Chapter 17: The Power Shift

The next morning arrived with a huge wave of shock for the entire Starship Country. A particular news spread like fire, leaving everyone shocked.

[Breaking News: Blackwood Mansion Engulfed in Flames- A Legacy Reduced to Ashes]

[In a shocking turn of events, a devastating fire has destroyed the legendary Blackwood Mansion. Blackwoods are among the most powerful names in Starship Country's business world. Authorities are investigating the cause as the fire swept through the estate late last night, leaving nothing but rubble and a stunned community.]

[The Queen of the Blackwood Empire is rumored to have gotten heavily injured in the fire. Firefighters were seen rescuing her from the mansion before she was taken to the Outpatient hospital. There has been no news about her ever since.]

[Statement from Authorities: "Fire officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire, but investigations are ongoing. Only one injury has been reported so far."]

[The Blackwood family has been a cornerstone of the Starship Country's economy for decades. Known for their extensive influence in finance, real estate, and energy, this tragedy marks a significant blow to both the family and their associates.]

[Locals and business insiders are expressing grief and disbelief. "This is the end of an era," remarked a close associate of the Blackwood family.]

[Potential Causes: Early speculation suggests the possibility of arson, though fire investigators have not confirmed any details. Electrical faults and other accidental causes are also being explored.]

Kevin let out a deep sigh as he listened to the never-ending reports about the fire in the news. "They sure are enjoying this." He murmured as the reporter spoke his dramatic closing lines.

[As the ashes of the Blackwood legacy settle, the business world watches closely, waiting to see how the family will recover from this disaster.]

Right at that moment, the TV was switched off, pulling everyone's attention toward the man who just entered the private room.

"The patient needs to rest right now. Please don't disturb her." He spoke politely but in a firm tone while looking through Grace's reports that he was holding in his hands.

Before Kevin could have responded, Grace shook her head, stopping him. "I'll be discharged soon. Wait for me at the address I have sent you all. In the meantime... make sure everything goes smoothly about the plan." She lowered her voice as she spoke the last line.

Kevin nodded his head in understanding, and with a quick look in the doctor's direction, he exited the room. If the task of closing the base was a serious and big one, then his current task was even a level higher than that. None of them could afford to make any sort of mistake this time.

Once both Kevin and the nurse left the room, Grace turned her attention toward the man who was still checking her reports. "Dr. Kian, it's good to see you again." She spoke, not even trying to hide the teasing note in her tone.

He finally looked, fixing his gaze on her face. He cleared his throat, an attempt to hide his nervousness but Grace saw through it very clearly. "I was free... so I decided to check on you."

A smile formed on her lips as Grace spoke, "I'm surprised to know that as a neurosurgeon and an oncologist, you still have that much free time. It's been four hours since I got admitted here, and this is already your fourth visit. If I'm not wrong, that's even more than my attending doctor's."

All of a sudden, Dr. Kian found himself at a complete loss for words and such a thing had never happened to him before. Even if he wanted to say something, he had no idea what to say. "I... I'm just concerned as we met just yesterday. I... that's all."

"Right." Grace replied. "Because if I didn't know better, I might have thought that you are one of my admirers."

"Huh? Admirer?" Dr. Kian stared at her with wide eyes. He almost looked like a deer caught in headlights.

"Mmm. Admirer. You do know that a beautiful, hot, rich, and successful businesswoman like me has a lot of admirers, right?" She was absolutely enjoying the power shift that somehow happened between them.

Their current situation was completely opposite of the day before. Back then, she was the one who felt flustered and he had the power, but today, she was the one in power and he was the one left flustered.

She wasn't sure how long this power was going to remain in her hands but she wanted to make the most out of it. Besides, it was fun to see someone like Dr. Kian appearing so flustered because of her teasing.

It took him a few moments to pull himself together. He was looking everywhere but at her as he quickly replied, "Right. You... should have those. But I just came to check on your health. You are indeed good to go. I will take my leave then."

He didn't wait to even hear her response and quickly walked out of the room. As for Grace, she stared at the door with a smile playing on her lips. She shook her head while trying to control her smile.

"You seem to be enjoying this." 2025 commented the moment they were alone.

Grace immediately became normal and cleared her throat before replying, "I was just seeking revenge for yesterday."

"Oh? Then you should have added this to your tasks list. You lost the chance for earning 10 more points." 2025 returned sarcastically, clearly not buying her lie.

Before Grace could have responded, she heard someone knocking on the door. A moment later, a nurse opened the door. "Ms. Blackwood, the police is here. They want to take your statement."

"Please let them in."