Chapter 117: Red Envelope

As the day melted into twilight, warm golden rays from the setting sun streamed through Athena’s expansive office window, sprinkling a soft glow around the room. It was as if the sun itself was sending a gentle reminder that the workday was coming to a close.

Athena, seated at her desk, felt the caress of those sunlit moments touch her skin, and for a brief instant, she lost herself in the serene orange hues that filled the horizon.

A wave of relief washed over her, mingling with exhaustion as she assessed the clutter before her—a mere five patient files awaited her attention.

Just five! She thought with a sense of optimism, believing she could take them home and complete the work there.

Gathering the files with their test results, she slid them into her large tote bag, stood, and stretched, the cracking of her joints echoing in the stillness.

"Time to register at a gym," She mused to herself. These sounds were telltale signs her body was sending, urging her to take better care of herself. Perhaps she could ask Zane for workout suggestions.

Not wanting to forget, she quickly texted him before hefting the bag onto her shoulder, preparing to head home for a well-deserved meal and a restful night. For fortune had smiled upon her —Gianna had sent her a text minutes ago with an image of prepared food. Suprisingly, her friend had finished from work earlier today.

However, fate had its own plans.

Before Athena could take another step toward freedom, her phone chimed, announcing an incoming call. Anticipating it to be Zane, likely teasing her about her lack of gym attendance, she silenced the call and pushed through the door.

Outside her office, the twins were busy helping Ciara sort through some files—her assistant was also preparing to leave for the day.

"Thank God, Doctor Athena... I was debating on whether to knock on your door or not, considering you’ve been locked in for the past four hours," Ciara said, halting her task and glancing up.

As if on cue, the twins dashed over, wrapping their little arms around Athena. Before she could respond, her phone rang once more. Athena hurriedly silenced the call. Zane, quit it!

It was Nathaniel who, exuding his usual sober spirit, muttered, "Mom, Uncle Aiden is calling you!"

unnecessary assumption and answered the call,

darkness?" Aiden’s voice was teasing, and Athena chuckled softly as she realized Aiden

to leave if she wanted, she stepped back into

Aiden," She greeted, adjusting the phone’s angle to get a better view of him;

Merry Christmas!" Kate piped up

wrapping around Athena, easing the little tension she hadn’t realized she was carrying. "Merry Christmas, Lovely Kate and

echoed, his voice a

daughter and everything over there?" Athena inquired, her tone shifting to one

is better than I imagined. I’m

that," Athena remarked, her eyes taking in the handsome features of her older friend. Aiden had aged like fine wine, but she couldn’t quite understand why his wife had chosen to

not taking care of myself," he replied, his light-hearted laughter ringing in the air until

noting the seriousness creeping into

"Wait for me at Ciara’s office. Mommy has

disappointment, both children

them, Athena braced herself.

the gang," he said simply, the word sending a chill down her spine. She hated even hearing it spoken aloud, detesting the memories it evoked for

on this? I told you to focus on bonding with your daughter!" She urged, a note of

wonderful," Aiden admitted, warm thoughts evident in his expression. "But it doesn’t mean I will neglect my

replied, "What do you have for

The leader, Morgan, is in cahoots with Fiona. We’ve managed to capture some incriminating pictures. Do

nodded quickly, her heart racing. "Where’s the

the hospital. Hidden in plain sight.

racing. "Can I get back to you with an answer?

waiting for your response." A contemplative silence fell between them, then he asked

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