"Okay, I understand! Mama Archer, stay there and keep him company. I'll go book a flight right now. I should arrive by tonight." After speaking, Shalma Hughes hastily hung up the phone. Her slender hands gripped the device tightly as Mama Archer's words echoed relentlessly in her mind, repeating over and over that he hadn't woken up yet.
Thea Grant had never seen Shalma so panicked. She slowly stepped forward and gently patted her arm. "Ms. Hughes, are you alright?"
Shalma snapped out of her daze. A thick, unyielding mist clouded her eyes, startling Thea. Thea saw it clearly—those were tears, tears on the verge of falling. She had worked under Shalma for three years and had seen her face countless setbacks, yet her boss had always remained calm and handled everything flawlessly. The other members of their department had even given her the nickname "Iron Barbie."
"Thea, book me a flight to Eldoria. Right now," Shalma said, steadying her nerves.
"Okay, right away..." Thea nodded hurriedly and ran back to her desk.
Late that night, inside the VIP booth of Aethelgard's most exclusive bar.
Three men sat apart, positioned like the three pillars of a divided empire. However, unlike warring lords, there was no hostility on their faces—only a breezy composure as they chatted and laughed.
"Julian! Are you really returning to Eldoria tomorrow?" Kai Winslow looked at his older brother intently, seemingly trying to discern a hint of emotion on that perfectly placid, handsome face. But just like always, his attempt ended in failure. His brother, the next head of the Winslow Family, had always kept his emotions closely guarded, even in front of his own flesh and blood.
Julian Winslow sat there, his distinct knuckles gently swirling a wine glass. He watched the clear liquid slosh against the rim before speaking. "Someone in the Winslow Family needs to carry on the bloodline."
"That doesn't sound like you at all, Julian." A trace of confusion flashed across Kai's somewhat roguishly handsome face. "Are you really willing to marry some porcelain doll and take her home just to sit there? Someone who obeys your every word, without a mind or a heart of her own? What's the difference between that and a puppet?"
The incident five years ago had sent shockwaves through the entire family. Even the elders of Winslow Corp had stepped in to stop him, but he had remained utterly unyielding, vowing to marry no one but her! At the time, he had been like a rabid lion, terrifyingly mad. How could a man like that go against his own heart to marry a complete stranger?
Julian raised his glass and took a light sip. "It makes no difference who I marry."
It made no difference, for none of them would be her.
"You're being too modest, Julian! I've heard you've had countless admirers flocking to your bed these past few years. You might as well pick one that catches your eye. Isn't that right, Ronan?" Kai said, turning to look at Ronan Fordham, who had been sitting silently beside Julian. He shot Ronan an exaggerated wink.
A flash of awkwardness crossed Ronan's chiseled face. He was merely Mr. Winslow's subordinate; how could he dare overstep?
"Ronan, do you also think he makes a valid point?" As Ronan sat there in a daze, Julian spoke up with an icy tone.
Ronan grumbled inwardly, reminding himself that he was just a subordinate. Yet, his face betrayed no emotion as he replied, "I think that if Mr. Winslow is truly going to get married, you could certainly choose someone you fancy. After all, marriage is not a game. If you bring home someone who displeases you, you'd only be creating trouble for yourself! If I have spoken out of turn, please punish me, Mr. Winslow."
Seeing Ronan's predicament, Kai burst into laughter, nearly doubling over in a completely undignified manner.
"Oh, Ronan, Ronan! The Winslow Family has never treated you like an outsider, so why do you always act so formal?" Kai said through his laughter.
"Mr. Winslow's marriage is a very serious matter," Ronan replied with sonorous conviction.
Julian ignored the two of them. He sank into a quiet stillness, his black suit making him look all the more grounded and reserved.
If they were talking about someone interesting, there really was one particular person who had piqued his curiosity...
As soon as Shalma stepped off the plane, she checked the time; it was exactly six o'clock in the evening.
She quickly hailed a taxi and rushed to the hospital.