Chapter 6 Misunderstanding

When Nancy reached the door of Sebastian's ward, she heard voices inside. Through the glass panel, she didn't notice Taylor but instead spotted a man who bore a striking resemblance to Sebastian. But compared to Sebastian, that man carried a far more sinister, almost malevolent air. "I've already told Grandpa about your injury," the man said smoothly. "To make sure you recover quickly, he asked me to arrange a professional caretaker for you. She'll stay with you until you're fully healed." A low, wickedly amused voice drifted over, and Nancy instantly recognized it. This was Sebastian's elder brother, Joseph Gates, the true heir of the Gates family. She had met him a few times as a child when visiting with Randy, and even then, she had found him insufferable. Inside the room, Sebastian gave a dry laugh. "Thanks to you and Grandpa for the thought." "You're welcome. Oh, and one more thing," Joseph continued, feigning nonchalance. "While you're recovering, Grandpa has asked me to take over your duties and handle company affairs. My dear brother, you just focus on getting better." Sebastian's eyes darkened. Only Taylor and Randy knew about his kidnapping and injuries. Yet somehow, Michael and Joseph had been informed almost immediately. It confirmed his suspicion—this wasn't a coincidence. And it was all because of the will he had signed years ago—if he died, every last cent of his fortune would be donated to the country. He let out a mocking laugh. "Since this is Grandpa's wish, I'll go along with it. Of course, as your younger brother, I won't shortchange you either. For every day you run the company, I'll hand over one day of ownership. I wouldn't want you to feel cheated, Joseph." Joseph's smug facade cracked, twisting into barely concealed rage. He swallowed his temper and forced a laugh. "You really are considerate. I'm sure Marilyn would be so proud of you, watching from heaven. Oh, and isn't her memorial coming up? Do you need me to prepare offerings on your behalf?" Sebastian's face hardened instantly. Outside, Nancy frowned in disgust. Rumor had it that Sebastian's mother, Marilyn Duncan, had been driven to her death by Joseph and his mother, with the cover-up orchestrated by Michael. No wonder Sebastian was hell-bent on seizing control of Gates Corporation—taking everything from his enemies was the only way to make them suffer. When Joseph was finally out of sight, Nancy stepped forward. But before she could take another step, a cold voice came from behind her. "Are you the caregiver Mr. Gates sent? What are you doing loitering around instead of going inside?" She looked up and instantly recognized Taylor. She had the urge to ask about the car accident from years ago, but before she could say a word, he grabbed her and shoved her straight into the ward. "So it really is you." What was that supposed to mean? Nancy frowned, still trying to process what was happening, when Taylor cut in for her. "She's the nurse Joseph arranged. Do you know her, Mr. Gates?" Sebastian's lips curled into a mocking smile. "She's the one who saved me." Nancy was about to politely brush it off, but then she noticed something off—Sebastian's eyes lingered on her with a strange intensity, and even Taylor was glaring at her with open suspicion and hostility. Gratitude clearly wasn't on the table. But maybe this misunderstanding wasn't such a bad thing. If they mistook her for Joseph's hired caretaker, she could stay close and treat Sebastian without exposing her identity. So, she nodded without hesitation. "Yes. I'm the caretaker Joseph sent." Sebastian's expression grew even frostier. After a long silence, he said flatly, "Let her stay then. I want her looking after me personally." Taylor snapped to attention. "Well? Don't just stand there. Get some water and bring the medicine for Mr. Gates!" He ordered her around like a maid, and it took every ounce of Nancy's patience not to lash out. She had only just managed to sit down for a breath when Sebastian's cold, mocking voice cut across the room. "Ms. Sullivan, those hands of yours can save lives in one moment and bow to servitude the next. I wonder..." He crooked a finger, beckoning her closer. "If they're just as good at taking lives." Before she could react, his cold fingers closed around her throat. "Or maybe you're willing to sacrifice anything to get close to me? For instance..." Before she could react, he yanked her hard against him, his cold lips crushing down on hers without warning.