Chapter 4

As night fell, I had just snapped the lock on my medical kit shut and was about to walk out with my suitcase when Jax pushed open the apartment door.

He didn't apologize, nor did he ask why I was packing my things.

He just loosened his tie and informed me with a tone of absolute entitlement, acting as if I should be grateful just for him offering a few soft words.

"Tomorrow's five-year anniversary dinner has to be postponed. I'm using that restaurant reservation to stage a fake proposal for Vivienne, just to make her ex jealous."

He strode over, arrogantly trying to wrap his arm around my shoulder, looking entirely confident.

"She's helped me a lot over the years, and I owe her this favor. You're the most understanding one. You wouldn't be jealous over a little playacting, would you? Be good, don't overthink it."

Before he could finish, I agreed flatly.

"Sure, whatever you want."

Seeing me agree so easily, Jax was clearly stunned for a moment. Then he broke into a relieved grin and reached out to pinch my cheek.

"That's the spirit. I knew my Elise was the most sensible. I'll make it up to you properly, don't be upset."

I turned my head to dodge his hand and shook my head.

"No need."

Because from now on, it would never be needed again.

The next day, I put on a custom-tailored business suit and arrived at the pre-booked window seat.

I had just opened the menu when Vivienne sauntered over with a wine glass, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Excuse me, this table is exclusively booked by Jax for his 'proposal' to me."

"Wow, dressed so formally today. Are you planning to get on your knees and beg our Capo to take you back? Woman to woman, I advise you to keep a little dignity. Since Jax doesn't want you anymore, stop pestering him like a stray dog, alright?"

Hearing this, I let out a cold laugh.

"Woman to woman, I advise you to have some shame."

"Your name isn't written on this table."

Embarrassed by my sharp retort, she turned to look behind her.

Jax saw me from behind her and froze for a second. Then he smiled helplessly, that 'everything-is-under-control' confidence surfacing in his eyes.

"I knew it. You act so generous, but you still bribed someone to sneak in and check up on me, didn't you?"

"Alright, since you want to watch, just sit here and watch closely. Just don't start crying with red eyes later."

Was it because he didn't want me to be sad, or because he didn't want me ruining their good time?

The answer didn't matter anymore.

I didn't even want to look at him for another second. I called the waiter over.

"These two seem to be in the wrong section. Please check their reservation details and escort them to where they belong."

The waiter checked and politely asked Jax to leave.

Jax's face fell a bit, but he still firmly believed I was just jealous.

"Elise, you're being far too childish. Spending this much money for a seat just to spite me? Fine, I won't argue with you today. I'll let you have your way."

He was always this confident in front of me.

I looked at him calmly, lacking even the interest to respond.

I simply picked up my coffee, quietly waiting for Dr. Vance's private car to arrive.

Not long after, several waiters carrying a delicate black velvet box on a tray walked straight toward my table.

Vivienne, who had been glaring this way the whole time, had her eyes light up. She rushed over and blocked their path.

"Wow, this must be the diamond engagement ring Jax prepared, right? Open it up and show me!"

"I heard Jax went through a lot of trouble to find this diamond."

The waiters were taken aback by her arrogant behavior, looking a bit lost.

I set down my cup and spoke softly.

"Ignore her. Just proceed with the original arrangement."

"This is my exclusive item. Listen to me."

Seeing that I had publicly dismissed her, Vivienne shrieked and pointed a finger in my face, cursing.

"Who do you think you are? Does a soon-to-be-dumped woman like you have the right to interrupt? If I were you, I would've found a hole to crawl into a long time ago!"

She picked up a full glass of red wine from the table, motioning to throw it right in my face.

With quick reflexes, I grabbed her wrist, splashed the wine right back into her face, and shoved her away in one fluid motion.

Vivienne shrieked in a miserable mess and stumbled into the arms of Jax, who had rushed over upon hearing the commotion.

Looking at the wine-soaked Vivienne, Jax's face instantly darkened to the extreme. He quickly stepped forward to shield her, his tone full of blame.

"Elise! Have you had enough? It's one thing to throw tantrums at home, but openly acting like a lunatic and throwing things at people in public? Who gave you the nerve to break the rules like this?"

Before he could finish his sentence, the main doors were pushed open.

A group of elite security agents in black suits flanked an imposing, authoritative middle-aged man as they walked in.

"Stop right there!" Dr. Vance commanded sharply.

He walked up to me, completely ignoring the shocked Jax. He took the black velvet box from the waiter and opened it.

Inside lay a scalpel-shaped badge, representing the top-tier global medical clearance. Then, using both hands, he presented a document bearing a classified embossed seal.

"Dr. Elise, your lifetime non-disclosure agreement has officially taken effect. The helicopter is standing by on the roof. From this moment on, your safety and honor fall under the absolute jurisdiction of the International Medical Board."