Trillionaire Heir- Jeremy Nathaniel

Chapter 5 - The date

"Oh, that was so thoughtful of you, dear," said Avery's grandma. "You've proved your worth once again."

She assumed that his family's influence had made it possible for him to take care of everything with just a few calls because as they drove to the hospital, she noticed that Noah was making phone calls and sending text messages.

"Oh, it's nothing," Noah stammered, trying to play it cool. The truth was, he had no idea who had paid the hospital bills. But he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at being seen as the one who had taken care of everything. Perhaps the doctor had swung into action as soon as he saw them, knowing the importance of Noah's family. It was a thought that made him feel powerful and important.

"Thank you, Noah," said Avery, her voice calm and collected as she tried to hold back her tears. Even though she resented the fact that she had to depend on him for help, she knew she had no other choice.

"Mia is your daughter, and she's critically ill," Noah said, his voice tinged with pride. "Helping her is the least I could do,"

Avery smiled, but it was a forced smile. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at his words. He was always so proud of himself, and it was starting to get on her nerves. She didn't want to be rude, but she couldn't help but wonder if he would ever learn humility.

She pushed the thought aside, not wanting to let it ruin the moment.

"Look at how much Noah is willing to do for you," her grandma said, her voice dripping with disdain. "And where is your husband, Jeremy? Not a word from him, is there? He's nowhere to be found. Pathetic."

Avery bristled at her grandma's words.

"Please, grandma," she said, her voice pleading. "I know you're trying to help, but please don't speak ill of Jeremy. I know he's not perfect, but he's still my husband and Mia's father."

"You always defend him," her grandma sighed. "Anyway, Noah's help deserves a reward. He did what your husband couldn't." She turned to face Noah. "What would you like in return?"

Avery rolled her eyes. She was used to her grandma's constant need to put Jeremy down, but it was still annoying. She could tell that Noah was enjoying the attention, basking in the glory of being praised for his actions. But she couldn't blame him. He just helped save Mia's life.

"If I may be so bold," Noah began, his voice full of bravado, "I would like to take you on a date, like the good old days."

Avery's eyes widened, and her heart sank. She didn't want to go on a date with Noah - not now, not ever. But her grandma's glare told her that she had no choice in the matter.

"I'm sure you'll have a lovely time," her grandma said, before turning to face Avery. "Do you have any objections to saying thank you to the man who saved your daughter's life?"

Avery bit her lip, knowing she was trapped. If she refused to go on the date, her grandma would be furious. But if she went, she would feel like she was betraying Jeremy. It was a no-win situation.

"I'll go on the date," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But only because I want to thank Noah for helping Mia."

She knew it was a weak excuse, but it was the best she could come up with. She just hoped that Noah wouldn't read too much into it.

Away from there, as soon as Jeremy signed the document, Jeferson looked him straight in the eye. "Your daughter's hospital bill has been paid," he said, a smug smile playing across his lips.

Jeremy looked at him, his brow furrowed. "How is that possible? I didn't have the money to pay for it."

"Nathaniel's shares make up a large portion of the hospital's funding," Jeferson said, handing Jeremy a black card. "Because of that, as a member of the Nathaniel family, you and your daughter are eligible for free medical treatment. My secretary just informed the doctor about your daughter's case."

Jeremy took the card, not sure what to say. Ten billion dollars? It was more money than he could have imagined. But he couldn't take it. It didn't feel right.

"I can't accept this," he said, trying to hand the card back to Jeferson.

"The money is yours now," Jeferson said, his voice full of respect. "All of Nathaniel's wealth was transferred to you the moment you signed the document. I suggest you keep the card. You never know when you might need it."

Though Jeremy didn't want anything to do with the Nathaniel name, he knew that Jeferson was right. It would be foolish to reject the card. There was no telling what the future held, and he couldn't afford to be unprepared. He couldn't risk being caught off guard in an emergency. Reluctantly, he tucked the card into his pocket and stood to leave.

"Before you go," Jeferson began, his tone respectful, "you'll need to meet with the secretaries of all the Nathaniel companies nationwide to discuss the transition of power. There's a lot to be done, and I think it's best if we get started as soon as possible."

"Not now," Jeremy said, his voice firm and unyielding. "I'll let you know when I'm ready to discuss those matters."

Jeferson looked like he wanted to say more, but he seemed to think better of it. Instead, he simply nodded and said, "As you wish, boss."

"One last thing, boss," Jeferson called out as Jeremy walked towards the door. "When do you plan on seeing The old man? He's been eagerly anticipating your visit."

Without a word, Jeremy reached for the door. Just as he was about to leave, Jeferson spoke again.

"I would advise you to be careful, boss. Now that you've taken over the company, you'll have a lot of enemies, people who wouldn't think twice about coming after you. I mean the old man's sworn enemies,"

Jeremy turned around, fixing Jeferson with a steely gaze. "I can handle myself," he said, his voice cold and unyielding. "I don't need your advice."

Jeferson looked taken aback, but he quickly recovered. "Of course, boss," he said. "I meant no disrespect."

A few minutes later, Jeremy stepped into a cab and headed straight for the hospital. When he arrived, he was relieved to see that Mia had been moved to the VIP section, and the doctors seemed to be treating him with more respect than usual. But there was no sign of his wife, Avery in the hospital premises.

"Have you seen my wife?" he asked the nurse on duty, his voice betraying his worry.

The nurse shook her head. "I'm sorry, sir, but I haven't seen her since she left earlier," she replied, her tone apologetic. "I wish I could be more help, but I'm afraid I don't have any more information."

Jefferson's brow furrowed, his concern deepening. He had a bad feeling about this, and he couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease that he was feeling.

He wondered where she must have gone leaving their daughter alone with a nurse.