Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Kailee's smile froze as soon as she heard about the Sanchez family's involvement. They had connections with nearly every hospital across North America, and it looked like they were covering the cost of Lewis's compensation.

If Lewis had been planning to quit, logically, he should've been the one to compensate the hospital. But thanks to Kailee's recent stunt, the hospital's payout had already hit Lewis's account just moments ago.

Lewis's face was all smiles, and he raised an eyebrow at Kailee's sour expression. "How about I treat you to dinner?" he offered, his voice teasingly light.

Kailee was fuming, shooting a glare at the person who had delivered the news. "Tell Mark to hold off on the firing," she snapped, her frustration clear. The informant looked uneasy. "Um..."

Lewis had already shrugged off his white coat, ready to leave. "Now that I'm officially let go, if the hospital wants me back, they'll need to shell out for a higher salary," he said, a smirk on his lips.

Kailee's face darkened with irritation. After enduring a string of setbacks, her pride was wounded. She knew sticking around would only invite more ridicule. Taking a deep breath, she headed for the door, but Lewis's shadow loomed behind her, adding to her annoyance. "Worried about finding a job elsewhere? Coming to beg me now?" she taunted, trying to reclaim some control.

Lewis chuckled softly. "You're in my way."

Kailee's face flushed with anger, her fingers itching to strike him. "You Just you wait!"

She stormed off, only to wince as she aggravated an injury, making her exit less than graceful. Behind her, Lewis's laughter rang out, stoking her embarrassment and frustration.

Lewis watched her leave, a genuine smile on his face, which didn't escape the informant's notice. Dr. Lewis had always kept a clean reputation, never seen with women, making his interest in Kailee all the more intriguing today.

Outside, Kailee was still seething, angry at the memory of Lewis's smug face. However, the Sanchez family had no sway over the research institution funded by Infinity Brilliance, and she wasn't well-acquainted with the Lynch family.

As she got into her car, still steaming, she spotted Lewis trying to hail a cab. On a whim, she told her driver to pull up beside him.

When the window rolled down, she leaned out. "Really? This down and out after we broke up? Years gone by and not even a car to your name?"

She was driving a Bentley, and seeing him standing there gave her

a twisted sense of satisfaction. "Need a ride? Experience what a Bentley feels like?" she mocked,

half-expecting him to refuse ve

To her surprise, Lewis simply said, "Sure," and got in.

Kailee was taken aback, regretting not locking the door. "Get out!" she demanded.

Lewis, now in his casual clothes, seemed unbothered. "Weren't you the one offering a Bentley experience?"

Kailee rolled her eyes. "Shameless.

You see me in a Bentley and think you can just hop in, hoping for a free ride? Thought you were too good for me back then, what, fallen on hard times?"

Despite her constant jabs, Lewis remained silent, boring her with his lack of reaction.

The driver, sensing the tension, cautiously asked, "Ms. Kailee, heading home?" Kailee, visibly annoyed with Lewis's presence, asked, "Where do you live now?"

When Lewis mentioned a neighborhood known for its affordability and diverse mix of residents, Kailee couldn't help but scoff, "Living there must be your lucky break. Post-breakup life not treating you well, huh? Thought I was bad luck?"

Her smugness was evident as she continued to taunt him, relishing the momentary upper hand.

Lewis, lounging back, finally looked at her. "You know, I almost forgot we were together. Still holding a grudge because I dumped you?"

Kailee's attempts to belittle Lewis only highlighted the unresolved tension between them, a mix of old wounds and unspoken feelings simmering beneath their sharp exchanges.