Chapter 119
No Engagement.
The Montgomerys were the largest shareholders of Rexam Central Medical
Institute, one of the biggest hospitals in the city, an acquisition that had gradually taken shape over twenty years.
They were not the founders, and the shares they held were subject to performance- based conditions. As a result, the board of directors retained ultimate authority, regardless of the size of the Montgomerys’ stake.
Thus, Stefan was really looking forward to the collaboration with Stonewatch.
Under his leadership, he had already established small subsidiaries in neighboring towns, all funded by the parent company, the hospital. They had yet to generate independent income, as revenue was still being poured into their expansion.
A partnership with Nathaniel Thorne meant something far more important to Stefan: expansion backed by guaranteed government funding. It was meant to prove his capability as the hospital’s general manager.
Stefan worked hard to explain what their hospital could offer, from trained medical workers to connections with medical technology.
Nathaniel Thorne listened, completely unreadable. Then, he asked out of the blue, “And your medical technology supplier is p>
“VanderMed Technologies, Mr. Thorne,” Stefan replied confidently.
Stefan couldn’t figure Mr. Thorne out. He had a poker face, no hint of approval or disappointment.
There were four hospital board members present that night, including his father, Charles Montgomery. They sat around the table with Nathaniel. Melanie was there as well, holding the documents and taking notes. His mother, Stella, sat at another table, quietly observing.
Nathaniel had brought his own people. At the same table were his assistant, Gavin, a Stonewatch representative, Stefan recognized, Mr. Vans, and two other executives from the rehabilitation centers, both decorated soldiers.
“In the past, we couldn’t come to terms with Mr. Collins’s son,” Stefan said. “He wanted a cut for himself, and it was too much p>
Nathaniel leaned back, his expression hardening. “He no longer has authority. And there will be no kickbacks, side arrangements, or hidden compensation under my leadership p>
“Looks like we’re already talking business, Mr. Thorne,” Stefan said. He was genuinely impressed by Nathaniel’s understanding of the medical field, its demands, and the quiet command and confidence he carried.
At a young age, Natahniel was already leading two multi-billion-dollar companies in Velmon City, and now he had been appointed chairman of Stonewatch Rehabilitation Network. As for why General Collins had chosen him, Stefan could only assume it was due to Nathaniel’s proven leadership and potential.
“The medical technology supplier is equally important,” Nathaniel said plainly. “They should have been invited to this meeting p>
“Oh, we can call them,” Charles Montgomery offered. “We’re good friends with the Vanders. In fact, my son and their daughter are set to be engaged p>
“Yes,” Stefan confirmed. “My future wife is quite a beauty p>
As Stefan claimed Serena as his fiancée so proudly, he caught the displeased look
in Nathaniel’s gaze. Those piercing blue-gray eyes felt lethal.
For a split second, they reminded him of Sebastian’s eyes.
‘No, that couldn’t be,’ Stefan
dismissed it. The Vanders were very
secretive about Serena’s
vel
ex-husband. He was probably a nobody, someone they were ashamed of. Otherwise, why would Serena let them carry the name of the Vanders?
Nathaniel Thorne was too impressive to be the twins’ father.
The Montgomerys were never given full details of how Serena lived before she was found. All Stefan knew was that she had been
kidnapped. From what he
understood, the family was
Povel
preparing to file a criminal case and had kept details behind closed doors
so as not to compromise the investigation.
“I’ll call them right now. There’s still time. You can meet them, Mr. Thorne,” Charles
said eagerly, excusing himself.
“Please,” Nathaniel said.
Dinner was served while they waited for the Vanders. At the same time, the
Montgomerys tried to draw Nathaniel into personal conversation.
“Mr. Thorne, are you married?” Stefan asked.
“I was. It was something I regret,” Nathaniel said calmly, chewing slowly. “I still love her p>
“You should try to win her back,” Stefan suggested, and the others echoed the
same.
“I’m trying my hardest,” Nathaniel replied plainly.
“We’re here. Thank you for inviting us,” Celine Vander said as she entered, with Sterling, Silas, and Serena behind her.
The Vanders arrived within half an hour, all dressed formally. The women in the family wore elegant makeup, and Serena had on her new pink diamond necklace, worth fifty million dollars.
Stefan didn’t,
‘t know how they had
arrived so quickly, but he was relieved nonetheless. He stood to greet them, especially Serena. Even if he was only using her, she was stiff a goddess, someone he could proudly present as a wife.
“Serena, you look beautiful,” Stefan said, leaning in to kiss her cheek.