Chapter 22 The Toy
Luke was well-behaved. He didn't remark himself as Uncle Luke or take advantage of her by using any title.
He casually put it as Luke.
Thinking it through, this word didn't have any deeper meaning. It was a pronoun for people to call him. It might give a sense of admiration and respect but not intimacy.
But that didn't mean he had no other intention at all. After all, there was a difference between one's own wishful thinking and resonance between two people. The way he remarked himself seemed to give him an identity and room for their relationship to develop further.
This appellation was neutral and innocuous. It was neither too distant nor too aggressive.
It was like telling Natalie that she meant something to him but it was more like a younger sister.
It was just like how she was with Mark Valentine and other people.
Natalie Moore thought for a moment that night about what was their relationship exactly. But it was just a very brief moment. She didn't change his remark and remained on her contact list as to how it was.
That video wasn't up on the trending topic anymore. When Natalie thought about it, she guessed it must be Luke who called it off.
But on the next day, there were some entries about Luke Bennington that appeared on the trending topic.
Since Natalie was worried she might not remember her medical knowledge as she didn't go to the hospital, she stayed up late the night before to memorize the textbook. When Mia Brown texted Natalie at noon after she heard the news, Natalie was just gotten up not long ago.
Mia: Seriously! I feel so dumb! The guy who you flirted with the other night was Luke Bennington?
Mia knew about the incident at the parking lot way before this. It was the afternoon when Natalie got suspended. But that video was blurred and she couldn't recognize Luke. However, the video on the trending topic today was recorded by the mass media. It even captured every subtle look in his eyes.
Mia only found out later that the man in front of the convenience store wasn't just looked like Luke Bennington, they looked the same.
Natalie was rubbing her sore eyes and lying on her bed tiredly. She was browsing through Facebook as Mia told her.
She clicked on the video which was the internal meeting at the Alcomara No.2 Hospital.
It awakened Natalie who was about to doze off.
The huge conference room was full of members from the management level. It included Forrest Hart and Mr. Toledano, who was in the dinner another day. They were representing Hart Group and Bretton Pharmaceutical in the acquisition negotiation.
When the reporters showed up, everyone in the room got panicked.
It was clear that none of them had expected that. After all, they announced it as an internal member-changing meeting, they were discussing something else instead.
"Mr. Toledano, I am the reporter from the Alcomara Press."
"Is it true that Bretton Pharmaceutical was involved in a financial fraud for three consecutive years?"
"According to the insider, Bretton Pharmaceutical inflated the total profit by nearly 600 million, forged bank statements, involved in fund embezzlement, and violated capital operation. As the successor shareholder of Bretton Pharmaceutical, is there anything you would like to say about it?"
"Bretton Pharmaceutical has been very aggressive in corporates merger and acquisition in these few years. Are you trying to expand the channels to transport the capital and cover the truth that you are violating the rules? Are you purchasing the Alcomara No.2 Hospital with the same intention?"
"Mr. Toledano, please answer the questions!"
......
There were full of microphones and recording pens in front of Carlos Toledano. Cameras were set up and all of them were focused on Carlos Toledano's face. That captured his panicked and guilty face.
After Carlos Toledano looked at the person who was behind the camera, he seemed to be terrified and escaped from the conference room hurriedly, escorted by his assistant. Forrest Hart didn't stay there for long either.
Some of the reporters chased after them while some of them stayed in the room.
Luke Bennington was standing there calmly with his hands in his pockets. He seemed relaxed and there was a smirk on his face. As if he was enjoying a farce.
It was strange that those reporters didn't seem to be surprised when they saw Luke Bennington. They didn't rush to him either. Instead, they seemed to be instructed by him to be here. The reporters were only pointing their fingers at the hospital's management.
This group of reporters was very incisive. They questioned the hospital's management if they still remembered the responsibility that they promised when the Alcomara No.2 Hospital was first built. They even condemned the hospital's management for only emphasizing profit-making despite it collapsing the medical welfare system and disregarding the protest of doctors and nurses.
Furthermore, they asked explicitly what was Bretton Pharmaceutical's purpose in purchasing the Alcomara No.2 Hospital if the accusation about them was true.
"Everyone, the violation case of Bretton Pharmaceutical is handed over to the Securities Regulatory Commission". Mr. Scott stood up. At his age, this kind of commotion wasn't something new to him. He responded calmly, "Currently, the Alcomara No.2 Hospital's financing has no longer able to support itself. Transferring the hospital is our last resort to provide a higher quality of medical services to the residents in Alcomara."
"If that's the case, why don't you invite Bennington Group to the meeting today? Mr. Bennington once expressed that the Bennington Group proposed to either invest or collaborate with you to solve the hospital's issues. But yet, you have not responded to it. What is the reason?"
Mr. Scott was silenced by the questions from the reporters.
At that moment, a chuckle was heard by everyone.
All the cameras switched their focus to the noise. A man was standing at the side. He looked relaxed and said coldly, "Well, the violation case of Bretton Pharmaceutical is handed over to the Securities Regulatory Commission. How about Mr. Scott who failed the reformation..."
He paused for a while and smirked. "Should he be handled over to the inspection agency?"
It was obvious that Mr. Scott's expression changed dramatically. However, he had no choice but to remain calm as there were cameras around. "Mr. Bennington, building up capital is about making a profit. An investment will only be made on the profit. Is the Bennington Group willing to not make any profit? I heard that you are having the same amount of Bennington Group's share as your elder brother, Noah Bennington. Is it possible for you to have the final say to collaborate with the hospital alone?"
After listening to that, all the reporters became quiet.
Mr. Scott said that to irritate the man who was in front of him. Everyone knew that Luke Bennington and Noah Bennington hated each other. That was one of the reasons that caused the internal complexity in Bennington Group, and none of them budge an inch on the acquisition case of the Alcomara No.2 Hospital.
Despite Mr. Scott seeming to ask Luke Bennington whether he was having the final say, it was obvious that Mr.Scott was questioning Luke if his position in the Bennington Group could override his elder brother.
There was a long silence and one could feel the tension even through the screen.
However, Luke Bennington didn't get mad and laughed.
"Well, you get the point!"
Luke Bennington approached slowly. He pressed his hands on the table and leaned forward. He was distanced from Mr. Scott by the long conference table. He stared at Mr. Scott as if he saw right through him.
He said in his deep, frivolity, and arrogant voice, word for word, "I am the one who has the final say in Bennington Group."
It wasn't just an affirmation of his power. It was also a warning.
Luke meant to say that to everyone, regardless they were there or not.
Natalie finished the video with full concentration.
She didn't know whether it was because of her reinstatement with the hospital or she cared about Luke Bennington, she wanted to give him a call and ask about it.
It was 12'o clock when she looked at the clock.
Luke told Natalie the other day that he would have to solve the hospital's issue. She thought that he would be busy with it now and decided not to bother him.
Aside from the video in the parking lot, this was probably the most high-definition appearance of Luke Bennington in front of the public ever since he retired from the military.
The comment area under this trending topic was very happening. There was someone who was attracted by Luke's physical appearance. There was someone who was discussing it. There was someone who was gossiping about it.
"I love the resolution of this camera so much. I save his shot as my screensaver!"
"Oh my God, Luke is so cool! I love that!"
"The fun fact is, stepchildren can only inherit part of property unilaterally or the remaining property after division. Therefore, Noah Bennington will not be the successor first in order."
"That is so funny. How could the hospital director be so dumb? Even someone who has a brain issue would have not said those words. Everyone in the Athana Circle knew that the official heir is Luke Bennington. If it isn't because he was in the military school before, there is no way his step-brother gets a place in the company."
"Quickly open up the file to investigate Bretton Pharmaceutical, and also check on the director of the Alcomara No.2 Hospital to see if he violates any rules. He seemed to be a bad guy!"
"Do you all notice that Mr. Scott escaped with a pale face? I guess he probably saw Luke was there. Hahaha."
"I watch the video again, and I almost laugh my head off."
......
"Don't you think this group of reporters came prepared? Is it possible to be a set up by Luke to catch all these shareholders in surprise?"
"You know the game well!"
"Thank you. It is so fun to see Luke being so cool!"
......
There were all positive comments which made Natalie feel relieved.
After Natalie had done browsing Facebook, she switched to her Instagram account and replied to Mia: Those are true.
Mia was shocked and scared: I am so lucky that I am smart enough to pull myself out immediately. I almost hook up with him! I save my life.
Natalie was lost in her thought. Without her noticing, she texted back: Well, he is not that scary. In fact, he is a nice person.
Mia: Questioning face.jpg.
Mia: Tell me, Nata. How close are the two of you now? Aren't you the one who tells me that he was just joking when he asked you to be his girlfriend previously?
When Natalie noticed what she had sent, it was too late for her to recall the message.
Her mind went blank.
It was lucky that Mia wasn't there with her. Otherwise, Mia would have seen her shy and blushed face.
Natalie told Mia that there was nothing between her and Luke Bennington.
Then, Natalie decided to change the topic: I just remember that the courier you bought for me has arrived. I need to go down and pick it up now.
Natalie went off with that excuse.
Later, Natalie was sitting in the living room with the parcel. There was a scissor in her hand which she was about to cut the parcel open. It wasn't heavy. The parcel was the size of a tissue box.
When Natalie saw the item in it, she didn't know what was that.
It was in a round rabbit shape with a soft silicone texture. The size was just right when she hold it with her palm. The rabbit's mouth had a hole. When Natalie pressed the switch to turn it on, it started to suck. It was like massaging.
Which part should it be used on the body?
Natalie was clueless, and read the manual.
Those were the phrases she saw. "Its function is wonderful, immerse yourself in enjoyment. For the female to please herself."
Then, she looked at the name of the product again.
After a short while, Natalie threw away the rabbit in shock as if she was holding a bomb. Her cheeks blushed instantly which extended to her neck.
Natalie frowned and opened up her chatbox. She snapped: Mia Brown!
Mia sent an image: Peeking.jpg.
Natalie: Punching.jpg.
Natalie took a photo of the item and sent it over: This is what you bought for me!
Mia: I pick that. Don't you like it?
Mia continued with a bossy tone: Woman, this is a famous toy in the toy industry. It is very fun!
It was a female adult sex toy!
But Mia referred to that as a toy!
Natalie was shy: I don't need it.
Speaking of that, Mia was Natalie's first mentor who enlightened her about sex.
Despite it being late that Mia only educating Natalie now, it was better than nothing: Don't be shy! As a female, we have to learn not to depend on the guys. We need to know how to have fun by ourselves! That is nothing to be ashamed of to meet your own physiological need! Nata, we are the ruler of our world.
Mia: You don't need a man! They don't deserve you!
Mia: Come on! Give the rabbit a try!
Natalie: ...
Mia: But it will be a different story if we are talking about Luke.
Natalie's heart was beating wildly: What makes him special?
Mia: Isn't you the one who discussed his finger previously and referred to him as a high-quality man among the others. So, compare with the rabbit, he may...
Natalie wanted to blacklist Mia so badly.
-
On the way back from the hospital to the mansion, Luke received Noah's call as expected.
Luke sat in the passenger seat comfortably with his legs wide open and his head leaned to the back. He placed the phone next to his ear.
He remained quiet and waited for the caller to start the conversation.
"Luke." It was obvious that the caller's voice was tensed and he was breathing from his chest. The caller finally said in his deep voice, "What do you mean by that?"
Luke put his arm by the window and looked at the rapidly receding street view. His hairs were blown to the back by the wind.
He narrowed his eyes and started to smile. He seemed to be unrestrained in the wind. He was arrogant as if there was no one in the world could override him.
"Noah."
Luke spoke in a usual tone but it implied a hint of interest.
He said casually, "Are you done with the reporters? How could you be so free and chit-chatting with me now?"
Noah tried to endure and was silent for a while. He had no choice but made a compromise. "If you have any demands, you can talk to me. That is not an issue if you want Bretton Pharmaceutical to give up the holding of the Alcomara No.2 Hospital."
Luke couldn't help himself and laughed when he heard those words. He spoke in a confident tone, "What goes around comes around. You have to take care."
Noah didn't say anything after. Both of them were in dead silence.
"Noah," Luke said with a smirk. He slowed down his voice and calmly repeated what Noah had advised him previously.
"Leave it when that's none of your business."
......
At the Bennington Group president's office.
The mobile phone was being smashed into the table with a loud bang.
The man clenched his hands and put them on his forehead. He closed his eyes to endure the anger. He was in a suit and tie. The atmosphere was somber.
The female secretary dared not to speak for a long time.
After a while, Noah managed to calm down and raised his solemn face. "How does he find out about Bretton Pharmaceutical?"
The female secretary felt deeply oppressed in her chest and answered cautiously, "At the end of last year, Luke stayed abroad for a while. We do not know what has happened exactly. We only know that he was in Stodan and met with Liam Miller from the Miller family at the circuit.
Noah frowned gradually when he heard the name.
"Check it out for me. What is Luke's relationship with Liam Miller."
The female secretary responded immediately. After that, she seemed to remember something. She turned on the notebook in her hand and swiped the touchpad. She clicked on the photos and video of the parking lot and put her notebook in front of Noah.
"President Bennington, Luke has been very close with this lady recently. She is an orthopedic surgeon of the Alcomara No.2 Hospital."
Noah squinted his eyes.
After he finished the video, he closed his eyes and thought for a while. His anger seemed to be subsided. Then, he said coldly, "Get her identity information for me."
-
Natalie didn't want to go out when she didn't have to go to work. She was being a homebody today as usual. She was either cleaning the house or reading in her cozy bedroom.
Under the warm yellow light, Natalie was supporting her chin with her fists. She was leaning on the table and reading softly.
"Sulfasalazine improves the condition of swelling, pain, and stiffness joints. It can also reduce Immunoglobulin A level and..."
"Grr..."
Natalie's reading was interrupted by her growling stomach.
She checked the time on her phone which was already 8'o clock. She looked to the balcony where the sky had gotten dark without her noticing. There wasn't any moonlight that could be seen.
That was late and no wonder she felt hungry.
Natalie closed the book and changed her clothes. She wanted to visit the noodle shop at the residency entrance to pack a bowl of hot noodles.
As soon as she stepped out of the building, she felt the night breezes hitting on her face.
Natalie tightened her coat and walked under the streetlights. Her hand was in her pocket with her phone. She was rubbing on it hesitantly.
She had yet to call Luke.
She was wondering if he would be free by now.
When Natalie was thinking, she took out her phone and a bright light on her screen reflected on her face. Her phone started to vibrate when she was about to browse her contact list.
Incoming call: Luke.
Natalie was stunned for a moment. After that, she took a deep breath and answered, "Luke Bennington?"
"Yes," Luke Bennington's voice came from the other end and he seemed to have enjoyed it for a few seconds before he answered. He smiled, "Don't I put the remark? What's wrong with your tone?"
Natalie didn't say anything.
Natalie didn't know what to say at that moment when she heard his voice.
The surrounding was quiet.
Luke smiled lightly and said, "Why aren't you calling me yet?"
Natalie thought to herself, "That is not true."
The moment she saw the trending topic today, there wasn't any second she didn't want to call him.
After Natalie walked out of the residency, she passed by the flower bed on the trail. There was no one around, and the streetlights were very dim.
Natalie cleared her throat. When she was about to say something, she saw a shadow reflected on the flower bed which moved slowly and followed her.
That didn't seem right.
She could hear some soft footsteps when she held her breath.
Natalie got panicked. She covered her lips, lowered her voice, and said, "Luke...Someone is tailing me..."
