My Divorced CEO Wife Is Begging for Me Back

Chapter 4

Conan rushed into the hospital and caught the doctor just as he stepped out of Clara's room.

"Doctor, how is my mother-in-law?"

The doctor glanced at his clipboard. "The accident caused severe internal injuries. We've detected extensive internal bleeding, and she needs emergency surgery."

"Then please, start the surgery immediately."

"I'm afraid we can't. We need a deposit of three hundred thousand before we can proceed."

Conan stared at him. "Three hundred thousand?"

"Yes. We can't delay much longer. If the payment isn't made within the hour, her condition could become critical."

"Please, don't let money delay her treatment. I'll get it. Just start preparing for the surgery."

Conan immediately pulled out his phone and called Rhea. She didn't answer the first time. Or the second. By the tenth attempt, he was struggling to contain his frustration.

When she finally picked up, Daven's voice came through before hers.

"Didn't you just threaten to divorce her? Why are you calling again so soon?"

Ignoring him, Conan's voice came fast and anxious. "Rhea, there's been an accident. Mother is in the hospital. She needs emergency surgery, and the hospital requires a three-hundred-thousand deposit. Please, transfer it to me immediately."

"Oh, please, Conan! Must you resort to such cheap tricks just to get my attention?"

"Rhea, listen to me. I'm not making this up. She's seriously injured, and…."

"If you're short of money, just say so. There's no need to invent stories to squeeze money out of me. And why should I keep paying for your family's expenses? I've done more than enough for you people."

"You're not understanding me, Rhea. The person in the hospital is..."

"Sort out your problems yourself, Conan. I have more important things to deal with."

The call disconnected.

Conan stared at his phone, unable to believe she'd hung up before he could finish explaining. He had tried to make her understand. But she had already decided he was lying.

A bitter laugh escaped him. Three years of marriage, and she couldn't even spare him the benefit of the doubt.

He couldn't afford to waste another minute pondering. Swallowing his pride, he scrolled through his contacts and called the number he'd contacted the previous night.

"Master Conan!" Kole answered almost immediately. "I've been waiting for your call. Shall I begin preparations for your return?"

"Not yet, Kole. I need you to transfer three hundred thousand to me. It's for an urgent hospital bill."

"Of course, Master. I'll arrange it immediately."

Conan hesitated. "And please, don't tell Grandfather about this."

There was a brief pause. "As you wish, sir."

The transfer alert came through before Conan reached the payment counter. He paid the deposit and signed the consent forms, allowing the medical team to take Clara into surgery.

Only after the operating theatre doors closed did he finally allow himself to sit.

****

Back at the house, Rhea stared at her phone on the table. 

Daven watched her for a moment before moving closer. "Don't let Conan ruin your mood. He's obviously making up stories to get money out of you. Using his own mother as an excuse is rather pathetic."

Rhea frowned. "You don't know that."

"Come on, Rhea. He was talking about divorce earlier, and now he's suddenly asking you for money. What else am I supposed to think?"

"He's not a chronic liar," she replied, though her voice lacked conviction. "He's probably just trying to get my attention."

Daven studied her face. "And you believe his mother is really in the hospital?"

Rhea looked away. "I don't know. But he wouldn't lie about something like that."

"Then why didn't he simply tell you what happened instead of demanding money?"

She had no answer.

Daven reached for her hand. "Forget about him. You have enough to deal with already. Don't let his drama distract you."

Rhea allowed him to hold her hand, but her thoughts remained on the phone call. She couldn't understand why Conan would resort to such a story just to get money from her.

****

Hours passed outside the operating theatre. Conan had barely moved from his seat when Kole called again.

"Master, as instructed, we've terminated all business dealings with Sparkles Enterprises. Their accounts and access to our distribution network have been suspended."

"Good."

"Should I inform the relevant departments to proceed with the remaining arrangements?"

"Yes. Handle everything."

Kole paused. "And when should we expect you back?"

Conan glanced at the operating theatre doors. "I'll let you know."

He ended the call.

There was nothing more to discuss. Whatever remained of his attachment to their marriage had finally given way.

The operating theatre doors opened, and the doctor stepped out.

Conan was on his feet immediately. "Doctor? How is she?"

"She's out of danger. The surgery went well, and her condition is stable."

Conan released a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

"At noon, you can prepare something light for her," the doctor added. "It will help with recovery."

Conan nodded. "Alright, Doctor.”

His gaze drifted to the room where Clara had been taken. At least she was alive.

He thought of the years he'd spent preparing meals for Rhea, remembering her preferences and adjusting everything to suit her needs. She'd rarely acknowledged the effort, but he'd never stopped trying.

But Clara had never made him feel that his care was something he owed her.

He turned toward the exit, already thinking about what he was going to prepare.