Mason Lawson’s words made his stance clear, leaving both The Third Madam and Joanna Sullivan utterly stunned.

The Third Madam had planned to use Old Mr. Lawson to control Mason, seizing the opportunity to push Joanna back into the picture. But now, her plans were in ruins.

This time, Mason had poured out the soup Joanna had spent hours simmering. The act was like a vicious slap to her face, leaving her deeply humiliated.

She was a proud woman. Many men had pursued her over the years, but she had looked down on them all.

Yet for Mason, she had admitted her mistakes and expressed her regrets, only for him to treat her so cruelly.

Her pride shattered, Joanna Sullivan covered her mouth and fled Mason’s hospital room in tears.

The Third Madam shook her head. "Mason, you disappoint me. Joanna and I are only thinking of you. She’s a world-renowned dancer, yet she’s willing to set aside her career to cook for you. It’s one thing not to appreciate it, but how could you treat her like that? It’s just cruel!"

Mason replied expressionlessly, "Then to avoid hurting her pride again, you should stop bringing her here. It will save everyone the embarrassment."

The Third Madam was so furious she was speechless. She turned and stormed out.

Joanna was waiting by the elevators, her slender frame trembling as she wept uncontrollably.

The Third Madam rushed over to her. "Joanna, Mason’s just not thinking clearly right now. That little tramp must have cast some spell on him. Give it some time, and I’ll go speak to Old Mr. Lawson about getting you two engaged. You’re a famous dancer who has competed on the world stage. With your status, marrying Mason would make you a power couple. It would even generate buzz for the Lawson Group. I’m sure Old Mr. Lawson won’t refuse."

Joanna still couldn’t accept how Mason had treated her. "Auntie, I think we should just give up. Mason only has eyes for that Eve Vaughn now. He doesn’t love me anymore. He never would have been able to treat me this way before."

"Silly girl. Men are always tempted by a pretty little thing or two. But have you ever seen a man actually marry one of those homewreckers? Especially not a man of Mason’s status. Even if he wanted to, Old Mr. Lawson would never allow it!"

The Third Madam was afraid Joanna would give up on Mason. If he then married a woman from some other prominent family, she would have even less control over him. It was always safer to keep things in the family.

So she continued, "Mason might not be willing to accept you right now, and he won’t let you take care of him, but Old Mr. Lawson’s men are guarding the hospital. That little homewrecker won’t be able to get a single step closer to him. Right?"

Joanna finally wiped her tears. "Thank you, Auntie, for planning all this for me. If Mason and I get married, I’ll make sure he repays you for your kindness in raising him. He’ll never forget it."

"Yes, yes, of course. Don’t you worry. I will make sure Old Mr. Lawson agrees to the marriage." The Third Madam patted her hand reassuringly. "As for that little homewrecker, Mason is just toying with her. Believe me, would he dare let Old Mr. Lawson even know of her existence? She’s a nobody with no official recognition. What is there to be afraid of?"

With The Third Madam’s encouragement, Joanna’s confidence flickered back to life. "When it comes to what really matters, Mason knows what he’s doing. He wouldn’t let some Eve Vaughn jeopardize his position at the Lawson Group."

...

Back in the hospital room, Mason paced slowly to the door. Old Mr. Lawson’s bodyguards stood dutifully on guard outside.

"Third Young Master," the leader said respectfully, "are you heading out? Just tell us where you need to go. We’re under orders to ensure your safety."

Mason glanced at the shadows he couldn’t shake off. "I’m not going anywhere," he said coldly.

With that, he slammed the door shut.

For the next few days, he could only contact Eve Vaughn through WeChat.

...

That evening, during their video call, Eve, who was worried about his injuries and missed him terribly, asked, "Little Uncle, if no one’s around tomorrow night, would it be okay for me to come see you at the hospital?"

It was too crowded and public during the day. Members of the Lawson family might be there, and she didn’t want to cause any trouble for Mason.

Mason hesitated. "It’s not a good idea."

Eve froze, her disappointment palpable. "So... there’s someone with you at night, too?"

’That must be why he doesn’t want me to come,’ she thought.

"You little jealous thing," Mason chuckled, then explained, "Old Mr. Lawson sent some of his bodyguards to watch my door. It’s not safe for you to come, and I don’t want the Lawsons to notice you."

Eve nodded meekly. "Oh, so that’s why. Does that mean I won’t get to see you for a long time, Little Uncle?"

Mason thought about how he wouldn’t be discharged for another couple of weeks. The truth was, he was dying to see her too.

So he said, "You just stay put in your dorm. I’ll figure something out."

Eve said quickly, "If it’s too hard, then just forget it. I don’t want to be a bother. I don’t want to cause you any trouble at all."

"Shh, I know," Mason said softly. "And do you remember what I told you? You could never be a bother to me."

A blissful, contented smile spread across Eve’s lips.

She said, "Then I’ll wait to hear from you, Little Uncle. I... I really miss you."

Blushing, she quickly hung up.

Mason gazed at the dark screen, a helpless but fond smile on his face.

A moment later, he pressed the nurse’s call button.

A nurse entered shortly after. "Mr. Lawson, are you feeling unwell?"

Mason clutched his chest. "There’s a bit of pain here. I’m worried this injury might have affected my heart. The cardiology consultant said that if I felt any discomfort in my heart, I should have him come for a follow-up right away."

The young nurse knew who Mason was and didn’t dare delay. "I’ll go get the attending physician to issue a consultation request to cardiology immediately."

Mason immediately added a condition: "Make sure it’s Doctor Hamilton Hale. He’s the only one I trust."

"Yes, of course."

The nurse agreed and hurried off to find the doctor.

Before long, Hamilton Hale arrived, consultation request in hand.

"Where does it hurt?"

He looked at Mason with a serious expression. "No way," he said, a note of tension in his voice. "I examined you myself. There was no damage to the heart. Don’t tell me there’s a complication?"

Mason was propped up in bed, looking perfectly calm, a faint smile playing on his lips. He didn’t look like he was in any discomfort whatsoever.

It took Hamilton Hale only a second to realize what was happening. He tossed the consultation form aside. "Alright, what is it? You wouldn’t call me here in a panic unless you were up to no good!"

Mason grinned. "What do you mean, ’no good’? I’m giving you an opportunity to be a good person!"

His curiosity piqued, Hamilton played along. "And what opportunity would that be?"

Mason glanced toward the door and lowered his voice. "See those new faces out there? My grandfather sent them. But I want to see Eve Vaughn. So, do a good deed. Help me."

"What?"

Hamilton stared at him, baffled. "Are you insane?" he griped. "Your grandfather’s men are right outside, and you want to bring Eve Vaughn here? You might as well just announce to the entire Lawson family that Julian Lawson’s ex-girlfriend now belongs to you, Mason Lawson!"

Mason cut him off. "Why are you panicking? That’s why I’m asking for your help."

"How?" Hamilton retorted. "I’m just a humble doctor, not a match for a team of bodyguards. What do you want me to do, knock them all out with anesthesia?"

Mason narrowed his eyes. "Do you have any better ideas?"