Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 39 Kevin

Pped his knuckles across the door of Alexander's office, awaiting that customary gruff invitation to enter. He came with a slight smile on his face and a thick manila folder in his hand.

"Sir, we have word from W2 Holdings. They are ready to meet with you, he announced, extending the folder towards Alexander.

Alexander's eyes snapped up from his desk at the mention of W2 Holdings, a company notorious for its tough negotiation He had expected that they would fold eventually, but he hadn't expected it to come so soon, or so easily. Curious now, Alexander took the file from Kevin and flipped it open, scanning through the first few pages.

Then he saw it-a clause, soft yet clear as daylight. W2 Holdings had attached a condition with the meeting, that they would meet only on the proviso that Alexander personally approved a referral for a special patient named Emily Smith to his hospital.

A flicker of irritation crossed Alexander's face; he didn't like beitig given preconditions, especially when his reputation for holding firm boundaries was well known. Yet, he had been chasing this meeting for many months, knowing full well the influence and power W2 Holdings would bring to the table. If signing off on this referral was the price to be paid, then so b

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With an air of finality, he shut the file. He raised his eyes and looked up at Kevin: Tll authorize the referral first thing tomorrow morning, but I want you to arrange the meeting as soon as possible.

Kevin nodded; a corner of his mouth twitched as he sensed Alexander's thinly veiled frustration. "Understood, sir."

As Kevin turned and exited the office, Alexander leaned back in his chair, tapping fingers thoughtfully onto the armrest. Emily Smith. The name was not one with which he was familiar and he couldn't help but question what relation this woma had to the elusive CEO of W2 Holdings. Whoever she was, she had to be someone important if such a stipulation was going to be placed.

and vague at best. The CEO of W2 was as faceless as they came, rumored to work from the shadows, and this made him more curious to get to know her, but he found absolutely nothing on

an email notification. Instantly, she felt a thrill of anticipation. She read through the words: "The referral letter was signed, and Emily could come to the hospital as soon as possible." Relief and excitement washed over her, and she

the day off to a great start, Emma picked up han from daycare earlier than usual to drop

that the caregiver had slipped the day before she headed to the hospital. When she

but was too early to do so, with no other daycare open yet. Sighing, Emma promised herself that she

their way down the corridor. People turned to look at them, and for that brief

She peered at the monitors, readjusted the blankets, and put everything within easy reach for Emily. In the midst of her ministrations, Ethan-his curiosity always getting the better of him started in feel a little restless, inching toward the

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Chapter 39

him slip out quietly behind, his little feet padding softly down the hall of the hospital in search of an adventure all his

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of meetings lined up in his busy schedule, Alexander was heading out of the hospital. Just as they had

came to a stop and turned around, and he was almost bowled over by a young boy running towards him with uncontained excitement. He did not immediately realize that

still running out of

a sound Kevin hadn't heard in a very long while; very infrequent and surprising to see. "What are you doing here?"