chapter 10 trampled underfoot

Luca Cui maintained his composure, but a hint of wariness crept into his demeanor.
Ava Shu frowned slightly, announcing, "I have a surgery scheduled soon."
Noticing Ava's displeasure, Luca quickly changed his tone, but couldn't resist a jibe, "Mr. Zhao must be quite busy with his security duties, right? But no matter, we have a long journey ahead!"
He added, somewhat boastfully, "By the way, the patient in bed eighty-two is under our care. Feel free to reach out if you need assistance in the future."
Theodore Zhao was at a loss for words, clearly perceiving the boastfulness and pride in Luca's tone.
But what could he do?
He often found it easier to face tangible dangers than these subtle verbal spars.
Theodore possessed valuable skills honed in the military, but they seemed out of place in the urban jungle of Tian Zhou.
Ava Shu's disdainful gaze felt like it could penetrate all his defenses.
On one side, a rising star in neurosurgery at Tian Zhou Hospital.
And the other side, a veteran struggling to find meaningful employment, relegated to night shift security work in Di Yuan.
Which of them was truly better off?
Ava Shu's initial choice explained everything!
Theodore's sister-in-law, sensing his discomfort, interjected, "Thank you, but we don't need any help."
She was sharp-tongued and was trying to gain an upper hand by encouraging Theodore to seek help.
She was vocal about her own family affairs, but in front of others, she didn't want Theodore to be humiliated again in front of outsiders.
Esme Su, unable to bear it any longer, took a deep breath.
Just yesterday, Theodore seemed so assertive.
Why couldn't he assert himself in front of Ava Shu?
She retreated to the bathroom, first touching up her makeup in the mirror, then applying Dior's limited-edition lipstick, matching Ava's shade.
Pursing her lips, she adjusted her hair.
Her demeanor changing as she emerged. After adjusting her hair, she emerged with a slightly raised chin and brows of just the right shade, transforming her entire aura.
Her black floral skirt contrasted beautifully against the light blue wall, and her high heels accentuated her slim, straight legs.
As she strode confidently down the corridor, her crisp heels clicking, she drew countless admiring glances.
Esme Su, accustomed to such attention, ignored the stares and headed straight to the ward door, satchel in hand.
Theodore Zhao watched, astounded. Temperament, often elusive, was exceptionally pronounced in Esme Su.
Her gaze, the tilt of her smile, even the stride of her steps, seemed meticulously calibrated.
Her presence radiated both elegance and authority, reminiscent of her stunning appearance at the engagement party.
Even in a foreign setting, she exuded dominance.
Luca Cui, too, was stunned, a flash of desire in his eyes.
Facing a woman like Esme, few could remain unaffected. His rapid breath betrayed his excitement.
Ava Shu, feeling a twinge of disgust, instinctively pulled away from his touch, her brows raising.
Her territorial instinct as a woman flared, sensing a strong hostility from Esme.
In Ava's widening eyes, Esme stood confidently beside Theodore.
What followed took Ava by surprise.
Esme casually took Theodore's arm, asking with composure, "I just parked the car, why didn't you wait for me?"
Theodore, momentarily stunned, managed an apologetic smile, "I got anxious."
Esme Su playfully wrinkled her nose and turned to introduce herself to Theodore's brother and sister-in-law, "Hello there, I'm Theodore's girlfriend. I've heard a lot about you, and I came unannounced today. I hope you don't mind."
Theodore's elder brother, usually more straightforward, was taken aback by Esme Su's beauty.
He alone knew of Theodore's breakup with Ava. Now, seeing Esme, he was astounded.
Was this our ancestors blessing?
Could the Zhao family tree, long barren, finally bear fruit?
"Why the daze? Miss Su is talking to you!"
His wife chided, nudging him back to reality.
"Oh, hello, hello!"
He greeted, extending his hand, then hesitated, unsure if it was appropriate for a first meeting.
Esme, unbothered, extended her hand, her grace and composure leaving no room for criticism, overshadowing Ava.
In that brief interaction, she outshone Ava Shu, radiating grace and poise that left no room for criticism.
Ava Shu sensed something amiss, her suspicion directed at Theodore.
Ignoring Luca's reaction, she demanded, "How do you know Theodore Zhao? I've never heard him mention you."
As Esme Su turned, her eyes met Ava's for the first time.
Tightening her grip on Theodore's arm, her tone matched Ava's, "Doctor, you seem very familiar with my boyfriend. Is there something I should know?"
Ava's lips pursed, sensing mockery in the term 'sister'.
An invisible spark flew between them, the air charged with tension.
Even Theodore's brother and sister-in-law sensed the brewing conflict.
His sister-in-law nudged Theodore, urging him to intervene.
Theodore, completely baffled, had no clue how to navigate this confrontation.
Since their marriage registration, Esme had kept their relationship private. Why was she defending him now?
As for Ava's hostility, Theodore was equally perplexed.
Having decisively ended their relationship, why this animosity towards Esme?
Luca, struggling to maintain composure, whispered to Ava, "What's wrong with you?"
Ava, regaining her poise, put a smile on her lips, as if nothing had happened just now.
She took the initiative to reach out her hand and said with a slight smile, "Hello, Miss Su, right?"
Esme Su showed no sign of weakness, "Nice to meet you, Dr. Shu."
Their handshake was charged with unspoken rivalry.
The clash between the two women was evident, while Luca fumed silently.
Luca had long coveted Ava Shu, the reigning belle of Tian Zhou Hospital. Despite knowing she had a boyfriend, he never gave up.
A relentless stream of flowers and gifts, coupled with his sweet-talking, finally softened Ava's resolve half a month ago.
While overjoyed, Luca couldn't help but be wary, especially after learning that the man before him was Theodore Zhao. He yearned to crush Theodore's self-esteem under his feet and grind it to dust.
Unexpectedly, his plans were completely foiled by a woman.
He saw Esme's excellence and felt utterly inferior, without the courage to face her.
But how could a goddess of such caliber fall for Theodore Zhao?
Could it be that in her eyes, his prestigious academic achievements and return from abroad made him inferior to a mere security guard?
This thought led Luca to suddenly remember something, "Right, the test results for bed eighty-two are out. The surgery fee hasn't been paid yet, has it?"
The operation cost over half a million dollars, not to mention the subsequent recovery expenses, a sum beyond the reach of an average family.
Luca had initially planned to allow a few more days of grace, but upon discovering the patient's connection to Theodore Zhao, he saw no reason for leniency.
A nurse nearby confirmed, "It hasn't been paid yet."
Luca sneered, "What's going on here? Didn't I tell you this morning? No matter who the patient is, hospitalization and surgery fees must not be delayed, not even by a cent!"