Chapter 219
One month later, after undergoing the second surgeries performed by Samuel, the group recovered sufficiently to discuss and decide on fawing the hospital together.
With so many teachers and children, Theodore simply arranged for Russell Group’s company shuttle bus–normally used for employee to pick everyone up. It was quick, convenient, and showed his thoughtfulness.
But as the bus rolled on, the same question lingered in everyone’s mind–where would they go next?
The Therapy Center was gone. While the adults could find new jobs, what about the children? Especially those abandoned by their parents since they were little.
Looking at each familiar face in the car, Eliana felt a deep pang of sadness, thinking that she might never see them again.
Anyone would feel heartbroken.
Everyone had long regarded the Therapy Center as their home and each other as family. During their stay in the hospital, they looked after one another, even keeping it from their own families as as possible.
Just then, a female teacher with red–rimmed eyes forced herself to speak to the driver, “Sir, could you pull over here, please?”
To her surprise, the driver replied apologetically, “Sorry, but Mr. Russell specifically instructed me not to make any unscheduled stops.”
“Then where can we get off?” the female teacher asked, unable to hide her confusion.
The driver grinned and replied with a cheerful chuckle, “I’m afraid that’s classified information.”
Seeing everyone looking bewildered, Samuel suddenly declared, “Maybe Mr. Russell just wants to treat you all to one last meal together before you part ways?”
Over the past month, Samuel had become everyone’s favorite especially among the women. So when he spoke up, everyone immediately took his
words as truth. Even Eliana found herself convinced.
“Dr. Wilson,” a female teacher said hesitantly, “we’ve already cost Mr. Russell so much.”
“Relax,” Samuel said with a playful grin. “Mr. Russell has plenty of ways for you to repay the favor.”
About half an hour later, as the bus pulled to a stop, everyone stared in disbelief–where the Therapy Center’s ruins once stood, a brand new building now stood, bigger and newer than before.
The building’s exterior was a perfect replica of the one destroyed in the fire, giving everyone an uncanny sense of familiarity–as if that devastating blaze had never happened, as if nothing had ever changed.
Eliana froze for a moment, then instinctively turned to look at Samuel.
T
Without batting an eye, Samuel announced, “Everyone, the new Therapy Center was funded and built by Mr. Russell. Starting today, those who choose to stay and work here will become employees of Russell Group. Any objections?”
The teachers were moved to tears at the sight of the Therapy Center rising from the ashes. When Samuel spoke, they instantly agreed without hesitation. After all, they had been agonizing over how to repay Theodore’s kindness.
“What about Bernie?” Eliana asked, her excitement tinged with concern.
“Ms. Halverson is practically a shareholder now–on equal footing with Mr. Russell, Samuel said casually.
“A shareholder? What a joke. What is this? Is he just taking over Bernie’s place like he owns it?” thought Eliana.
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Bernice clenched her fists at her sides. Though she was thrilled about the Therapy Center’s reconstruction, anger simmered inside har
Theodore used his wealth and connections to meddle in her life’s work without even consulting her.
Not only that, he blatantly turned the teachers at the Therapy Center into employees of Russell Group. From now on, they were no longer free aperte “What a shrewd businessman,” she thought bitterly.
Noticing the troubled expression on Bernice’s face, Eliana asked with concern, “Bernie, are you alright?”
Bernice said bluntly, “After using that contract to tie you down, Theodore wants to shackle my Therapy Center too. Does he expect all of us to work for him from now on?”
Having seen all of Theodore’s actions over the past month, Eliana couldn’t help but speak up in his defense, “Bernie, I don’t think that’s what he means. believe he just doesn’t want any of us to feel like we owe him anything.”
Bernice said with a complicated expression, “Even so, the way he handles things is far too overbearing. It leaves me feeling completely unsettled.”
Just then, a female teacher, her eyes shining with excitement, called out, “Ms. Halverson, let’s hurry and get off the bus. We’ve got to check out the new Therapy Center.”
Samuel was the first to get off, flashing a gentlemanly smile as he offered his hand. “Come on now, no rush–let me help each of you down.”
Finally, only Eliana and Bernice remained on the bus.
Eliana couldn’t help but try to persuade her, “Bernie, please get off the bus. You know you’re the heart and soul of us all.”
Hearing this, Bernice finally stepped off the bus, pointedly ignoring Samuel’s outstretched hand.
Rubbing his nose, Samuel leaned over to Eliana and whispered with a grin, “Do you think Ms. Halverson is just keeping her distance because I’m too handsome for her to handle?”
Eliana couldn’t even muster a comeback. ‘It’s not that I can’t–it’s that I just don’t want to,‘ she thought.
Just then, the driver hopped off the bus and said warmly to everyone, “Let me handle your luggage and bring it inside for you.”
“That’s right,” Samuel chimed in. “You’ve all just recovered, so don’t overdo it. How about this–I’ll lead the way and show everyone around.”
The teachers couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
A teacher chuckled, “Shouldn’t we be the ones showing you around, Dr. Wilson?”
A teacher joked, “Yeah, Dr. Wilson, how did you end up taking over as the host?”
Chattering and laughing, the group eagerly entered the courtyard.
Seeing them chatting and laughing with Samuel without a hint of concern, Bernice shook her head in silent disapproval and followed them inside.
It felt as if they had stepped into paradise–one delightful surprise after another had the group squealing with delight.
Someone asked, “Hey, when did they put a guard booth in the courtyard?”
“Mr. Russell was concerned about nighttime safety here,” Samuel explained, “so he had the security system fully upgraded. Now with guards on rotating shifts, you can all sleep soundly.”
“Wow, Mr. Russell even had a dishwasher installed in the kitchen for us? No more cracked hands from washing dishes in winter,” a teacher exclaimed.
Someone said, “Wow, the kids‘ dormitory is absolutely adorable. And look–they’ve even installed smart climate control. Now about children catching colds while they sleep anymore.”
‘t have to worry
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“Wow, look at our classroom. We’ve got a projector now,” another teacher exclaimed excitedly.
Another one exclaimed, “Wow, is this an astronomical telescope? We can use it to stargaze and watch the moon. If we’re lucky, we might even catch a
meteor shower.”
“Look, there’s even a playground here. Now the kids won’t have to play in the sand in the yard anymore,” a teacher smiled.
“Yes,” one teacher said, “I was always worried the kids might get hurt running around in the hallways.”
While the others buzzed with excitement, Bernice trailed behind with a storm cloud hanging over her. Each word of praise for Theodore felt like another twist of the knife in her heart.
As the teachers stepped into their shared dormitory, the smiles on their faces froze in an instant–they stood rooted to the spot, completely stunned by what they saw.
After a stunned silence, someone cried out, “Dad?”
Soon, the room was filled with choked–up voices.
A teacher said, “Mom? What are you doing here?”
Someone sobbed, “Oh my, weren’t you supposed to be in our hometown? When did
you
arrive?”
Someone shouted, “Mom, Dad? You’re here? Why didn’t you text me first?”
At these words, the parents tidying the dormitory immediately stopped mid–task, turned around one after another, and swept their children into tight embraces.
