Chapter 39
The doctor slowly and deliberately slips the stethoscope from around his neck, his every movement a testament to years of practiced precision. "Mr. Grant, she's fine," he announces in a calm, steady voice, his warm smile radiating reassurance.
"Thank you for rushing over so quickly," Fitz says as he shakes the doctor's hand, their quiet conversation punctuated by the soft hum of footsteps echoing in the corridor as they leave the bedroom behind.
"It's no trouble at all. The Grant Foundation has invested heavily in our health center," the doctor replies, his tone both professional and friendly.
Olivia, still pale and fragile, sits up with deliberate slowness on the bed, each movement accompanied by a wince of pain. With a trembling hand, she takes small, quivering sips of water to ease her parched throat. Fitz returns to her side, settling himself on the edge of the bed. He intertwines his fingers with hers, his touch gentle but insistent as he asks, "How are you feeling?"
Olivia's response escapes her as a mere whisper, laden with exhaustion. "I'm fine," she murmurs, her voice quivering with both fatigue and lingering pain. The room, though unfamiliar, struggling to lift herself further, she winces as a sharp ache radiates from her head. "Where am I?" she asks, her tone laced with confusion and discomfort.
Fitz's expression softens as he leans closer, his hand steadying hers. "We're at my apartment in Manhattan. It was near Rainbow Records," he explains with care. "After you blacked out, I called an ambulance and had them bring us here. Dr. Khettab, a good friend of mine, needed to check on you. Have you been taking your medication?"
With a heavy sigh, Olivia confesses, "I've missed a few pills. I wanted to see how I would do without them," her words faltering under the weight of regret.
Fitz abruptly stands, frustration evident as he runs his hands through his hair, struggling to contain the swirl of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. With a bitter turn away from Olivia, he murmurs quietly, "I can't lose you," before his resolve brings him back to her side. He leans down and presses a tender, desperate kiss to her lips. "I love you," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion.
At his gentle words, tears spill freely down Olivia's cheeks, each drop a physical manifestation of her inner turmoil. In a quiet, heartfelt motion, Fitz reaches for her purse and retrieves a pill bottle. With deliberate care, he drops a single white pill into his trembling hand and passes it to her, alongside a glass of water. "Please, for me," he pleads softly.
She hesitates, guilt and sorrow mingling in her eyes as she reluctantly takes the pill and swallows it, each gulp a painful reminder of her lapse. In return, she tenderly brushes away a tear from his eye with her thumb and responds in a hushed tone, "I love you too."
Fitz places a gentle kiss on her forehead, his affection evident as he carefully sets the glass on the nightstand. With a final, lingering gaze, he watches over her as she sinks back into the soft pillows and closes her eyes, the exhaustion finally overtaking her.
In the stillness of the room, Fitz silently vows to uncover the truth about Callie's death, determined to secure justice for her sister and grant Olivia the closure she so desperately needs. With one last, heartfelt kiss, he steps quietly from the room, leaving her in a peaceful state of rest.
X
"How is she?" Laura inquires, her voice smooth as she glides a rich coat of red lipstick across her lips, the vibrant hue a striking contrast against her fair complexion. Her gold gown shimmers under the soft glow of the lights, tiny sequins catching and reflecting every ray as if the stars themselves had descended to adorn her.
"Better," Fitz replies, his voice carrying a note of relief.
"I brought your tuxedo," Laura states, gesturing gracefully toward a sleek black garment bag hanging nearby. She snaps her compact mirror shut with a decisive click and drops it into her black sequined purse, a cascade of glittering reflections spilling from the fabric. "I know you're worried about Olivia," she continues, her tone firm yet understanding, "but you must attend the mayor's ball this evening. It's crucial we maintain good relations with him for the benefit of Grant Industries."
"I'm not leaving Olivia," Fitz insists, his resolve as unwavering as his gaze.
Laura lets out a soft sigh, dabbing her red lips with a delicately folded napkin. "I suspected you might say that." She opens the door with a graceful sweep, admitting a woman clad in pink hospital scrubs. "This is Caroline. She will watch over Olivia for you. Gabriel will ensure her safety. There's nothing for you to worry about."
"Mother," Fitz protests, his voice tinged with frustration.
"Fitzgerald," Laura counters, her voice a blend of authority and maternal care, "you are one of the wealthiest men in the world. To maintain that status, you must continue fulfilling your responsibilities. Olivia will understand." Her words hold the weight of expectation and the wisdom of experience.
With a resigned sigh, Fitz snatches the black garment bag and strides into the bathroom, the door closing behind him with a soft thud.
"Olivia, sweetheart," he calls gently, his voice tender as he approaches her bedside. She stirs, turning to meet his gaze with sleepy eyes. "Hi."
"Hi," he echoes, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"Why are you dressed in a tuxedo?" she asks, her voice a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Oh wait... the mayor's ball is tonight."
Caroline steps quietly into the room, her presence calm and reassuring. "This is Caroline," Fitz explains, introducing her with a nod. "She's going to watch over you until I get back." Olivia offers a soft, appreciative smile. "I feel fine, Fitz. I can go with you."
"I want you to rest, sweetheart," he insists gently. "Gabriel will be in the other room."
Olivia cups his cheeks in her hands, her touch tender and affectionate, and presses her lips to his in a lingering kiss. "I would rather have Josh here."
Fitz's brow furrows, a hint of confusion in his expression.
"I'll give him a call," he promises, his voice softening.
X
The foyer of the Four Seasons Hotel pulses with an intoxicating blend of opulent grandeur and an almost tangible undercurrent of power. As guests cross the threshold through the revolving glass doors, they are engulfed by a cavernous atrium bathed in sunlight—a place where natural beauty collides harmoniously with geometric precision. The air carries a provocative hint of fresh-cut flowers, their heady perfume mingling with the piercing elegance of a colossal floral centerpiece that demands every eye's attention. The gleaming marble floors reflect the steely determination of wait staff striding purposefully, silver trays in hand, like soldiers on a relentless mission.
Mellie links her arm through Fitz's with a quiet urgency. "Don't make a scene—the Mayor's on his way."
"Mayor Duncan. Always a pleasure," Fitz intones, his handshake firm as he greets him. With a fluid motion, Mellie disengages her arm with a sigh. "Hello, Mayor Duncan."
"Mellie, it's a delight seeing you. I notice you and my daughter have been getting rather close as of late."
"Oh, we're forging quite the alliance," she retorts with a wry smile.
"Excellent. Fitzgerald, I have several ventures requiring your expertise. Call my assistant first thing Monday so we can set up a meeting."
"Understood," Fitz replies with a curt nod. As the mayor fades into the crowd, Fitz seizes Mellie's wrist, steering her toward a shadowed alcove. "Why are you here? You should be in California."
Mellie's smirk cuts sharply into the tension. "Fitz, this event is etched into my calendar every year. Unlike your wedding." She crosses her arms defiantly. "I'm beginning to suspect my invitation got lost in the mail."
"Olivia made it clear she didn't want you around."
A bitter laugh escapes Mellie. "I'm willing to bet she twisted the truth, insisting I was madly in love with you."
Fitz's eyes darken. "So, tell me, have you been scheming to dismantle my relationship with Olivia? Did you even go so far as to drug her?"
The sound of Mellie's laughter rings out, wild and unbridled. "Did she really feed you that story? Look," she teases, her fingers gliding provocatively over his black tie, "why would I let other women fuck you if my heart was on the line, Fitzgerald? I practically introduced you to every woman you've been with—even the mayor's daughter."
"Keep your voice down," Fitz hisses, the tension rising.
"Olivia's desperate lies are tearing us apart. She despises the bond we share."
"Olivia is my wife," he declares, each word laced with an undercurrent of steel.
"And what's that got to do with it, Fitzgerald?" Mellie challenges, her tone laced with scorn.
Before Fitz can reply, a cold, commanding presence intercedes. "Mother," he mutters, eyes fixed as Laura emerges from the gathering throng.
"Fitzgerald, what on earth are you doing? You're a married man, cornered here with another woman. Mellie, find something else to do," Laura orders, sewing her hand into Fitz's with an icy precision. "Come, escort me around the room."
As they drift away amidst the murmur of the crowd, Laura's voice hisses in Fitz's ear, "On Monday, I want you to reveal that clause in your father's will to Mellie. I want her eradicated from your life, Fitzgerald."
"Mother, it won't be that simple. Mellie's not going down without a fight," Fitz counters low and grim.
Laura fixes him with a steely gaze, her grip firm, "Then if you don't do it, I will."
X
Olivia sinks into the plush cushions of the couch, her legs tucked comfortably underneath her like a cat settling into its favorite spot. The soft fabric envelops her, and she cradles the mug of steaming hot tea in her hands, savoring the gentle warmth that radiates through her fingers and spreads up her arms. Across from her, Josh and Abby are nestled into another luxurious couch, each holding their own drinks. Josh eagerly gulps down the last of his beverage, while Abby takes dainty, measured sips of her tea, as if savoring every drop. In the corner, Gabriel sits, his eyes fixed on his phone, scrolling through the screen with the pretense of not eavesdropping on their conversation.
"So, you forgive me?" Josh asks hesitantly, his voice laced with uncertainty as he looks at Olivia.
"I wish you had just been honest with me about what you were doing," Olivia responds, her tone soft yet firm, like the gentle but unwavering flow of a stream.
"Look, Edison is trash and you upgraded," Josh insists, his voice carrying a note of conviction.
Olivia can't help but let out a soft chuckle, a sound as light and airy as a gentle breeze.
"I'm bummed I had to miss the Mayor's Ball. I was really looking forward to it," she laments, a hint of wistfulness coloring her words.
"If you had taken your meds, you might have been able to go," Abby chides gently, her tone a mix of concern and mild reproach.
Olivia huffs in response, a small exhalation of exasperation. "How is Autumn doing?" she inquires, shifting the focus.
"She's much better. She's stopped crying at night over Brian," Abby answers, relief evident in her voice.
"I actually have some news," Olivia beams, a smile lighting up her face. "Brian signed over the rights to Destiny Advertising Agency."
"He did?" Abby exclaims, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Yes," Olivia confirms, nodding.
"That explains the large sum of money he deposited into Autumn's account," Abby remarks, piecing together the puzzle.
"In thirty days, I'll have complete control over everything. And I'm definitely changing the name," Olivia announces proudly, a sense of determination underscoring her words.
"Do you have a name in mind?" Abby asks curiously, leaning forward slightly.
"Pope and Associates," Olivia responds confidently, the words rolling off her tongue with certainty.
"Damn, that's fire," Josh interjects with a grin, his expression one of approval.
"Will we be working for you or Fitz?" Abby asks, placing her mug back on the table with a soft clink.
"We'll be working together as a team. Fitz put the agency in my name, separate from Grant Industries," Olivia explains, her voice steady and assured.
"Well, damn. You must be putting it down on him. He's whipped," Josh teases, his playful tone filling the room.
Olivia can't help but laugh at the teasing banter between her friends, the sound of her laughter brightening the atmosphere like sunlight streaming through a window.
X
Fitzgerald's name slices through the chaotic symphony of the city, a sharp blade among the blaring car horns and incessant chatter. He pivots sharply, his hand snapping to the handle of his sleek limousine parked with precision at the curb. Beside him, Huck stands, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a tension that crackles in the air.
A woman barrels towards them, urgency written in every step, her face a mask of desperation. She casts a quick glance at the limo before fixing her gaze on Fitz. With hands trembling like leaves in a storm, she thrusts a small USB drive into his palm.
"What's this, Hazel?" Fitz demands, confusion and suspicion etched deep into his features.
"I'm sorry," Hazel chokes out, tears threatening to spill over. "I know you said no recordings, but I couldn't resist...and I'm sorry. I know what the NDA stated and…" Her voice quivers as she glances back at the looming limo. "I told Mellie about the video, and now she has a copy. She's planning to auction it off to the highest bidder."
Fitz's jaw clenches, anger igniting his eyes like wildfire. "What?"
"You have to stop her," Hazel pleads, her voice raw with dread. "She's vindictive, Fitz. Furious you married Olivia. I have to go."
Before she can flee, Fitz seizes her wrists with unyielding force. "Hazel, is this truly the only copy? Is it on Mellie's computer?"
"Yes, apart from the copy I sent Mellie," she replies, panic flickering in her eyes. "I erased everything else from my computer."
"Huck will check all your devices tomorrow," Fitz declares with iron resolve.
"I'm sorry, Fitz," Hazel whispers, despair thick in her voice. "One drunken night, I confessed to Mellie. This can't leak. My father would disown me. It might ruin his re-election."
"It won't leak," Fitz vows, his voice a steely promise. "Thank you for coming forward."
He thrusts the USB into Huck's hand. "Erase it. Deal with Mellie."
Hazel nods frantically, retreating into the hotel's shadows. Fitz watches her vanish, a storm of anger and reluctant gratitude churning within him.