Chapter 99

Leaning in a bit, Kaia asked, "So... that means she wasn't a Pine Hill student, right?"

Adrian paused, clearly thinking it over. "I can't say for sure. My friend's got connections everywhere, but the campus is packed with gorgeous women-he couldn't know all of them."

Then he turned the question back on her. "Why are you so interested in this girl, anyway? Is she that important?"

Kaia said quickly, "She is-honestly, it's crucial. Adrian, you're plugged in with so many people. Could you help me dig up more about her?"

He mulled it over before giving a nod. "Alright, here's what l'Il do. I'Il contact someone from school and see if they can send over our med school's complete roster from that yea. We'll check for her name."

Relief filled Kaia's voice. "That's really helpful,Adrian. Thank you!"

Meanwhile, at a Shoildon restaurant, two men sat facing each other in a private dining room, deep in business talk.

One, older with silver streaks at his temples, watched everything with alert, calculating eyes-the look of a seasoned executive.

Across from him, a younger man in a wheelchair hid every thought behind a calm, unreadable face.

Rising from his seat, the older man-Jeffry Turner-offered a hand and an overly polite smile. "Mr. Bennett,Turner Group is honored to join forces with your company. Here's to a thriving alliance."

Isaac waited, his eyes resting on the outstretched hand just long enough for Jeffry's smile to falter, before finally accepting the shake.

"To a thriving alliance," Isaac replied evenly.

Jeffry's smile quickly returned as he straightened. "Well, I'll get out of your hair now, Mr. Bennett. Wouldn't want to take up more of your valuable time."

Right on cue, his assistant hurried over to hold the door as Jeffry left.

As soon as they were gone, Jacob, who had been standing quietly behind Isaac, couldn't help but remark,"That Jeffry is slick. He's always out for his own interests. If he didn't have that tiny link to your mother,he'd never land a partnership like this."

Isaac let out a small, knowing laugh, hands folded in his lap. "After forty years in the industry,Jeffry knows the game. He won't lift a finger unless there's something in it for him first."

Jacob nodded, impressed. "You always stay three steps ahead, Mr. Bennett."

Isaac moved his wheelchair toward the exit. "Let's get back to the office."

Out in the hallway, he suddenly caught sight of a familiar face.

It was Gavin-Verena's friend who had just returned from overseas.

He started to call out, maneuvering his wheelchair forward, but at that moment, a young woman emerged from the elevator.

Gavin greeted her wvith a bright grin and gently guided her into another room.

Jacob inclined his head, quietly pressing, "Mr. Bennett, the elevator is ready for you."

Isaac looked at his assistant and replied, "Go on ahead, Jacob. Wait for me downstairs-l've got something to do first."

Without questioning further, Jacob nodded. "Of course,sir."

Isaac steered himself down the hall, stopping right outside the room Gavin had entered.

He waited patiently, letting the minutes pass. At last, about thirty minutes later, the door swung open.

Gavin, heading out toward the restrooms, froze when he spotted Isaac waiting. Surprise flashed across his face."Were you waiting for me?" Isaac met his gaze and gave a quiet nod.

Gavin instantly guessed this wasn't a chance encounter-and he doubted Isaac was here to invite him to a meal.

He cut straight to the point. "This is about Dr. Willis, isn't it?"

Isaac offered a slight nod, admitting, "You and Verena go way back. I'd like to understand her history."

Gavin narrowed his eyes, his mind quickly turning. He recalled his last talk with Verena at the bar and knew Isaac's memory was patchy at best. Was this sudden interest in Verena's past because something had changed between them?

A flicker of anticipation shot through Gavin. "Alright-let's find a spot to talk."

As they headed down the hall, Gavin sent a text. "Ran into someone. I'll be a while, wait for me."

Reaching the end of the corridor, he stopped and faced Isaac. "Go ahead-whatever you want to know, just ask."

Isaac hesitated, fingers tightening against his wheels. He wanted to hear about Verena's past, to piece together the woman he was falling for, but doubt crept in.

Was it right to probe into her life without telling her? The urge to know more fought against the worry that he might be crossing a line, and the uncertainty made him pause, caught between curiosity and concern.

Thoughts spun through Isaac's head, emotions tangled in a silent war. In the end, after a long pause, he couldn't bring himself to do something that might upset her. He let out a quiet breath and said, "Never mind,it's not important."

Gavin's eyebrows shot up in protest; he was not willing to let it go that easily. "Seriously, Mr. Bennett? You waited outside my room, guided me here to talk, andI even texted my friend to hold off for you. Now you say it's not important? Are you having a laugh?"

Isaac didn't elaborate, simply nodded and said, "Sorry."

Gavin huffed but decided to keep the conversation going. Leaning against the wall, he crossed his arms and put on a thoughtful face. "Alright, if you're not talking, l'll take a stab at it myself. What could possibly have you so curious about a woman's past? Let's see..."

Drawing out his words with a mischievous glint, Gavin asked, "This is about her love life, isn't it?"

Isaac met Gavin's eyes, a cold spark flickering in his own, but said nothing.

The look on Isaac's face told Gavin he'd hit the mark, and his joking manner instantly faded. He straightened, saying in a more serious tone, "Okay, you don't have to say it. You're curious about Dr. Willis'romantic past."

For a moment, Gavin hesitated. He remembered Verena's words about keeping Isaac's memory loss under wraps for the time being-it might complicate things if he found out.

Still, as far as love went, Verena's history only included Isaac.

So,how should he phrase it... Suddenly, an idea struck Gavin.

With a sly grin and a bit of theatrical flair, Gavin said, "Dr. Willis once had someone who chased after her with everything he had. This guy was completely devoted-he learned to cook just so he could make her different meals every day. And you know what? She ignored a whole parade of impressive admirers just to be with him. They were everyone's idea of the perfect couple..."

Isaac broke in, voice cool and measured. "Did his last name start with an 'I'?"

That question threw Gavin for a loop. An "I"? Why ask that?

Hold on a second!

Gavin remembered seeing a small tattoo just beneath Verena's collarbone: a single letter, I.

It had been a topic of teasing before, and Verena claimed it stood for lsaac-something Gavin and the others had never let her live down.

Realization dawned. Isaac must've seen that tattoo and thought it was connected to the man in her past.

The pieces fit, and Gavin barely managed to hide his amusement. This could get interesting.