Wait, She’s a Billionaire

In the solemn atmosphere, Elliot chuckled lightly, asking, “So, how much time do I have left?”

Yosef sighed, reluctantly showing his hand.

“I’m guessing it’s less than five months?” Elliot asked. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“That’s right, assuming your body remains in good condition….”

Lionel, standing silently nearby, clenched his fists tightly. He lowered his head, fetting the tears silently stream down his face.

“Alright, I get it,” Elliot said after a long pause, seemingly accepting the doctor’s death sentence Yosef, step out for a moment. I need to discuss something with Lionel,”

Holding back tears, Yosef nodded and left, closing the door behind him.

Turning to the motionless Lionel nearby, Elliot lightly chuckled, “Hey, don’t make it so dramatic 1 haven’t kicked the bucket yet. Come over here.”

Lionel wiped away his tears and stood by Elliot’s bedside.

“I didn’t cry! You’re just an exploitative superior. Seeing you like this makes me happy!” Lionel retorted, his voice filled with suppressed emotion.

Elliot, amused, replied, “Good. I can rest easy knowing you have no conscience.”

Ignoring Lionel’s sullen face, Elliot continued, “Since Nathaniel was fired, the position of the head of the Special Investigation Department has been vacant. In the next few days, I’ll write you a letter of recommendation, putting Logan and Lance under your command. With your abilities, you should

take office within a month.”

Lionel glared at Elliot in disbelief. “Mr. Jenkins, are you trying to chase me away?”

“You’re capable. After I’m gone, it’s the best option for all of you.”

Lionel shook his head. “But I don’t want to! Unless you kill me, I’m not leaving. And I doubt Logan and Lance would want to follow me either.”

Elliot weighed the pros and cons with him. “Romello Nicholls is currently the second–in–command at the National Investigation Bureau. He’s ruthless and–believes in rooting out problems. He’ll seize the opportunity to take my position if he finds out about my condition. You’ve all been with me for half at lifetime, and he won’t spare any of you.”

“I know,” Lionel said with determination, refusing to budge. “If he wants to kill me, let him come. I’m not leaving ”

“This is an order!” Elliot was serious as he spoke to Lionel, with an unusually calm tone. “Following a reserved and aloof leader like me won’t lead to any good. Look, I myself don’t have a good ending…”

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Before he could finish his sentence, Lionel plopped down on his knees.

“Mr. Jenkins, are you mad at me? I was just joking earlier. Learning about your condition, I feel worse than if it were happening to me. For me, you’re not just my superior. You’re my friend and the only family 1 have!”

Moving

g on his knees toward Elliot’s bedside, Lionel gripped the edge tightly. His eyes held a plea of helplessness as if about to be abandoned.

“You gave me life, and you have my absolute loyalty! You can’t send me away! Apart from this, I won’t disobey any of your orders. Mr. Jenkins, please don’t send me away…”

He fought back tears, his gaze resolute as he looked at Elliot.

Elliot, weary and pale, with spirits low, locked eyes with him. After all, he had known Lionel for many years. Usually exchanging banter, it was the first time Lionel had poured out such sentimental words.

Elliot felt a twinge in his heart.

Struggling to maintain his composure, Elliot raised his hand and gently tapped Lionel’s head. “You’re so stubborn. Your temper is even worse than mine! I’ve said so much, yet you just won’t budge, will you?”

Lionel quickly got up and fetched a cup of warm water, handing it to him.

“I’m not leaving, and that’s final. This matter is not up for discussion!”

Feeling a bit frustrated, Lionel quickly changed the subject and reminded him, “Mr. Jenkins, you better think about how to explain things to Ms. Sheena. She was devastated when she thought you were dead six months ago, and now with this…”