There was a flash of curiosity in Leo's smoldering eyes and, without any warning, he stretched and put his arm around Zoey's waist. To anyone seeing this as they passed by, this was definitely a lecherous move.
Zoey was startled by Leo's move and took a moment to recover before she pushed him away. She raised a hand to slap Leo across his face but he was faster. He caught her hand mid-air as she swung it and said, "I'm Leo Yancey. Remember my name." After saying this, Leo released her hand and headed towards the hospital entrance. Zachary gave a long whistle, clearly still excited over the discovery of Zoey and her twins, before running after Leo.
Kayla titled her head and asked her brother in her cute girly voice, "Kayden, did the mister-who-may-be-our-daddy just take advantage of our mommy?"
"Hm." Kayden nodded his head calmly, his gaze still fixed on Leo, who was moving up the stairs towards the hospital's main entrance. Perhaps he should attempt to get hold of a strand of this man's hair for a DNA test. This way, he would know if they were related for sure.
Zoey glowered at Leo's back. That lecherous man! She would have to reconsider if this man was really suitable to be her kids' father if he did not respect women.
"Come on, kids, we need to go. I still have to report and attend a debrief from my supervisor."
"Alright, Mommy."
The family of three went into the hospital and reported to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department.
Dr. Campbell, the chief physician in the department, looked at Zoey's resume. Pushing up the glasses perched on his nose, he said, "Dr. Fuller, your professor has already given us a clear idea of your capabilities. I don't have any doubts about that, and so, will do away with your probation period. You can start work tomorrow. As for your pay, it'll be as per what we discussed over the phone previously. Let me know if you have any issues."
Zoey shook her head and said politely, "Dr. Campbell, I'm happy with the offer and I'm happy to be able to work in this hospital as well."
After exchanging some pleasantries, Dr. Campbell handed a patient's case file over to Zoey and said, "Dr. Fuller, there's a newly admitted patient who comes from a wealthy background. It's not going to be easy managing her. You'll take care of her after her delivery. Is that OK?"
Zoey took the case file and replied, "Sure, Dr. Campbell."
But when she opened the case file and saw the patient's name and photo, Zoey felt her body tense. As much as she would like to, it seemed that she really couldn't avoid meeting her enemies. The case file belonged to Stella - her arch enemy. Zoey couldn't help but ask, "Dr. Campbell, since this patient already has her own doctor assigned for delivery, shouldn't the same doctor be assigned for her subsequent follow-up?"
"You're right. It's just that the original doctor assigned to her, Dr. Cook, had an emergency at home and has to be on leave a few days every week. You have experience in clinical studies and research experiments, and so, once this patient hears of your background, she might become more cooperative and less unmanageable," Dr. Campbell explained. But knowing Stella's fiery temper, Dr. Campbell was still apologetic to Zoey as he said, "Dr. Fuller, I know you might have to suffer a little as pregnant ladies tend to be temperamental but take it as gaining experience for yourself. We can consider a switch if you really can't take it."
Zoey nodded reluctantly. In the hospital, her responsibility and professionalism as a doctor came first. She would not mix her working life with her personal one.
Dr. Campbell continued, "Alright now, you can go back and rest. I'll see you at work tomorrow, then."
"Thank you, Dr. Campbell." Zoey left Dr. Campbell's office after she had thanked him. Her two kids were seated on the long bench in the corridor, waiting for her quietly. With her kids and luggage in tow, Zoey planned to head over to her friend's house where they would be staying for the time being. At the same time, she had wanted to ask her friend for the latest updates on Xavier. She had to know everything about her enemies before she could plan her next moves. She was determined to recover everything that used to belong to the Fuller family from him.
And just as Zoey had the thought about Xavier, he appeared in front of her.
"Zoey," Xavier called out.
This was another voice she could never forget. Zoey stiffened as she tried to suppress the intense hatred that had surge immediately within her. Her hands curled into fists, her fingernails cutting deep into her palms. The pain from her nails brought her back to reality as she quickly calmed herself.
Contrary to the hatred Zoey had felt, Xavier was delightfully surprised to see her. He was really sad when he heard Zoey had died in a fire six years ago. As such, he had been curbing the growth and sabotaging the projects of the Lynch Group all these years. He had wanted to ensure that Stella would be left without much support when he finally could take revenge on Zoey's behalf.
Although he had been despicable and had taken over the Fuller Corporation using underhanded means, Xavier did have feelings for Zoey. In fact, he had loved her very much. He had only courted Stella because he was after her family's power and influence. To achieve his goal of taking over the Lynch Group, he even had Zoey beaten up once. He thought this would convince Stella of his feelings for her. But Stella always had a suspicious nature and so, could not even tolerate Zoey's existence. Stella had gone as far as forcing Zoey to jump into the sea once.
"You're alive, Zoey! I'm so happy!" Xavier looked at Zoey with joy. "I've been searching for you all these years. When I heard that you have died in a fire, I even had a grave dug for you."
When Zoey met Xavier's eyes - eyes that were filled with joy and disbelief - she was immediately revolted. She was filled with so much disgust that her stomach churned and she gave an involuntary retch.
Xavier flushed slightly at her reaction but he asked worriedly, "Zoey, are you feeling
unwell? I'll bring you to see a doctor."
As he spoke, Xavier reached for Zoey's arm. But Zoey slapped his hand away as she said, "Don't touch me!"
Both Kayden and Kayla immediately rushed forward and stood in front of Zoey in a protective stance.
With her hands on her hips, Kayla said fiercely, "Don't you dare bully my mommy, mister!"
Xavier glanced down and paused when he saw Kayla. He was so focused on Zoey that he had failed to notice the twins next to her. To think that her kids had grown up so well over the last six years. What had stunned him was their resemblance to Leo. Were these kids Leo's? If they were, he would not allow them to be reunited with the man. A vicious glint appeared in his eyes. There was no way he would allow these two kids to live.
Sensing the murderous aura from Xavier, Zoey pulled both her kids behind her as she warned him, "Don't you even think about hurting them, Xavier Lewis!"
Instantly, Xavier hid his murderous intent and put on a smile. "Zoey, they are your kids. You went through a lot in order to have them. How could I ever hurt them? I'm just amazed by how big they have grown."
He stretched out his hand in a bid to pat Kayla's head. Zoey slapped his hand away again as she said in disgust, "Take your filthy hand away!"
"Zoey, are you still angry with me for what I did years back? I had only distanced myself from you because I was worried that Stella would hurt you. I still love you, you know?" Xavier looked at Zoey passionately as he declared, "I've gained complete control over the Fuller Corporation. I also have my own people in the Lynch Group. It's only a matter of time until we don’t have to fear Stella. By then, we can be together again."
Zoey would be overjoyed if Xavier had said this in the past. But now, Zoey felt nothing but disgust at his suggestion. She had never known this hypocritical side of Xavier. She must have been blind, to have loved Xavier for so many years.