Chapitre 22: [Meet my father]

Before leaving his office, Dr. Sabrina paused, her hand on the doorknob. Without turning, she spoke, her voice tinged with sadness. "Mr. Wilson, what did you do to my husband?"

Cain's expression hardened. "He got what he deserved."

Dr. Sabrina hesitated, her tone turning pleading. "I don't mean to offend, but… there's law and order for situations like this. You didn't have to kill him so brutally."

"Dr. Sabrina," Cain replied coldly. "To people around here, to this city—I am the law and order. Your husband was organ trafficking. And as a doctor yourself, you let it happen, right in front of you. Not only did you turn a blind eye, but you also failed to inform me. If anything, you've gotten off easy. I only punished you in Claire's matter, overlooking the fact that you knew everything and did nothing."

Realizing the dangerous turn in his words, Dr. Sabrina's face paled. She felt her heart pound in panic, silently cursing herself for digging her own grave. "I… I apologize, Mr. Wilson. Have a good day," she mumbled, then quickly slipped out, closing the door behind her.

A moment later, Cain's assistant, Mark, stepped forward, holding a thin file. "Sir, one of our cargo ships has been seized. After investigating, I found that the new chairman of RDC Private Limited has intervened. He's proposed a deal: either we hand over the lakefront property we're competing for in the upcoming auction, or we lose the cargo ship."

Cain's lips twisted into a faint smirk. He was not one to let others gain the upper hand easily. "Reach out to the highest shareholder in RDC and buy up their stock. Let the game begin," he said with a gleam in his eye.

Mark's mind raced as he watched his boss's expression, marveling once again at Cain's ruthless strategy. After a decade by his side, he had learned never to underestimate him. Yet the next piece of news made Mark tense. He wasn't sure whether to tell Cain now or wait, given his current mood.

Clearing his throat, Mark gingerly handed over another file. "Sir, Maria has been sent to rehab. Her assistant has been desperately trying to reach me, asking if you'd consider visiting her."

Cain remained focused on the screen in front of him, ignoring the suggestion.

Mark hesitated, uncertain if Cain had heard him, and decided to try again. "Sir, Maria—"

"I heard you, Mark. Don't become so slow-witted," Cain snapped without looking up, his attention still fixed on his laptop.

Mark took a breath, choosing to stay silent as he awaited further instructions. Ten minutes passed, then fifteen.

Finally, Cain closed his laptop and turned around, arching an eyebrow. "Why are you standing there? Aren't you busy today?"

Mark straightened, pursing his lips. "I was waiting for your response, sir."

"Did I not already tell you to buy RDC's stocks?" Cain's voice held a sharp edge.

"Yes, sir, I understand. But about Maria—"

"You heard me," Cain replied, his tone leaving no room for discussion. "Now, get to work. I'm heading home. Don't disturb me unless it's an emergency." With that, Cain gathered his things and left the office.

As he exited, Mark muttered to himself, "You could've just said you won't be dealing with her matter." Gathering the remaining documents, he left the office.

---

Upon arriving home, Cain headed straight for Claire's room. It was nearly seven in the evening. Entering, he saw her step out of the bathroom, her dark blue satin nightwear accentuating her elegance. Cain swallowed, fighting to maintain his composure as he walked toward her.

Hearing footsteps, Claire turned, her expression quickly souring at the sight of him. "What are you doing here?"

Cain paused briefly, then continued toward her. In a swift movement, he took her hand, drawing her close. Wrapping his arms around her, he smiled faintly. "You look stunning, Claire." He leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Claire struggled briefly but then stood still, resigned.

"How's your health?" he asked, his gaze softening.

"Fine," she replied, avoiding his eyes.

Cain cupped her face, guiding her to meet his gaze. "Claire, are you considering going back to work at the hospital?" His arms tightened subtly around her, sensing her hesitation.

She looked at him, taken aback by the unexpected question. What was he getting at?

He pulled her close, letting her head rest against his chest as he gently held her. "Claire, shutting yourself away won't change anything. I know it's been difficult, but I think you should get back to work. Keeping busy will help. Sitting here alone, you'll only hurt yourself by overthinking."

Cain's voice was low, his hand rubbing gentle circles on her back, offering a rare moment of comfort.

After a long silence, Claire pulled back, and Cain took her hand, leading her to the dining room for dinner.

Halfway through the meal, Cain suddenly spoke, "Claire, I'd like you to meet my father tomorrow."

The unexpected suggestion made Claire choke on her soup, coughing as he reached over to pat her back and handed her a glass of water.

*Father?* Her mind raced. *Why?*

After dinner, Claire retreated to the balcony for some air, wrapping her arms around herself against the evening chill. She stared out at the city lights, lost in thought, when she heard footsteps approaching. Cain's tall figure appeared behind her, casting a shadow that made her tense.

He leaned casually against the railing beside her, his gaze fixed on the view. "Why so distant, Claire?" he asked, his tone oddly soft, almost introspective.

Claire glanced at him, her expression wary. "Why are you even pretending to care, Cain?"

He chuckled softly, a humorless sound that seemed almost bitter. "Pretending?" he repeated, his voice dropping low. "If I didn't care, you wouldn't be here right now."

She held his gaze, searching for any sign of sincerity, but his face remained unreadable. Shaking her head, she looked away, focusing on the city below. "You don't care about anyone but yourself."

Cain pinched her nose. "Get some sleep, we still have work tomorrow."

He took her hand and ticked on her fingers as he said, "Getting a new dress for you, buying gift for my father, and visiting him." He smiled at her and left the room.

Claire sighed not knowing what she got herself into.

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