Chapter 9

Noah raised an eyebrow slightly, looking a bit surprised but staying composed. He calmly wrapped up what he was doing and handed things over before glancing toward the corner where she stood, clearly on edge.

He walked over, but before he could say a word, the director showed up, with a bunch of hospital execs in tow. Noah didn't even get a chance to speak to her. As he passed by, he lightly pressed her shoulder, a silent "don't worry" gesture.

Samantha watched his upright figure disappear into the group, dazed. She took a deep breath, trying to stop herself from overthinking everything.

"Noah, that complaint letter's all over the hospital's website now. I really couldn't ignore it. Had to bring a few people over just to do a standard check," the director said pleasantly.

Noah nodded politely. "Go ahead. If you need anything, just let me know."

"No need, no need. You carry on with your work. We're not gonna trouble you too much—just a quick look through your office and your lounge, like the letter says."

The director smiled like he was dealing with someone above him, his tone full of respect.

Noah made a courteous "after you" gesture and stepped aside.

The director and a couple of department heads walked into Noah's office. They barely rummaged around his desk—it was clear this was all for show.

You could tell, they trusted Noah entirely.

Samantha's nerves eased a bit.

"The police are here," someone whispered.

She quickly turned her head and sure enough, two officers, one holding a camera, stepped in.

The director rushed over to greet them, "Officers, this is a hospital-internal matter. We've got it under control. No need to trouble you."

"We got a report and we're here to follow up. Don't worry—we're just here for facts, not witch hunts." One of the officers turned to Noah. "Would you mind cooperating?"

Samantha anxiously stepped closer to Noah, looking up at him, eyes full of panic.

Noah gave her a brief look, then raised his hand to the officers. "Feel free."

One officer entered the office immediately; the other followed with the camera, recording everything.

Their arrival had already drawn a crowd. The doctors' area was packed, and murmurs started spreading out from the neurology department.

The director looked worried. "Noah, you really shouldn't have let them search your office. This looks terrible."

"It's okay. The truth speaks for itself," Noah said, calm as ever.

The director shook his head, looking helpless. "If everyone were as calm as you, we wouldn't have this ridiculous drama on our hands."

After going over the office and not finding anything suspicious, the officers moved on to ask about checking his lounge.

This time, Noah didn't answer immediately. He looked at Samantha and waited for her reaction. "Would it be okay for you and Miss Smith?"

Since the lounge was where she and Lila were staying, it wasn't exactly convenient for strangers to go in—it was a private area for the girls, after all.

Even in this tense moment, Noah still managed to think about them. Samantha was honestly thankful, but at the same time, her worry for him only grew stronger. She shook her head firmly. "It's not a good time."

That answer didn't sit well with the officers. One of them immediately snapped, "Please cooperate with our investigation!"

Already on edge, Samantha flinched at the harsh tone. She instinctively stepped back, her face losing a bit of color.

Noah quickly reached over and pulled her behind him, shielding her with his own body. He gave the officers a much colder look.

"My wife and her close friend are temporarily staying in my break room. As she's just said, it wouldn't be appropriate for you to inspect it right now. I hope you can respect that."

"Your wife?" The hospital director and a few of the other administrators exchanged startled glances. None of them had heard about this before—Noah was married?

The director quickly stepped up to smooth things over. "Officers, our Dr. Avery is really not the kind of person who would accept bribes. He's only been with us for a couple of weeks, but already, he's helped so many patients using his own money that we've lost count. He's the kind of guy who helps without expecting anything back."

"Yeah, we all know what kind of person he is," the vice director chimed in. "Maybe try looking into other areas instead?"

The officers exchanged a look. "Alright, then let's check his car. From our experience, it's common to keep things like gifts or money out of the office and in the vehicle."

"Uh..." The director turned back to Noah. "Is that alright?"

Noah gave a polite nod. "This way, please. The garage is downstairs."

With the officers behind him, he led the way. A couple of nosy bystanders also tagged along. Samantha hesitated, then quietly sped up and slipped in beside Noah, clearly worried.

He turned around just in time to catch the anxious look on her face and, as they entered the elevator, took her hand. There were quite a few people, and he didn't want her to get pushed around. Without a word, he guided her into his arms and made sure she stood in a corner, sheltered by the space he created with his body so no one else could crowd her.

Samantha glanced up at him, thankful, her thoughts tangled as if something was sitting heavy on her chest. She looked like she wanted to say something but held it in. Noah, picking up on her hesitation, leaned toward her and whispered, "Do you trust me?"

She bit her lip, conflicted. Could she fully trust someone she'd only known for a few days, even if they were legally husband and wife now? He had seemed like someone trustworthy, sure. But how could a young doctor be this generous—owning a luxury apartment, making huge transfers, helping patients and hiring a nurse for his grandma?

She didn't doubt his character. She just couldn't wrap her head around it all.

She didn't answer right away, which brought a faint, slightly exasperated smile to Noah's lips. He didn't press her.

"I mean... it's not that I don't trust you," she finally murmured.

His eyes flicked down at her again. She nervously bit her lower lip.

"Thank you," he said gently.

When they reached their floor, he leaned in close again. "Whatever happens next, just take care of yourself."

That one line made chills crawl up Samantha's spine. Was something really about to go down?