Chapter 817
Marcus immediately voiced his agreement with Barney’s plan. “Of course. No problem at all.”
He desperately needed Barney, Sophie, and Arius’ help with the virus that held Anglandur hostage.
At that point, he could agree to almost anything that helped to smooth over their ruffled feathers.
Alas, Barney’s declaration did not sit well with the men pleading for mercy on the ground. Getting a spot in the International Medical Association had been a laborious feat.
If they were essentially fired from the association, their reputation in the medical field would be ruined.
They immediately launched into a fresh wave of pleas. “Dr. Smith, we’ve truly realized our mistakes. Please give us another chance!”
Marcus had heard enough. He piped up, “That’s enough. Ms. Tanner and the others have been far too generous toward you. All you’re good for is saying nonsense instead of curing diseases. I don’t ever want to hear about you lot next time.”
He ordered his men to bring the disgraced former researchers away.
“Ms. Tanner, let me express my apologies once again. I personally invited you here, yet such an unforgivable act happened to you on our grounds.” Marcus continued, “Once we’ve overcome this virus, I will take you out for a meal and properly make things up to you.”
These three doctors were his only hope.
He could sacrifice every shred of his pride to ensure the security of his country and his position.
Sophie had had enough of dealing with the drama by then. She replied curtly, “Let’s talk about it another time! Why don’t both of you head back first, Dr. Smith? I’m going to have dinner with Tristan,
so I’ll make my way back later.”
Reminding herself that the virus was a matter of life and death was the only thing that boosted her patience.
“All right. Go on, then. Arius and I will return as well.”
Arius whined, “Let’s eat out, Dr. Smith! I’m sick of all the dinners they serve us at the medical association!”
He was suddenly swamped by a longing for his life back in Chanaea. It had been so easy to get whatever he craved in Chanaea. In Anglandur, he had to suffer through countless fast-food meals.
Barney had no objections to his mentee’s suggestion. “Works for me. I’m going back to my room. Come and get me when you’re ready for dinner.”
He knew they were tired of Anglanduran cuisine.
Unlike them, Barney was born and raised in Anglandur, and he was used to their culture and lifestyle. However, it was surely a culture shock for Sophie.
Marcus suddenly roared at his subordinates, “What’s wrong with you? Didn’t I ask you to see after their needs? If Ms. Tanner isn’t used to Anglanduran cuisine, can’t you hire a chef to make Chanaean cuisine for her? Did you need me to give you all a lesson on basic hosting etiquette?”
“We’re sorry for overlooking that, Mr. President. We will arrange for a chef right away.”
One of Marcus’ subordinates turned to Arius and Sophie and said, “Don’t worry, Professor Gullifer and Ms. Tanner. We will hire the best chef in Chanaean cuisine we can find.”
They would spare no expense or pride in ensuring their esteemed guests’ comfort.
Barney was beginning to think they had wasted enough time that day and declared, “All right, Mr. President. I’m heading back to my room.”
He had no interest in wasting more time.
Sophie had already turned around and returned to her room to have dinner with Tristan.
Meanwhile, Arius dropped his idea of dining with Sophie. The lovebirds hardly spent enough time with each other.
He eventually trailed after Barney.
After their departure, one of Marcus’ aides voiced his doubts about the situation. “Should we be waiting on them hand and foot, Mr. President? Even the International Medical Association failed to help us. Can the three of them really be the answer?”
Marcus sighed and replied, “Frankly, no one can guarantee a solution to this virus, but Sophie has the advantage of experience, so she’s our best bet for now.”
He was already facing such a tough trial shortly after becoming Anglandur’s president.
There would be no presidency to speak of if the country’s citizens were obliterated by a virus.
He continued, “Right. Make sure you do your best to fulfill their requests. And I never want to hear any more of that nonsense about Chanaea again.”
Salvaging his pride as the president of Anglandur was the least of his concerns.
Freeing his country from the shackles of this virus was his top priority. If Sophie managed to help him do it, he could even be compelled to kneel at her feet and express his everlasting gratitude for her services.
Sophie arrived at her room just as Tristan finished changing.
She was supposed to head to the International Medical Association immediately, but she could not bear to leave him alone in his battered state. She suggested, “Let’s go! What do you want to eat? I’ll go with you.”
Tristan had other plans. “Let’s order delivery! I really don’t want to go out looking like this.” I’ve got my pride too!
A laugh escaped Sophie.
Tristan hugged her from behind and placed his chin on her shoulder.
He wailed, “Don’t laugh at me. This isn’t funny at all. I must look a horror now, Sophie. Are you going to dump me over this?”
“No. You’re still handsome like this. I would never be disgusted by you.” Her earnest reply was marred somewhat by the amused smirk curving her lips.
“Good, good.” A relieved Tristan planted a kiss on her forehead.
They ordered room service and tucked in. Only after that did Sophie set off for the International Medical Association.
Once again, Tristan was alone in the room.
Later that night, he video-called Sean, Felix, and Charles. The latter two loudly proclaimed their shock at Tristan’s appearance.
“D*mn, Mr. Tristan! What the heck happened to you? Who thrashed you so badly?”
“Exactly! Did you run into thugs?” Wait, that’s not right! Mr. Tristan’s more fearsome than any thug out there!
Sean asked calmly, “Is this Nicholas’ work?”
Tristan’s silence confirmed Sean’s suspicions. It also tipped Felix and Charles off about their rather overboard reaction to their boss’ current state.
Realization dawned upon Felix and Charles, who both looked to Sean.
Indeed, Nicholas was the only person who could beat Tristan up so badly.
Upon noticing Tristan’s ill expression, Felix abruptly changed the topic and asked, “Do you need us to come over and help with Butterfly’s matters?”
They could not afford to offend Tristan unless they happened to have a death wish.
“It’s fine. Don’t come here. It’s quite dangerous.” Tristan did not wish to put his men at risk of unnecessary harm.
They backed down, but not without adding, “Okay. But anytime you need us, just say the word, and we’ll be on the next plane out.” The four men were fiercely loyal and would easily risk their lives for one another.
“Got it. Don’t worry too much! It’s just a fistfight with Nicholas, and I promise you he’s in a much worse state than me.”
Tristan did not exaggerate the situation to reassure his friends. He had not held back his strength or skills when fighting Nicholas, but his opponent was hardly as meek as a punching bag. It was natural for Tristan to take some hits during their duel.
“How did it feel fighting with Nicholas? Must’ve felt great sinking your fist into him, huh? Did you feel the urge to just kill him?” Felix asked conspiratorially. Tristan’s and Nicholas’ animosity toward each other was no secret.
“Hm, not bad.”
Frankly, Tristan could have befriended Nicholas if not for the man’s dogged persistence in pursuing his woman.
Sadly, Nicholas was thoughtless enough to attempt wooing Tristan’s woman, and Tristan would not let that slide.
Soon enough, Tristan brought an end to the call. “Anyway, just call me if anything’s happening with Lombard Group. I’m always reachable.”
Sophie was too busy at the International Medical Association to spend time with him, so he was really only here to ensure a speedy departure from Anglandur should an emergency arise.
Tristan was a selfish man. If nothing could be done to save Anglandur, he would bring Sophie away without a hint of hesitation.
