Obsessed With Saving Lives

Ashford Mansion

Diana looked at her husband, who was getting dressed, and walked over to him to help him with his tie.

"Do you know why Father has suddenly decided to host an event?" She asked.

Samuel's gaze locked on his wife as he replied, "My father doesn't do things suddenly, and unfortunately, even I do not know the reason for this party."

"Hopefully, it's not to accept that girl and her child." Diana sneered.

Samuel frowned at her remark and removed her hand from his tie as he replied, "Be careful with your words, Diana. That child is Gael's son, not the son of some random person."

Diana scoffed. "Are you really okay with this? Gael just woke up one day, quit being a doctor, and was handed the CEO position. You've worked so hard for that role, yet your father never once saw you as worthy. Every mistake you make, he criticizes, but ever since Gael took over, he's been singing his praises to the board."

Samuel sighed. "So what do you want me to do? Hate my own son?"

Diana shook her head. "That's not what I'm saying, but maybe if you prove that Gael is too inexperienced to run the company, then the shareholders will take your side and vote you in as CEO."

Samuel was silent for a moment before he asked, "How do I do that?"

Diana smiled. "Isn't Gael handling a billion-dollar deal right now? Imagine what would happen if that deal collapsed."

"You think you can make that happen?"

Diana's smile widened. "Ashford Group is partnering with Barrington Corporation for this deal. If the Barrington pulls out, Gael won't be able to succeed. And we're in luck—the Barrington family's daughter is having some trouble at school, and since I am the director of Zarion High, I can cover up her mess. If I do that, they will owe me a favor. They treasure their daughter too much to refuse."

"But will they really agree? Then taking a step back from this deal will also make them lose a lot of money."

Diana smirked. "Who says they'll lose anything? Once Gael is seen as unfit to lead, even your father will have to ask him to step down. And when my dear husband swoops in to fix the problem, Barrington Corporation will sign the deal again. You'll be CEO, and their daughter's name will be cleared. Everyone wins."

Samuel chuckled, brushing his fingers over her cheek. "This is why I love you. You always know how to handle things."

Diana held his hand. "I'm your wife. If I can't take care of something this small, what good am I to you?" She sighed. "I also feel bad for Lucas. He's been working so hard at the company since he graduated, yet your father still won't acknowledge him. It breaks my heart to see all his efforts go to waste."

Samuel nodded. "I agree with you, but do not worry. I know better than anyone how hardworking Lucas is. That's why, once this plan works, he'll become the Vice President of Ashford Group."

"Really?"

"Of course. I see Lucas as my son too. I don't know why Gael, who never cared about business, suddenly decided to step in. But he needs to understand that running a company isn't a game. Ever since his mother died, he's been obsessed with saving lives. As his father, it's my job to make sure he goes back to that path—even if it means sabotaging him."

He gave Diana's hand a squeeze. "Thank you again, my love. As always, you're right."

She smiled and held his hand. "Shall we make our grand entrance?"

Samuel chuckled, pressed a soft kiss on her cheek, and took her arm. With their fingers intertwined, they stepped out of the room together.

....

A white and elegant Rolls-Royce stopped at the entrance of the Ashford Mansion.

Gael stepped out and opened the back door.

Andrea got out, holding a sleeping Kai in her arms. She looked at the huge mansion in front of her, eyes filled with amazement. "This is where you grew up?" she asked.

Gael didn't answer. When she turned to him, she could swear she saw disdain in his eyes.

"Let's go," he said, walking ahead toward the house.

Andrea scoffed and muttered under her breath, "He orders me around like I'm actually his wife."

Before following him inside, she glanced at the cars parked outside. Even with one look, she could tell each one cost more than all the money she had ever earned in her life.

She sighed and stepped into the house. As expected, the inside was even bigger.

The moment she walked in with Kai, she felt all eyes on her. It was as if everyone here belonged to the same circle, and she was the only outsider. But where did Gael go?

Thankfully, Hannah walked over with a smile. "Let me hold him."

Andrea chuckled and gently passed the baby to her.

"He's so big now," Hannah said with admiration. "Much bigger than the last time I saw him."

"He never jokes with his food," Andrea teased with a small laugh.

"Ignore their stares," Hannah whispered. "As the wife of the CEO of Ashford Group, you are one of the most important women in this room."

Andrea nodded with a smile and asked, "Gael told me not to bring Kai's stroller. Why?"

"Maybe the patriarch wants to give you one as a gift," Hannah replied.

Noticing Kai moving his tiny fingers, Hannah quickly handed him back to his mother, afraid he might wake up crying.

Andrea glanced at the staircase, where Diana and Samuel walked down together, looking very much in love.

The moment they arrived, everyone's attention shifted to them. Watching the couple, Andrea wondered—what had made Zariah so unhappy in her marriage that she took her own life?

Maybe she was overthinking, but something about the story Hannah told her didn't feel right.

Looking around the room, she noticed how people kept glancing at her but wouldn't come close. Their message was clear—she and Kai were outsiders.

And judging by the small smile on Diana's face, Andrea was sure this was her doing.

Just then, Gael returned to the living room with his grandfather.

To her surprise, Chairman Ashford ignored everyone and stopped right in front of her. His eyes moved from her to the sleeping baby, his expression unreadable. Then, after a long pause, he finally spoke—and what he said left the entire room stunned.