Chapter 216 Going to the Hospital
Dave’s voice cut through the tension, "Why don’t we just take him to the hospital? With Zhane there, Leo’s tests won’t be compromised. If someone’s after him, or even after me, they might try to cover their tracks now that their plan’s failed." Despite his anger, Dave refused to let it cloud his judgment. While part of him yearned to exact revenge on whoever gave Leo the opportunity, he couldn’t shake the suspicion that Leo orchestrated it himself, painting himself as the victim to win Hera’s sympathy and take advantage of her.
These thoughts were fueled by his own speculations about who had gained from the ordeal—only Leo. Consequently, all his suspicion was directed at him. Dave couldn’t pinpoint the origin of his dislike for Leo, but from the moment he laid eyes on him, hostility bubbled inside. Seeing Leo close to Hera only intensified his negative impression, making it natural for Dave to question Leo’s intentions.
However, he didn’t have any evidence to put all the blame on Leo. If he tried, he would only appear petty and vindictive in front of Hera, damaging his own reputation instead of helping. So, he refocused his attention on completely uncovering the truth behind the drugging incident, as it also affected the woman he was interested in.
Hera agreed with Dave, realizing they needed more than just a doctor’s visit—they needed proper equipment to run the necessary tests. So, Hera, Dave, and Leo headed to Everett Hospital, where Zhane was in charge. Dave drove the hotel’s company car while Hera supported Leo in the back. Dave temporarily set aside his resentment toward Leo, more concerned about the drug’s potential effects on Hera if the pill she took wasn’t sufficient. He wanted to scold her for being too complacent, but knowing she was already aware of the risks, he refrained from saying anything.
Dave was so worried that he didn’t notice his unusual behavior. Normally, he never held his tongue around his friends and would roast them without a second thought, always playing the group’s troll. However, in front of Hera, he found himself unable to be as straightforward as he used to be.
But that was something he would have to think about later. While driving, he dialed Zhane’s number. Luckily, Zhane had just finished his morning emergency surgery and was about to rest and have lunch, so he would have time when Bry and his family visited in the afternoon.
"Hello?" Zhane’s exhausted voice came through the line.
"Zhane, I’m on my way to your hospital now," Dave said, his voice laced with worry and a hint of anger.
At first, Zhane assumed that Dave was coming to his office to loaf around and escape work for a while. However, he sensed something off in Dave’s voice—it lacked his usual mischievous tone. Before Zhane could inquire further, Dave continued, "I need you to check on Hera."
Zhane instantly perked up. There was only one Hera he knew, and he was aware that Dave had only met her last night. How could they be together now? "What happened to her?! What did you do?" Zhane’s voice turned chillingly cold.