia tightened her coat around her body. The night air was cold, cutting right through her.

It was like that early morning outside the club when Leonard’s staff drove her away with harsh words, like the moment outside the airport terminal when the front of a car brushed past her and the breath of death felt close enough to touch.

Alyssia thought, ‘No wonder Leonard had his men speak to me like that, and no wonder he refused to meet with me. It was Leonard who sent Rosalie’s lead surgeon away.

He took away Rosalie’s chance at life just to please Milena, who comes from a wealthy family. Milena can have her grandfather treated by the best doctors abroad, but she still had to take away Rosalie’s only surgeon.

Alyssia slowly crouched down, hugging her knees. Tears streamed down her cheeks, splashing on the gray floor, creating mall ripples.

I’m sorry, Rosalie. I’m just so useless,‘ she thought. ‘Milena can take away Rosalie’s life–saving doctor and gather a team of experts to consult on her behalf. She toys with me like I’m just a nobody.

And Leonard just sits there coldly in the audience, watching me fall apart like it’s entertainment. Occasionally, when he’s ntertained, he’ll toss me a breadcrumb. But if I dare to challenge Milena, he’ll whip me harshly for it.