CHAPTER 7 My Man
last update2025-02-26 20:12:06

Night had fallen, and the city lights sparkled to life.

In front of the orphanage, the plaza had been transformed. A red carpet stretched across the ground, and the air buzzed with elegance—suits, gowns, perfume, and laughter. Successful elites strolled in with their partners, ready to mingle.

“Miss Sophia, welcome!”

The orphanage’s director personally greeted Sophia Yale at the entrance.

Just as Sophia opened her mouth to respond, the elderly man adjusted his glasses and noticed the man standing beside her. His eyes lit up.

“Dr. Karvel? You came too? Oh my, the children have been waiting for you!”

Several children from the orphanage rushed over, calling out “big brother” as they surrounded Karvel excitedly.

Sophia blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected that even as the heiress of the prestigious Yale family, she’d be overshadowed by a young man.

As she stood there slightly dazed, a few high-profile guests walked by and politely greeted her.

Sophia smiled back, thinking, Finally, some recognition.

“Karvel,” she said brightly, “come, let me introduce you to a few CEOs!”

Just as she was about to flaunt her connections, one of the guests gasped, “Wait—is that Dr. Karvel? My goodness! Thanks to your incredible treatment, I was finally able to get out of bed!”

Another chimed in, “Dr. Karvel! You probably don’t remember me, but years ago, I was dealing with infertility. Thanks to your help, my baby just turned two years old. Finally, a successor for the family!”

Sophia stood there, dumbfounded.

These influential figures didn’t even wait for her to speak—they eagerly crowded around Karvel, showering him with gratitude and admiration.

This guy… his network is no joke.

She couldn’t help but wonder—Could he really just be a doctor?

With that level of skill, that kind of influence… and those fighting abilities? There was no way he was just some regular physician.

Her heart stirred again. This man is not to be underestimated.

After finally seeing the guests off, Karvel turned to Sophia with a helpless smile. “Sorry you had to witness that. I just treated a few minor issues for them—nothing serious. Honestly, I don’t even remember most of them.”

Sophia gave him a sly look. “Dr. Karvel, you really are full of surprises.”

What she didn’t know was—Karvel genuinely didn’t remember. Even though those people were wealthy and influential, in his eyes… they were all just nobodies.

Just then, Sophia’s phone rang.

After answering, she turned to Karvel and said, “Dr. Karvel, feel free to look around. I’ve got something to take care of. See you in a bit!”

Karvel nodded. “Go ahead.”

There was still some time before the charity auction officially began.

More and more influential figures, all eyeing the orphanage land, were arriving. The entrance was already packed with luxury cars.

One particular black Rolls-Royce drew everyone’s attention as it glided to a stop.

The door opened, and a breathtaking woman stepped out, wearing a pure white skirt that accentuated her long, snow-pale legs. A collective gasp echoed through the crowd.

“She’s stunning… That presence—absolutely unmatched!”

“That must be the legendary CEO Mariya! Not only is she devastatingly beautiful, but her business acumen is off the charts. I bet she’s going to win the bid for the orphanage property tonight.”

A second luxury car followed close behind. Vincent jumped out eagerly and headed straight for Mariya, the center of attention.

“Mariya, you really know how to steal the spotlight. No matter where you go, all eyes are on you.”

He grinned. “You know, I’m starting to think you’d do just fine as a movie star if you ever quit being a CEO.”

Vincent’s tone dripped with flattery, and the fire in his eyes was barely contained as he looked at her.

“Vincent, let’s stay focused,” Mariya replied coolly. “And please, in public, I think it’s best we keep a little distance.”

Clearly uncomfortable with his overfamiliarity, she tried to maintain a boundary.

But Vincent just laughed it off. “What’s there to be afraid of? Everyone knows I’ve been head over heels for you.”

“Besides, you’re single now—finally ditched that useless guy. No one can say a word even if I chase you openly.”

Isabelle, standing nearby, jumped in with a sneer. “Exactly. Karvel, that loser, has nothing to do with you anymore.”

“And don’t forget—Vincent is one of our allies tonight. He’ll be supporting us at the auction.”

Not far away, Karvel stood expressionless, watching Mariya and Vincent chatting and laughing under the gaze of the crowd.

He hadn’t expected to run into her here—his almost-fiancée.

With a slight shake of his head, he turned away, ready to leave.

But Mariya had already seen him.

“Karvel… Is that you? Stop right there!”

Her heels clicked sharply against the ground as she hurried toward him, uncertain but determined.

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