How the Ice King Became my Doting Billionaire Husband

Fletcher narrowed his eyes, a sly glint playing at their corners. To most, Fletcher seemed gentle, easy to approach, the kind of guy who could easily be friends with someone like Stuart. But Fletcher was anything but simple to deal with. Not even his parents could boss him around, so where did this guy get off thinking he could?

And Fletcher particularly despised anyone tugging at his clothes.

Out of seemingly nowhere, Fletcher produced a scalpel, its blade catching the light in a dangerous shimmer. With a faint smile still dancing in his fox-like eyes, he slowly brought the scalpel towards Violet's hand, which was clutching at his shirt.

Startled, Violet quickly let go.

Who in their right mind, Fletcher thought, carries a scalpel around and flashes a smile while ready to use it at the drop of a hat? Certainly not your average Joe.

Violet could sense Fletcher's cold indifference and realized bringing up Adelaide as leverage was futile. Her gaze turned to her son, writhing in agony on the hospital bed, the doctors bustling around cluelessly, unable to help.

Finally dropping her tough facade, Violet understood only Fletcher could save her son now.

Suddenly, she fell to her knees in front of Fletcher, her head bowed in desperation. "Dr. Vaughn, please, I beg of you, save my son. He's all I've got. Whatever you ask, money, anything, I'll find a way. Please, show us mercy and save him!"

Fletcher was about to deliver some icy words veiled in gentleness when his eyes caught Morwenna standing beside Barclay. His hand stiffened momentarily before he swiftly pocketed the scalpel.

Morwenna, not one to hold grudges despite the Gallagher family's notorious reputation, stepped forward with concern. "Dr. Vaughn, can you save Jethro?"

Her involvement wasn't out of spite; Jethro's critical condition was partly her and Barclay's fault, and she couldn't bear the thought of someone dying because of them.

"Yes, I can," Fletcher replied promptly, his tone distinctly more accommodating than his dismissive attitude towards Violet and Barclay.

Barclay, who had been about to plead for Adelaide's sake, paused, taken aback by Fletcher's cordial response. It seemed the bond between Fletcher and Stuart ran deep, so much so that even Morwenna's presence brought out Fletcher's politeness.

Relieved at Fletcher's assurance, Morwenna's eyes brightened as she earnestly requested, "Dr. Vaughn, please help him."

"I was planning on saving a life today anyway," Fletcher said, with a hint of resolve.

Barclay stared in disbelief; Fletcher had been noncommittal all the way here, agreeing only to take a look and deciding later.

Grateful, Morwenna promised, "Thank you so much, Dr. Vaughn. Jethro's medical expenses due to my and Barclay's involvement will be covered by us. Barclay will handle the finances, and I-well, I'm not as well-off, but allow me to treat you to dinner sometime soon."

Fletcher responded with a gentle smile, "I'll start preparing for the surgery right away. Don't worry, he'll be fine."

Morwenna nodded earnestly, "Thank you, I'll be waiting outside the surgery room."

Fletcher's gaze softened uncontrollably-a rarity for him. It was the first time someone had said they'd wait for him, the doctor, instead of just the patient.

Watching from the side, Barclay couldn't help but feel Fletcher's demeanor had softened significantly. Despite always wearing a gentle smile, Fletcher was known to be as cunning as they come. But at that moment, Barclay saw a genuine gentleness in Fletcher that was hard to dismiss.