Chapter 204
By the next afternoon, Kingsley’s hospital room had gained two more occupants.
They sat dutifully by the bed, and to an outsider, it might have looked like a standard visit but the reality was quite the opposite.
One was leisurely holding the fruit platter, eating with a relaxed, cool demeanor that looked nothing like a hospital visit. The other one couldn’t stop talking.
After Ethan had rattled on for ages, Thurston finally plucked a bunch of grapes from the platter and handed it to him, his tone tinged with exasperation. “Is your mouth dry yet? Eat some fruit p>
Kingsley, having just finished processing a stack of documents, placed his tablet on the nightstand and looked up at the pair, his voice devoid of warmth. “Why are you two here p>
“Heard you got messed up. Came specifically to see you. Isn’t it obvious?” Ethan popped a grape into his mouth as he accepted them, his eating habits entirely unapologetic. He didn’t seem to think there was anything wrong with devouring the patient’s food.
Kingsley glanced at the fruit basket on the table-Xavier had bought it last night, and it was nearly empty thanks to these two. He raised an eyebrow. “Here to eat my fruit? You haven’t calculated the cost of this visit very well p>
“The sentiment is what counts!” Ethan argued self-righteously. Then, switching instantly to a fawning tone, he added, “By the way, can we expense the plane tickets for this trip p>
Before Kingsley could speak, Thurston shoved another bunch of grapes into Ethan’s hand, shooting him a glare that clearly said “shut up”. He turned to Kingsley, his tone more serious. “Heal up first. Handle the aftermath cleanly. Don’t let innocent people get dragged into it p>
A flash of ruthlessness passed through Kingsley’s eyes. His fingers clenched slightly against the bedsheet as he replied, “I know p>
Ethan, ignoring the vibe, leaned forward with a new idea. “Kingsley, how about you hire me as your family nutritionist for a while? You’re injured; you need to recover properly. I’m a professional!” He held up one finger. “This much will do ten million p>
“Are you worth that? Are you desperate for money?” Kingsley shot him a look of pure disdain.
“Then how about… you lend me another fifty million?” Ethan asked shamelessly, not blushing in the slightest.
Kingsley glanced at him, his tone mocking. “I have no money. Just take out a loan from your dear Jane p>
“I want to!” Ethan’s face fell, his voice helpless. “But Jane said I don’t meet the lending criteria p>
He didn’t mention that he had asked Jane once, and she had rejected him bluntly: “Bottomless pit. BK Financial does not consider it p>
Kingsley replied faintly, “Put the Sterling Group up as collateral. She’d agree to that p>
Ethan couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head. “That idea is rotten p>
Thurston and Ethan stayed in Switzerland for only one day before departing. Kingsley didn’t lingerin the hospital either, he discharged himself after just two days,
After leaving the hospital, he ignored the doctor’s advice to rest and threw himself straight back into work.
That afternoon, just after finishing a meeting, his phone rang in his pocket. It was Peter. “Kingsley, found him. He’s at a casino right now p>
The voice on the other end was clear. Kingsley responded with a single word: “Good p>
Hanging up, he grabbed his coat and headed out. This time, he didn’t just bring Xavier; four tall, imposing ex military men followed him their eyes sharp, clearly combat veterans.
When Kingsley arrived at the discreet underground casino, Peter was waiting at the entrance. Seeing him, Peter rushed forward, his eyes instinctively dropping to Kingsley’s injured an. “Your wound hasn’ healed. If things get physical, let me handle it p>
Kingsley didn’t stop walking. “I’ll do it myself.” His tone left no room for argument.
They approached a gambling table where Karl was playing, his eyes red with adrenaline, a cigar with a long trail of ash clamped between his fingers.
Xavier stepped forward and swiftly pulled out a chair. Kingsley sat down, his gaze cold and locking onto the man.