A Friend's Desperate Request

The private hospital suite was unusually quiet, the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor the only sound breaking the silence. Adrian Blake stood beside the bed with his secretary, Ethan Cole, while the attending physician reviewed the latest test results.

After a moment, the doctor looked up and smiled reassuringly. "Mr. Blake's condition is stable. His blood pressure is slightly elevated, but it's nothing to be concerned about."

Ethan let out a relieved breath. "So he'll be alright?"

"Yes," the doctor replied. "With proper rest and medication, he should make a full recovery."

Before anyone could relax, William Blake sat upright in bed and frowned. "Nothing to be concerned about? Last week, you told me my lungs were failing, my kidneys were weak, and my intestines weren't functioning properly."

The doctor's confident expression faltered. "Well... yes, I did say that."

Adrian sighed quietly while Ethan bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing.

The doctor quickly cleared his throat. "Medical conditions can improve, especially when patients follow treatment. Fortunately, your health has responded better than expected."

William folded his arms. "And didn't you also say I should avoid stress?"

"Absolutely," the doctor answered immediately. "At your age, unnecessary stress can affect your recovery. Your family should make every effort to keep you calm."

A satisfied smile spread across William's face as he turned toward his grandson. "You heard the doctor."

Adrian met his gaze without the slightest hint of guilt. "If you still have enough energy to argue with him, then you're healthy enough to leave this hospital."

William narrowed his eyes. "So that's your way of chasing your grandfather away?"

"I'm simply stating the obvious." Adrian slipped his hands into his pockets. "Since you're already here, you might as well complete a full medical examination. It'll save everyone another emergency visit."

Without waiting for a reply, he turned toward the door.

"Adrian!" William called after him.

But the young CEO had already left the room.

William shook his head helplessly. "That boy gets colder every year."

Ethan smiled politely. "I'll go check on him, sir."

The elderly man waved him away before lying back against the pillows with a sigh.

The following morning, sunlight poured through the enormous windows of the Blake family mansion, bathing the dining room in golden light.

Adrian entered dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his expression calm as always. "Good morning, Grandfather."

William lowered the newspaper in his hands. "I've been waiting for you."

Adrian immediately sensed something serious. "What happened?"

"I received a call from James Sterling."

Adrian's expression hardened. "So you've heard." He pulled out a chair and sat opposite his grandfather. "I'm dismissing Parker."

William calmly placed his teacup on the saucer. "And whose decision is that?"

"Mine." Adrian's voice was firm. "He has abused the company's trust for years. He built a private vacation house using company materials and assigned our workers to complete it during office hours." His icy gaze never wavered. "If I ignore it now, every other subcontractor will think they're free to do the same."

William remained silent for a long moment. Finally, he sighed. "James Sterling was one of my closest friends. We built Blake Corporation together. When he passed away, I promised I'd look after his son."

"I respect that promise," Adrian replied calmly. "But friendship doesn't place anyone above company policy." He leaned forward slightly. "You can speak to him personally if you wish. But he still has to face the consequences."

William studied his grandson's determined face before nodding. "Very well." A faint smile appeared on his lips. "But if I'm respecting your decision... you'll respect one of mine."

Adrian already knew where the conversation was headed. "What do you want?"

"I want you to go on a blind date."

Silence settled between them.

Adrian closed his eyes briefly before exhaling. "Grandfather..."

"For years, you've buried yourself in work." William's voice became gentler. "You've built an empire, but you've forgotten how to live."

"I'm fine."

"No, you're lonely."

Adrian looked away.

"I promised an old friend I'd introduce you to his granddaughter." William smiled knowingly. "She's intelligent, well-mannered, and comes from a respectable family."

"I don't have time for this."

"You'll make time." The old man folded his arms. "Think of it as repaying an old man for respecting your decision today."

Adrian stared at him for several seconds. He knew that once his grandfather made up his mind, there was no changing it.

Finally, he released a defeated sigh. "...Fine."

William blinked in surprise. "You'll go?"

"I'll go."

For the first time in weeks, genuine joy lit up the elderly man's face. He laughed heartily. "I knew you'd come to your senses!"

Adrian simply shook his head. "This is one date."

"One is all I need." William's smile widened.

As Adrian stood to leave, he had no idea that agreeing to one simple blind date had just set fate into motion.

Somewhere else in the city, a young woman was desperately trying to escape that very same meeting.

Neither of them knew it yet. But destiny had already begun writing their story.