Chapter 278: Chapter 279

Chapter 279 The Same Name After being closely monitored in the intensive care unit for a while, Abby fully recovered from the critical condition and was cleared for transfer to a hospital room for rest and observation.

Aylin called over a nurse and stated, “Here, use this card, no pin code needed. Transfer her to the best VIP ward you have.

Appreciate your assistance in making the necessary arrangements.”

As Aylin spoke, she handed over a black card with gold trim.

Having worked as a nurse for a long time, she had seen lavishness before, but never on such a grand scale. How Aylin casually requested upgrading to the VIP ward made it seem as easy as buying a cabbage!

“Understood; I’ll get someone to assist with the room transfer.”

Once back at the nurse station, the young nurse could not resist telling her colleague about the incident.

“Do you guys have any idea how unbelievably extravagant the patient’s family members in Bed three are? They can just casually request a VIP ward as they please!”

A colleague enviously remarked, “That little girl is fortunate to have a sister like that. She’s beautiful, wealthy, and affectionate toward her. Where can you possibly find someone like that?”

The nurse thought about Abby lying in bed and could not help but feel sorry for her. “Ah, this poor child. Her parents don’t care for her, and only her cousin looks after her.”

A colleague sighed and mused, “Who can argue with that? It’s a blessing for her in this lifetime to have a sister like that. She must have earned some positive karma in her past life.”

Aylin was unaware that she had become the model of a caring sister in the eyes of the nurses. She softly grasped Abby’s hand, affectionately examining every inch of the little girl. Weighed down by guilt and anger, she heaved a sigh of relief.

“Boss!”

David knocked on the door and peered inside, observing the poor little girl on the bed. “How is she holding up?”

“She will be fine; I’ve operated on her.”

“What? Boss?”

David’s expression swiftly changed upon hearing that Aylin had taken matters into her own hands. His gaze toward the young girl shifted from curiosity to a tinge of envy.

The best is yet to come for her! David pondered.

‘Boss, I’ve finished investigating everything you assigned me,” David reported.

Aylin’s gaze became intense in an instant. “Let’s discuss it in the next room!”

Aylin and David went to the adjacent private ward, locking the door and ensuring the conversation remained confidential.

David handed over a folder and explained, “Here are the complete profile and records of Ruben Jim.”

While bidding farewell on the airplane, Aylin urged David to expedite the search for information about Abby’s father, Hanson Koch. Consequently, during the window of Aylin’s surgery, David and his subordinates worked tirelessly to conduct the investigation, ultimately submitting a perfect report.

“Job well done, David.”

David’s heart swelled with delight as he basked in Aylin’s commendation. He proudly lifted his chin and declared, “Of course, I am the Boss’ most trusted. guardian!”

Aylin flipped through the documents, and the more she read, the darker her expression became.

Both Abby and Serena had limited interactions with Timothy, leaving them relatively unfamiliar with him. That was the first time Aylin had complete information about him.

[Ruben Jim, aged forty-one, was an unemployed nomad who occasionally worked odd jobs at nearby stores. He had a habit of drinking and frequently accumulated debts by running tabs at restaurants and pubs.]

“Boss, he isn’t fit to be a father!”

David could not contain his disgust and remarked, “When I was conducting interviews, his neighbors mentioned that he would get drunk and go crazy on his daughter. Despite numerous attempts to intervene, many heard the little girl screaming in agony!”

David despised men who would lay a hand on women, let alone their vulnerable daughters.

“Ugh! He’s nothing but a despicable creature!”

Aylin held the papers tightly, her gaze fixed on the crowded words. Her face grew more sinister, and her eyes filled with icy determination.

“If he’s unwilling to care for his daughter properly, then he shouldn’t expect to have her!”

Out of nowhere, there was a sudden knocking at the door, accompanied by a somewhat familiar voice asking, “Is anyone there?”

The door was pushed open shortly after, and Lloyd’s attractive face appeared. “Ms. Koch, there you are. I’ve finally found you!”

Aylin instinctively furrowed her brow.

“Why are you here?”

Lloyd smiled politely and said, “Mr. Delacruz is worried about your safety and getting anxious. He specifically asked me to come and check if you needed any help.”

“Hmph.”

David cast a disdainful glance and sarcastically interrupted, “Stop buttering up to Mr. Delacruz. As long as I’m around, there’s no need to rely on anyone else for protection!”

David could not hide his displeasure toward Gavyn and the people around him, knowing that Aylin had endured three years of mistreatment in the Delacruz family.

Besides, what assistance could an assistant possibly provide?

A faint sense of unease filled her as Aylin thought back to the fleeting. moments of ambiguity in the morning. She raised her head and said to Lloyd, “I have David with me, and there’s nothing you can help with. You can go. back.”

After saying that, Aylin turned to David and requested, “Go and find a skilled lawyer for me.”

“Isn’t it just perfect timing? My brother happens to know someone named Guillermo Frances. He’s a Ph.D. student in the Law Department at Stanford University and has a great reputation in New York,” David explained, glancing subtly toward Lloyd as if to assert that his presence was unnecessary.

Despite this, Lloyd remained unfazed and responded with a cheerful tone, “Ms. Koch, why don’t you consider turning to me for help?”

David frowned after hearing Lloyd.

“It seems like you’re looking for trouble!”

They were stealing his work right in front of him. He was growing frustrated!

David glared at Lloyd with his arms folded, growing increasingly displeased. “I’m the Boss’ assistant; we don’t need you to introduce anyone. Who knows if the person you recommend is trustworthy or not?”

“Young man, relax. I never said I wanted to take over your work.”

Lloyd nodded respectfully and smiled faintly. “Ms. Koch, I’m suggesting that if you’re looking to hire a lawyer, why not consider me directly? I can take care of it.”

Aylin caught on and arched an eyebrow, her serene gaze lifting slightly.

“Lloyd, are you trying to say you are a lawyer?”

“There’s no way he’s a lawyer; he’s just bluffing!” David carefully observed Lloyd’s appearance but could not detect any professional demeanor of a lawyer, only sensing an insincere smile.

“I know Guillermo Frances. We had the same mentor, so technically, I am his senior.”

As he mentions his field of expertise, Lloyd’s face lights up with confidence. “I even assisted him in revising his thesis. If you don’t believe me, feel free to ask him.”

David quickly took out his phone and dialed Guillermo’s number.

“Hey? Guillermo, it’s me. I wanted to ask you, do you happen to know someone named Lloyd Jones?”

The cheerful voice of a man came from the other end. “That’s my senior from the law department. We know each other well, and he’s a great person. He assisted me in revising my thesis and even gave me an opportunity to intern at his law firm. So, did you get into trouble? Why are you looking for a lawyer?”

“You’re the one that got into trouble!”

David clenched his teeth, refusing to accept it, and asked again, “I’m talking about Lloyd, Lloyd Jones, specifically. It can’t be another person with the same name, right?”

“Yes, that’s him.”

After the call ended, there was an awkward silence in the air.

With a subtle smile, Lloyd looked at David, his expression clearly saying, “I told you so.”

David scoffed and averted his gaze.

Aylin’s smile widened with astonishment as she remarked, “I didn’t expect you to have owned a law firm, Lloyd.”

“I wasn’t in the mood to pursue a job right after graduating, so I teamed up with a friend to establish a law firm. We handpicked the cases we wanted to handle, but looking back, they are reminiscent of our youthful inexperience.”

Aylin was astonished to learn that Lloyd had another side to him.

“What types of cases have you been involved in?”

“I’ve worked on cases related to property division within the Helin Group, including disputes over child custody.”

David was surprised by the mention of this particular case.

The Helin Group, once a prominent financial consortium in New York, suffered from the incompetence and idleness of its CEO, who squandered a significant portion of the family’s wealth on gambling and had an illegitimate child with his mistress.

Mrs. Helin, consumed by fury, took her husband to court, igniting a legal battle over the distribution of assets and the custody of their young child. The intense altercation created a buzz throughout New York. However, due to a lack of evidence, Mrs. Helin was on the verge of being left with nothing.

Ultimately, the intervention of a lawyer helped Mrs. Helin turn the tables, as he eloquently presented his case and secured a resounding victory, ensuring that everything rightfully belonged to the original wife. People were buzzing about this gossip-worthy event, unaware Lloyd had triumphed in this messy legal battle.

Aylin’s eyebrows lifted in astonishment. “I didn’t expect you to have this ability. So why didn’t you continue with it and choose to be a lawyer instead of an assistant?”

Aylin pondered, Lloyd’s success and wealth skyrocketed with that particular case; instead of sticking to his field, he chooses to serve Gavyn. What could be going through his mind?

“The legal assistance we provided was dedicated to aiding financially disadvantaged women and underserved left-behind children. Our main objective was to advocate for the rights of vulnerable communities.”

Looking back on the past, Lloyd could not help but feel a pang of nostalgia. “There were simply too many individuals in need of help. The combined strength of me and my friends was insufficient to address the magnitude of the situation.

Thanks to the funding provided by Mr. Delacruz, we can initiate and sustain our project.

I had a feeling back then that someone who is willing to lend a hand to the vulnerable would never fall short. And sure enough, I made the right decision. to work with him.”

Despite Gavyn’s occasional temper, which boss doesn’t have their quirks? Gavyn may seem cold on the surface, but ‘deep down, he’s caring. He offers a generous salary and quietly looks after his family. Being Gavyn’s assistant, Lloyd was more than happy to do so!

“So that’s how it was.” Aylin was not surprised to hear about Lloyd’s history.

After all, being around Gavyn, it’s unlikely that anyone would lack competence.

“Ms. Koch, are you open to me offering my help now?”

Considering Lloyd’s exceptional competence and knowledge of child protection law, he was the ideal candidate.

Aylin nodded in agreement, “In that case, I’m counting on you for this. Let’s consider it a favor I owe to Gavyn.”

Lloyd cautiously looked at Aylin and replied, “I’m here to help you on behalf of Mr. Delacruz. If I can assist, it will make him happy!”

Aylin remained silent.

Resolving Abby’s issue was paramount, and Lloyd was the optimal candidate. It was not the moment for Abby to be preoccupied with personal emotions.

“David, let him take a look at the documents.”

Lloyd was efficient in his work and had already gone through a significant portion of the documents within ten minutes. Aylin waited patiently, curious. about what would happen next. Suddenly, there was a loud commotion from outside.

David frowned, “Seems like there’s some commotion coming from the intensive care unit.”

“Go and look!”

Aylin stood up with a cold expression, and David quickly followed suit. With no one in the room, Lloyd quietly dialed a phone number.

“How is everything going?”

“Ms. Koch’s sister, Abby, is safe and sound. Ms. Koch needs a lawyer, and I happened to be of assistance. Everything is being handled as per your instructions.”

“You better make sure you handle this situation well.”

“Will do.”

Things had already descended into chaos inside the other ward, with a group of patients and their relatives curiously gathering around the door to watch.

A hefty middle-aged man banged the table and shouted, “Five hundred dollars a day? Why don’t you rob a bank? I’ve had enough; we’re getting out of here!”

The nurse struggled to explain, “Someone has already taken care of the payment, and the child needs to rest now. Please try to lower your voice...”

“Don’t give me that crap! I know your deceitful ways, your hospitals, trying to trick me out of my money!”

Ruben swung his arm forcefully, pushing the nurse aside, and without considering Abby’s current frailty, he dashed forward and forcefully dragged her up from the bed.

“Come on, let’s go! Stop acting like you’re dead!”

As the effect of the anesthesia wore off, the pain awakened Abby, her eyebrows furrowing as she weakly whimpered, “Ouch, it hurts!”

“She’s just had an operation; please don’t do that!” The compassionate medical staff was deeply concerned, hurrying over to try and pull the middle-aged man’s hand away.

Ruben, with a robust build, was not about to be moved by a slight nurse. He cursed and swiftly slapped the nurse across the face, growling, “Get out of here!”

Ruben then firmly stated, “I have the right to discipline my daughter, and it’s none of your business!”

After being slapped, the nurse collapsed onto the floor, momentarily disoriented and seeing flashes of light before regaining her senses.

Ruben was the child’s biological father and had a fierce, fearsome demeanor and intimidating presence. The crowd watched with sympathy and fear, but no one dared to intervene.

Amidst it all, a striking figure swiftly maneuvered through the crowd, emanating a powerful presence.

At the moment when everyone was still trying to make sense of what was happening, the mysterious figure landed a forceful kick to the man’s face, swiftly spun around, and expertly subdued him by gripping his arm and applying a restraining hold from behind.

Clang!

Ruben fell to his knees.

“Who!”

Ruben grimaced in pain and shouted, “Let go of me, you son of a bitch! Who the hell do you think you are? I said let go!”

Aylin arrived like a harbinger of doom, effortlessly holding Ruben in place with one hand. Meanwhile, David caught hold of the stumbling Abby, ensuring she avoided any injury from falling.

“It’s ok now, no need to be scared. David’s here to keep you safe,” David comforted the shivering little girl in his embrace, his heart filled with deep compassion.

Lloyd, following closely, could not end the call in time. He immediately placed the phone in his pocket and quickly grabbed hold of the swaying IV stand. The metal frame would have hit Abby’s head if he had been any later!

The two worked together seamlessly. David gently laid Abby back on the bed while Lloyd assisted the nurse and helped her up.

All that was done within minutes!

The gathering crowd was thrilled by sight, resembling a female warrior accompanied by her two comrades, ready to draw their swords and assist in times of need.

Aylin’s eyes turned cold as she squinted. She said, “Ruben Jim, I haven’t come looking for you yet, but it seems you’ve found your way to me!”

“Who are you?”

Clad in casual attire, the woman exuded a chilly radiance that could not be concealed. Ruben felt a pang of recognition, thought for a moment, and hist face suddenly turned pale as he yelled, “Is it you? You, how dare you treat me like this!”

“I am your uncle, so I am considered your elder! Do you have the right to interfere in how I discipline my daughter? Do you even understand the concept. of respecting your elders?”

He raised his voice and wished for everyone to pass judgment on this disrespectful and unethical younger individual, Aylin.

“So you’re aware that she is your daughter?”

Aylin landed a kick on his lower leg, causing the flailing Ruben to settle down. “Abby has just had surgery; not only do you not care about that, but you are also pulling at her incision.

Respecting the elderly is based on caring for the young, but with your low moral character, I find it impossible to respect you!”

With just one sentence, the essence of the event was revealed.

Just because you’re the child’s father doesn’t give you the right to dehumanize them!

“Well said!!”

A wave of approval and agreement swept through the surroundings, prompting even the previously silent ones to speak up.

“What kind of father is he? His daughter’s life is hanging by a thread, and he’s still concerned about money!”

“What if she isn’t even his biological daughter? What if he stole someone else’s child and didn’t raise her properly?”

“Can you believe that a man like him has women who bear his children? Oh my, I can’t even have a daughter myself; please take this wicked man away!”

With public opinion heavily favoring Aylin, Ruben clenched his teeth in frustration, beads of sweat forming on his forehead from the pain. This woman was difficult to deal with; he had to change his strategy.

“Abby! This bitch has you wrapped around her finger. Do you even remember who your father is?”

Ruben shifted his gaze towards the hospital bed, his eyes filled with fury. “I’m your dad; I dare you to try not coming with me and see what I’ll do to you then!”

Aylin frowned after hearing Ruben; she applied more force to push his hand down.

“Who do you think you’re threatening?