CHAPTER 431: WHY KEEP HIDING IT?

"The surgery was successful," Dr. Morello informed Lucius and Roderick. "We thoroughly scanned the abdominal region and everything looks stable now. Given the patient’s age, recovery might take some time, but there’s nothing alarming. We’ll keep Mr. Alekis under observation for at least a week before considering discharge."

Lucius leaned forward slightly, still holding onto a thread of concern. "So, there’s nothing else to be worried about, Doctor?"

The surgeon offered a warm, professional smile. "No, there’s nothing to fear. The operation went smoothly."

Lucius smiled, feeling a heavy weight just got off from his chest. He gazed at Roderick, who was happy too.

"Thank you so much, Doctor Morello. You’ve given my father a second chance at life. We’re beyond grateful to you and your team," Lucius said earnestly.

The doctor gave a small nod. "Your father’s strength played a role too. His will to live made a difference." Then, checking his watch, he added, "I have to attend a medical conference shortly."

"Of course. Thank you again, and sorry for taking up your time," Lucius said, rising from his seat along with Roderick.

"Please, there is no need for such words," Dr. Morello said modestly as he took the white coat from the hanger.

Lucius and Roderick nodded respectfully before stepping out of the consultation room and into the quiet hallway.

Roderick turned to his uncle with a relieved smile. "Grandpa’s going to be okay. I’m so glad the surgery went smoothly."

Lucius nodded. "Yeah. From now on, we just focus on his recovery. We have to make sure he doesn’t go through any stress."

"He won’t," Roderick promised with confidence. Then after a brief pause, he asked, "Are you and Layla thinking of moving out again?"

Lucius shook his head. "No, we’re staying. But... why do you ask? Are you still—"

"No, Uncle," Roderick interrupted quickly, raising both hands in protest. "That’s not what I meant. I really hope you both stay. Grandpa’s happier when you’re around. I know I’ve been a real jerk in the past, and though we’ve talked about it before, I just felt like I needed to say it again."

Lucius’s gaze softened further. He stepped forward and pulled Roderick into a warm hug, patting his back affectionately. "You’ve grown up," he said with pride. "Until the baby is born, we’re living under the same roof."

Roderick smiled before they both pulled away. "I am also considering marrying Ivy soon," he said.

"That’s wonderful to know," Lucius replied. "Let’s go back to the room. Dad must be waiting for us," he murmured.

~~~~~

Demitri leaned back in his office chair, stretching slightly after wrapping up the task he’d been assigned. With a satisfied sigh, he stood and made his way toward the café for a well-earned break.

He ordered an iced latte, and as he waited, his eyes drifted toward the reception area, visible from where he stood. Nora was there, speaking politely with someone at the desk.

Without a second thought, Demitri pulled out his phone and tapped out a quick message:

"Come to the café."

Then he made his way to a table and placed the cup on it.

Back at reception, Nora answered the visitor’s questions and offered a brief nod of thanks before hearing the soft buzz of her phone in her pocket. She took it out and saw Demitri’s message flash across the screen.

’Is he in the café?’ she wondered, her gaze subtly scanning the space beyond the desk as curiosity tugged at her.

"What are you looking at?" Maya asked curiously, following Nora’s gaze.

"Nothing," Nora replied quickly, slipping her phone back into her pocket.

Maya raised a brow. "If you’re looking for your boyfriend, you don’t have to pretend. I just saw him in the cafeteria."

"I’ll see him later," Nora said promptly.

Maya placed a file down in front of the computer she sat on the chair. "That’s odd, Nora. I think half the company already knows you and Demitri are together. Why keep hiding it? It’s not like you’ll get fired. Demitri’s practically best friends with the director."

Her hand casually rested on the keyboard as she began typing something.

Nora knit her brows but said nothing. She checked the time before turning and heading toward the cafeteria.

Demitri was seated at a corner table, sipping an iced latte with a magazine in hand. When he noticed her approaching, he set the magazine down and gave her a gentle wave.

She walked over and took the seat across from him.

"I didn’t disturb you, did I? It’s not rush hour," Demitri said, watching her expression.

"No, you didn’t," she replied.

"I’ll order a cold coffee for you," he offered, already half-rising from his chair.

"No, that’s not needed. I don’t feel like drinking it," Nora answered, then tilted her head slightly. "Is your work done for the day?"

"Almost," Demitri replied, taking off his glasses and placing them on the table. His gaze lingered on her. "You look upset. Did something happen?"

"Nothing," Nora said quickly, shaking her head. ’I really need to start looking for another job in another company,’ she thought but kept it to herself.

Demitri leaned forward slightly. "Did someone say something about us? Was it that receptionist—what was her name... Maya? She loves to stir gossip, doesn’t she?"

Nora gave a faint smile. "No, no one said anything. You’re just overthinking again," she murmured.

As more employees trickled into the cafeteria, her eyes darted around. Feeling exposed, she stood from her chair.

"I’ll see you after work," she said softly and turned to leave without waiting for a response.

’I wonder why she acted in such a way,’ Demitri thought, sipping the remaining latte from the cup. He crushed it and threw it into the bin before walking toward the elevator.

As he pressed the elevator’s button, he waited for the doors to open. The moment they did, a group of employees stepped out. However, he didn’t walk in. Instead, Demitri made his way to the reception.