Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

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“How could this be? Gisele has always been a law–abiding citizen. Could there be a mistake?

Sierra spoke out gently and understandingly, defending Gisele.

Dorian wrapped his arm around Sierra’s delicate shoulders, his laughter tinged with scorn. Sierra, you’re too kind–hearted.”

Gisele caught Dorian’s icy gaze, feeling an ache in her chest so intense that it was hard to breathe.

Did he really see her in such a negative light? Couldn’t he see any good in her?

“I’ll accompany Gigi. You can continue with the procedures,” Bernard said, not quite pleased with Dorian’s attitude but also not insistent.

The soldier shook his head. “Mr. Murray, only Ms. Meyer can go alone. Once everything is verified and confirmed, we will allow her to come back.”

He was taking her away for questioning alone.

“No. Are you guys going to be completely unreasonable?” Bernard became anxious. Gisele was his idol; how could she possibly do anything illegal?

Gisele held Bernard’s hand. Despite the hot weather, her hand was cold.

Bernard looked at her worriedly, but she smiled and replied, “I’m fine. They’re also worried that someone might use us newcomers to harm the elders. It

only right to check.”

“But-”

“It’s alright. All of you, please continue. I’ll go cooperate with the inspection,” Gisele said, interrupting Bernard.

She turned to follow the soldier away, her gaze lingering on Dorian’s handsome face in the corner of her eye.

But he didn’t even glance at her. He just kept his head down, chatting affectionately with Sierra. As Gisele was taken away, an unusual glint flashed in Sierra’s eyes as she chatted flirtatiously with Dorian.

“Can you get any more revolting?” Bernard grew irritated as he watched Dorian and Sierra, who were practically glued together.

His voice was laced with sarcasm. “If you can’t get enough of each other, get a room! Don’t make a spectacle of yourselves here!”

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Sierra’s complexion turned pale, and she leaned on Dorlan as if she might collapse.

“Bernard,” Dorian said, narrowing his eyes in warning.

Bernard snorted arrogantly, glaring at him before turning to leave. “Doge! Don’t come crying to me later for regretting your actions today.”

Dorian chuckled coldly. Regret about Gisele?

Even if every woman in the world were to disappear, leaving only Gisele, he wouldn’t regret

“Don, can we plead for Gisele before they start filming the show, please?” Sierra’s soft, melodious voice drifted over.

Dorian frowned, not quite agreeing with her request. “Sierra, you’re too kind.”

“It’s simply part of a doctor’s habit. Besides, Gisele and I are colleagues. We should look out for each other,” Sierra cooed, nestling in his embrace.

Not far away, the crew members setting up the equipment watched them with sparkling

eyes.

They had stumbled upon the couple who was their favorite online ship in real life. This was simply sweetness overload!

The talented and beautiful couple was captivating just standing there, and that was without even considering Sierra’s brilliance as a medical genius.

Despite his reservations, Dorian joined Sierra in going to find Gisele.

“What kind of contraband did Gisele bring?” Dorian asked with a tense face.

A security guard posted at the door relayed the message inside.

Soon, the manager of the nursing home emerged and explained, “Mr. Jefferson, Ms. Meyer brought herbal medicines that she researched herself, all of which were made without a

license.

“While we are just a private nursing home, the elderly residents here are either rich or powerful. If they accidentally ingest anything unclean and something happens, we won’t be able to explain ourselves.

“Another thing is that Ms. Meyer’s suitcase contains self–defense tools and a baseball bat, which are considered dangerous items.

“Our care center has security guards patrolling the whole day, so there is no danger at all. If

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those elderly residents are accidentally injured… Well, that wouldn’t be good for us either, would it?”

With each item the manager mentioned, Gisele’s head lowered a little.

Her hands were clenched tightly. Crescent–shaped nail marks formed on her pale fingers yet she seemed to feel no pain.

“Then, can I ask for an assurance? It’s the first time Gisele is participating in a reality show and visiting this care center. She wasn’t aware of these rules,” Sierra inquired fervently.

The manager’s face clouded with difficulty, and he hesitated to say, “We can only do that if she signs a written guarantee not to bring these items here again.”

“Don, could you vouch for Gisele, please?” Sierra turned and wrapped her arms around his waist, looking up at him pitifully.

w with to

The guards standing nearby were stunned. Sierra was not only a medical skills and a popular socialite in Hearthfield, but also kind–hearted!

She and Dorian were standing together, looking like a dazzling painting. It was a captivating sight to behold.

Dorian glanced at Gisele with a sharp, cold look and nodded. “Fine.”

He reviewed the document, aware that if Gisele caused any harm to the elders during the filming, he would bear most of the responsibility.

Dorian hesitated and didn’t sign. Sierra said understandingly, “Or maybe I should sign? I can vouch for Gisele’s character.”

“No need. She doesn’t deserve to have your name associated with hers.” After saying that, Dorian signed his name with flair.

Gisele sat on a stool, like a statue. Each of his words pierced her already–wounded heart.

She had only brought a set of silver needles, yet the security guards blatantly claimed Sierra’s luggage as hers too, denying her any chance to explain and locking her in the security room.

Bernard had told her beforehand what items she was allowed to bring. How could she possibly make such a mistake?

“What? Do you need someone to escort you?” Dorian threw the pen and looked coldly at Gisele.

Gisele’s heart felt as if it had been viciously carved out, the pain making her breathing hitch.

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She staggered up and left..

After this interlude, Sierra and Gisele went to their room to change clothes.

“Did you enjoy the surprise?” asked Sierra.

Once they were alone in the room, away from survelllance cameras and other people, Sierra’s flawless face broke into a mocking smile.

Gisele’s hand shook as she clutched the care center’s uniform, her calm eyes fixed on Sierra.

Was Sierra’s reach truly so extensive that she could manipulate events from the shadows? Or was it Dorian who had orchestrated all of this behind the scenes?

After she changed into her uniform, Sierra saw Gisele standing motionless.

Her voice was low and melodious as she said, “There’s one more surprise, and you’ll love it even more, Gisele. Don’t say I didn’t help you!”

Gisele felt like she was facing a formidable enemy. Her face was serious as she asked, “What are you trying to do? Ruin your own debut?”

“How could that be? The one who’s been labeled a suspicious person and ruined is you, it?” Sierra sneered with an air of superiority.

Her face grim, Gisele took a step forward, closing the distance between them.

isn’t

“Ms. McMillan, have you mistaken who you should be targeting? The person not marrying you isn’t me. What’s the point of targeting me over and over?”

Gisele hit a nerve, and Sierra clenched her fist, visibly agitated. How had she not hinted at it enough with Dorian?

If Gisele hadn’t won over Declan, why would she need to resort to such underhanded tactics?

“Ms. McMillan, you’re a top socialite in Hearthfield, and a genius in medicine–honors that others can’t even reach on their tiptoes.

“Are you sure you want to tarnish your reputation with dirty tricks again and again?”

Gisele’s eyes, clear in their moral distinction, stared directly at Sierra.

“The trash you cherish might not be someone else’s treasure. As for the surprise you mentioned, you better make sure it’s foolproof. Otherwise…”

Gisele lowered her voice, sidestepping Sierra as she prepared to go in and change. “Karma will bite back upon the wicked.”

Though she had spoken in a gentle voice, her words made Sierra feel as if a demon from hell

Chapter 16

had quietly come to claim her life.

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Sierra caught a glimpse of black shoes appearing at the door. Suddenly, she fell to her knees with a thud.

Her eyes reddened, and she apologized in a choked voice. “I’m sorry, Gisele.”

The moment Gisele was about to respond, she caught sight of Dorian walking in, his face set in a stern frown.

At once, all the words she had planned to utter retreated back inside her. Dorian’s presence rendered any explanation she might have given as nothing more than self–justification.

“Gisele!”

Dorian stormed in, seized her by the collar, and lifted her up. “Why are you so malicious? Must you always pin your own mistakes on others?”

Elevated to a higher height, Gisele stood on tiptoe, her collar constricting her neck, making it difficult for her to breathe.

She was forced to meet his gaze, but her l*ps suddenly curled into a radiant smile. “Dorian, why are you sulking here with me instead of helping Sierra up? Could it be because you care about me?“”