SWNOVELS Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Anna felt like someone had just stepped on her toes when she heard what Athena had to say
“Athena, how could you say that! It was an accident back then, and besides, I’ve been at the medical college in Mythoria for the past five years, getting my Master’s in Medicine.”
Athena cursed inwardly, “Idiot!” With the Bradshaw family’s clout in Everglade City, there were surely better docs that Newman had scouted
den? If she
Did Anna have any clue that she was jumping right into the lion’s den? If she messed up medicating Newman’s kid, the whole Dempsey family would be dragged down with her!
Under the table, Newman’s calf was nudged gently. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at Athena sitting beside him.
She was signaling him to speak up to Simon and call off the marriage between their families, but Newman seemed totally oblivious to Athena’s hint
“Doctor Gellar has already seen my boy and the hot springs at Mystic Ridge are his prescribed treatment. As for a complete cure, even he is at his wit’s end.”
Anna was taken aback. So Jerry’s “once in a lifetime opportunity was this! No wonder he’d been rushing her to come back to the country three months ago.
Back when Athena returned to Stardale City, after detoxing, she took her revenge on Anna. She force–fed Anna the same drug that Anna had used on her!
Luckily, Anna always carried the antidote, expecting Athena’s retaliation. But even after taking it, it was too late to avoid all consequences. Though she wasn’t left idiotic, swollen–faced or voice–ruined, her body still suffered lasting aftereffects.
After Athena kicked her out of the country, Anna pleaded with her mentor Jerry to help her find a way out.
Three months ago, Jerry messaged her, urging her to return as soon as possible. He said a bigwig from Everglade City would be visiting Stardale City. A widower with a child, but if Anna could get in with this guy, she wouldn’t have to worry about Athena’s moods anymore, and her parents could hold the reins of power within the Dempsey family!
Anna frowned, seemingly saddened for Newman and his child, “Mr. Payne Bradshaw’s condition is so dire that even my at a loss. Poor kid.”
“My son doesn’t need anyone’s pity Newman’s voice was cold enough to freeze the tea in its cup, “Cheap”
That one word turned Anna’s face beet–red, “Mr. Newman Bradshaw”
y mentor is
Under Newman’s formidable presence, Anna’s brain short–circuited. She wanted to defend herself but couldn’t think of anything to say that wouldn’t offend him.
Athena breathed a sigh of relief for the Dempsey family as she saw Newman reject Anna. So, she spoke up, reminding Newman, “Newman, you seem to have forgotten something.”
Unable to resist, she jabbed her finger into Newman’s thigh. Under the table, she moved her foot with too much vigor and started
using her hand
Newman’s eyes narrowed, his gaze darkening. Athena jabbed hard into his thigh! But the silky fabric of his trousers caused her nail to slip, and her finger ended up on the inner side of Newman’s thigh.
She hit the bull’s–eye. Newman clenched his teeth, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he suppressed a growl
Athena’s ears turned red rapidly. She didn’t dare make a scene and swallowed her shock, quickly grabbing a disinfectant wipe from the table and vigorously cleaning her fingers.
Darkness flickered in Newman’s brooding eyes. Then he spoke calmly, but about something else, “I heard that five years ago, the legendary healer Adonis Yearwood visited the Dempsey family to provide treatment. Adonis is a jewel of Arcadia’s medical community elusive and eccentric, with a strict rule against treating the wealthy and well–positioned. Yet five years ago, he broke that rule for the Dempsey family and then vanished without a trace. If we could get Adonis to examine my boy, I’d agree to any
terms”
Athena inhaled deeply. That Newman! He’d agree to any terms
It was clear as day he was using the call–off of the engagement to force her hand over Adonis’s whereabouts!
Such a ruthless, notorious tycoon! Even at this crucial moment, he played his card, keeping Athena on a tight leash.
He could call off the Bradshaw family and the Dempsey family engagement, but only if he could trade for the great healer Adonis’s infol
Chapter 10
Athena’s face turned a shade paler. Newman was giving her a lesson at this moment, showing her that she was trying to negotiate with a tiger for its skin.
“Alright then!” She snarled secretly, “You play dirty; I’ll play dirty too don’t blame me for not holding back!”
Athena reached into her bag. “Newman, before dinner, take your medicine,” she said, pulling out a box of Kidney Fortifier and placing it right in front of him.
Even Simon, with his farsightedness, sitting across from them, could see the words “Kidney Fortifier” emblazoned on the box!
Aside from Athena, everyone at the table was gobsmacked, including Newman who was stunned on the spot.
Athena, ever so considerate, opened the box and poured out the pills. She then turned to instruct the servant, “Whip up some warm water for Newman, will ya?”
Years of professional experience allowed the servant to quickly regain composure after, the initial shock, and he respectfully acknowledged Athena, “Yes, Ms. Athena Dempsey!“.
“Newman?” Zoey marveled inwardly. Sure enough, even Newman had reached the age where he might need some kidney–toning pills!
And Anna, she asked the million–dollar question, “Athena, how did you know Mr. Newman Bradshaw needed kidney pills?”
Athena just smiled and kept mum. Newman didn’t want to broach the subject of calling off the engagement between their families. So Athena decided to hint at something more than friendship between her and Newman.
This was surely going to throw a wrench in her wedding plans with Zoey!
The servant placed a cup of warm water in front of Newman, and Athena handed him the pills, “Newman, time for meds.”
Newman’s tongue pressed against the inside of his upper teeth. He hadn’t anticipated being outplayed like this!
Athena had come prepared, guessing Newman might change his mind and not bring up the matter of canceling the engagement. Her move had sent shockwaves through both families, forcing Simon to reconsider the engagement with Zoey.
The medicine was now right under Newman’s nose, courtesy of Athena: The man took the pills from her hands and downed them…
Kidney–supporting meds, warming the kidneys, and replenishing vitality- they could help alleviate fatigue and weariness. Not a bad thing to take, really.
“Thanks for your concern, Ms. Dempsey. This health supplement isn’t half bad; maybe Zoey should give it a try.”
Athena gave Newman’s calf another kick.
Simon was utterly flabbergasted and couldn’t help but ask, “Athena, what exactly is going on between you and Newman?” Newman’s face was expressionless as he spoke in his refined voice, carrying an irresistible authority, “Ms. Dempsey and I are merely business partners. She prepared this health supplement because she saw I was exhausted.”
He added, “If there’s any lead on the legendary doctor Adonis, please let me know at once. I’ll take my leave now.”
With that, Newman stood up and made his way out. As he left, the discussion about the annulment was off the table, and Athena’s voice turned a shade colder, I’ll be leaving too.”
She stood up and followed Newman out. As the man got into the driver’s seat, Athena hopped into the back.
Seeing the back of Newman’s head, she felt like jumping on him and putting him in a chokehold!
“Why not call off both engagements?”
“Ms. Dempsey, can’t you understand? Bring me a lead on Adonis, and we’ll talk,” the man’s reply was cool and detached.
“You!” Athena was fuming. Clenching her teeth, she threatened, “Then I’ll just have to let Zoey know that you and I have slept. together!”