Chapter 43: Erica found her benefactor
Specific Deployment Plan: Tomorrow, Ansel will attempt to probe Erica first. If there are no positive results, then Ansel will wait for Nika to gather information and then put pressure on Erica to force her to confess the truth. After reaching a consensus, Ansel heeds Nika’s advice and rests early. Once Ansel is deeply asleep, Nika quietly departs. Nika really wants to stay at the hospital with Ansel to keep him from feeling lonely. Unfortunately, it’s not possible. Nika needs to return home to handle unfinished work for the company. Moreover, Nika also has a private life that needs care and attention. Tomorrow, Nika has to arrive at the company early for an important meeting. Being entrusted with such a heavy responsibility by Ansel as the manager of AB Company in Ansel’s absence, Nika cannot afford to disappoint Ansel.
Tomorrow will also come.
As soon as Ansel opened his eyes, he immediately thought about the need to talk to Erica. Today, Ansel is determined to resolve things once and for all. With that idea in mind, Ansel feels a bit excited and looks forward to meeting Erica soon. As soon as Erica steps into the room, Ansel won’t miss the opportunity anymore. This time, Ansel is determined to successfully convince Erica. It’s truly unfortunate that all of Ansel’s plans have gone up in smoke. The person who administered the medication to Ansel this morning was not Erica. Seeing a stranger enter the room, Ansel’s expression immediately turned to disappointment and sadness. Ansel wants to find out the reason, so he inquires with the nurse and learns that Erica is off today. This absence of Erica has made Ansel’s mood gloomy throughout the morning.
It is now eleven o’clock in the afternoon. After concluding the meeting at the company, Nika hurriedly arrived at the hospital to meet Ansel. Nika is very cautious about moving quietly and without causing any noise. Nika didn’t want to disturb Ansel’s midday nap. Ansel noticed Nika’s concern and carefulness, which Nika couldn’t anticipate. Not only that, Ansel also startled Nika.
“Nika, it’s good that you’re here.”
Ansel’s voice suddenly rang out as Nika was locking the door, causing Nika to turn around and face the expectant gaze of Ansel. There was a moment of silence when Nika’s body suddenly became stiff.
“Ansel, when did you wake up?” After a moment of confusion, Nika inquired, “It’s not even noon yet. Why aren’t you sleeping longer?”
“Do you have any news regarding the investigation?”
Without answering that question, Ansel hurriedly asked Nika about the result. Upon closer observation, Nika noticed the weary expression on Ansel’s face. Nika speculated that Ansel hadn’t slept at all since Nika left. It was fortunate that Nika had the results of the investigation because waiting any longer could make Ansel nervous and impatient, leading to mental distress.
“Don’t tell me you stayed up all night just waiting for me!” Nika exclaimed, expressing her criticism of Ansel’s unnecessary behavior. “You should realize that’s not true. You need to prioritize your own health.”
“Last night, I had a full night’s sleep,” Ansel clarified. “It’s just that this afternoon, for some reason, I couldn’t manage to sleep at all.”
“Is that true? Why do you look so listless? Like a walking corpse. Look at you; your face is definitely sleep-deprived.” Nika made a blunt remark.
“Don’t exaggerate like that,” Ansel snapped back. “I’m not a thoughtless child. I did get enough sleep last night.”
“Why couldn’t you sleep at noon then?” Nika approached with a probing question. “And have you had lunch?”
“I couldn’t sleep,” Ansel sighed, feeling uncomfortable. “Even though I wanted to sleep so much, I couldn’t close my eyes. And yes, I’ve eaten a little. You don’t need to worry.”
“What exactly happened to you? Did your condition take a turn for the worse?” Nika became concerned and speculated, “Could it be that Erica refused to disclose information about herself to you?”
“I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to Erica yet, so how can I ask her anything?” Ansel confessed in a melancholy tone.
“Why is it so difficult? Just ask Erica to listen, and that’s it,” Nika commented.
“The issue is not as simple as you think,” Ansel replied.
“Well, then what is it?” Nika asked, annoyed.
“Erica didn’t come today,” Ansel said sadly. “I heard the nurse say that yesterday Erica took the day off work. I guess Erica wanted to avoid seeing me.” The more Ansel spoke, the gloomier he became. “Is it because I did something wrong, making Erica unhappy?”
“Stop thinking about it; it’s harmful to your health. Maybe today Erica has something else to do.” Nika comforts. “Wait till tomorrow. Erica will be back at work, then you’ll have a chance.”
Ansel sighed and reluctantly heeded Nika’s sincere advice.
“How’s the investigation going?” Ansel immediately changed the subject. “Are there any results yet? I was going to hear from Erica directly. But maybe for now, it’s fine to hear from you first and wait for Erica’s confirmation.”
Under the expectant gaze of Ansel, Nika couldn’t hide it any longer and spoke with a solemn tone:
“According to a confidential source that I spent a considerable amount of money to obtain, I have learned about what happened to Erica.”NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
“What is it? Tell me quickly.” Ansel urged anxiously.
“Look at your expression; you’re so impatient,” Nika commented teasingly, with a hint of provocation. “Seems like you’re really interested in Erica, huh?”
“I’m curious,” Ansel admitted openly. “Besides, I want to know about my benefactor. Is there any problem?”
“No problem.” Nika immediately agreed. “I’m just surprised because you’ve never been so eager about anything before. Suddenly, you caught me off guard.”
“Enough with the small talk. Get straight to the point quickly.” Ansel continued to urge
Nika reluctantly yielded to Ansel’s justified demand. He cleared his throat and began to recount what he had discovered.
…
Regarding Erica, she didn’t come to the hospital today because she had an unexpected job. There was a wedding organized at a hotel, and they were short of staff, so Erica went there to work as a waitress.
After a busy morning at work, Erica felt happy and relieved when the wedding reception ended. She was in the staff changing room when she suddenly received a phone call from Suna Hospital. This was the hospital where Ansel had previously brought Erica for emergency treatment. Recognizing the important number calling, Erica immediately answered the phone.
“I’m Erica Watson; I’m listening,” Erica said nervously, waiting for the voice on the other end.
“Hello, Erica. I’m Vera Taylor, the receptionist at Suna Hospital. We have found out the identity of the person who brought you to the hospital that day. Whenever you’re free, please come to the hospital.”
Upon hearing that, Erica forgot all her tiredness and felt an unusual joy in her heart. She quickly replied, “I will come right away. Please wait for me.”
After speaking, Erica immediately ran to the hospital to find out who her benefactor was.
As Erica entered the hospital, she headed straight to the reception desk.
“Hello. I’m Erica Watson. Someone named Vera Taylor called me and asked me to come here,” Erica said with a rushed breath. She looked at the young girl in front of her, eagerly asking the question. Erica had just run quite a distance from the hotel to the hospital.
“I’m Vera. The one who called you,” the girl with her vibrant blond hair replied with a cheerful smile.
“You mentioned that you found out the identity of the person who brought me to the hospital that day. Is that true?” Erica was eager to find out.
“That’s right.” Understanding Erica’s current state of mind and eagerness to know quickly, Vera didn’t make it difficult for her.
“Who is it?” Erica asked again, her excitement and curiosity getting the better of her.
“Please don’t be too impatient,” Vera reassured. “Please follow me. Let’s go to a private room to talk.”
The beautiful girl at the reception desk moved away from her position, gesturing for Erica to follow her. Without any hesitation, Erica followed her.