Chapter 8 Who Slapped You

After Vanessa and Maggie left triumphantly, a hospital doctor arrived to check on Thea's mother's condition.

This particular hospital was owned by the influential Gibson family. The Russell family had strong ties to the second son of the Gibsons, which explained Vanessa's audacity in barging in.

A few years ago, the Russell family had paid for Thea's mother's medical bills. However, over the past two years, they had repeatedly used the looming debt as a means to manipulate and torment Thea. She handled it by working tirelessly to earn money outside.

Thea's ultimate goal was to gather enough funds to cover her mother's surgery.

Only then could she stand up to those who had wronged her.

Colton, after inquiring with Greyson about the hospital Thea had rushed to earlier that morning, decided to visit himself.

He called her as he arrived at the hospital, and when he glanced up from his phone, he spotted her exiting the hospital gate.

"Where are you?" Colton inquired.

He stepped out of his car as their eyes met. Thea seemed visibly upset. As he approached her, he noticed her swollen face and reddened eyes.

"What happened?" Colton questioned with a furrowed brow.

It was evident that she had been subjected to bullying.

"I'm sorry, sir." Thea thought Colton was here for the money she owed him.

She reached out for her phone to transfer him the money that she owed her.

Last night, he had added her as a friend, and she planned to repay the debt soon.

"I'll give you the rest in two days," she assured him.

She had an upcoming order that would bring in a considerable amount of money.

"That's not what I'm asking," Colton responded tersely, his demeanor growing even colder. He scrutinized her intently. "Who did this to you?"

"Well!"

Thea smiled faintly, covering her face with her hand. "It's not a big deal."

In the past, when she had been disobedient, the consequences had been much more severe.

However, no one had ever shown any concern for her well-being.

Seeing her smile despite her injuries, Colton grabbed her hand and led her into the hospital with a grim expression.

"Sir, where are we going?" Thea asked, puzzled, as she followed closely behind.

Meanwhile, in his office, Ruben, clad in a white coat, was engrossed in a book.

He was taken aback when Colton pushed open the door, a cold air accompanying him.

"Why are you here, Colton?"

Ruben inquired with a friendly smile, although he couldn't hide the anxiety in his voice.

Colton remained stoic and, without a word, nudged Thea toward Ruben. "Treat her."

"What?" Ruben was astonished to see a girl standing before him, her face visibly marked from a harsh slap. "Who did this? It's quite ruthless!"

The girl looked somewhat familiar to Ruben.

"Is she your wife?" he asked, curiosity piqued.

Colton rarely delved into other people's affairs, making his unexpected appearance with a girl in tow all the more unusual.

"She was attacked within your hospital. Why ask me?"

Colton replied in a chilling tone, his gaze unwavering.

He wondered who had dared to slap his woman.

Ruben smiled apologetically. This hospital was nominally under his uncle's charge. He had never gotten involved in its daily affairs.

"Don't worry," Ruben assured. "I'll ensure she receives proper treatment, and the bruises on her face will go away by tomorrow."

Ruben smiled and began applying the soothing ointment to Thea's face, cautioning her about specific foods to avoid.

"Ouch!" The ointment stung slightly, causing Thea to flinch. Colton, who had been about to light a cigarette by the window, decided against it and approached them. "Give it to me."

Ruben, intrigued by Colton's interest in the matter, handed over the ointment.

Sitting before Thea, Colton gently dabbed her swollen face with a cotton swab. As she winced, he blew softly to alleviate the pain.

Their faces drew closer together, and Thea, initially preoccupied with the discomfort on her face, suddenly found herself blushing as she stared into the cool, intense eyes of the enigmatic man before her.