Herbert Medicals and Technology
The soft hum of the air conditioning barely penetrated the weight of the silence in the office. The view from the floor-to-ceiling windows was stunning, the skyline gleamed like a jewel under the afternoon sun-but Blaze hardly noticed. His mind was locked on the spreadsheets sprawled across his mahogany desk, numbers blurring into each other.
He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin. The name "Herbert Medical" was a legacy, a crown weighing heavy on his head. The world outside saw a respected CEO, a heir, a man of innovation and integrity. But in the shadows, there was another story-his family's story.
The framed photo placed of Blaze's father on the shelf, a stern look etched into his features. He'd built this empire from the ground up, but he'd also forged connections in the underbelly of the city that still whispered in the dark. Blaze'd learned early on that success wasn't just about brilliance; it was about knowing when to show strength and when to conceal it.
As Blaze shuffled through the papers on his desk, the door swung open without a knock. Arthur, his right-hand man and trusted secretary, stepped in, his expression unreadable. "We've got a problem," he said, his voice steady but carrying an edge of urgency as he closed the door behind him.
Blaze looked up, his body stiffening, a tension coiling within him like a tightly wound spring. "Go on," he said, his tone a quiet command.
Arthur didn't hesitate. "There's a woman outside. She insists on seeing you. Says it's urgent."
Blaze's eyes narrowed, his mind quickly processing the implications. "A woman? What's her name?"
"Mrs. Rodriguez," Arthur replied. "She's persistent. Doesn't seem like she's here for a casual chat."
The mention of the name sparked something in Blaze's mind. Rodriguez. He'd heard whispers of the family—connections that stretched far and wide, both in legitimate circles and darker, more dangerous ones.
Blaze's gaze turned hard, his voice colder now. "What does she want?"
Arthur shifted slightly, still unsure of how much to reveal. "She won't say, but... she seems urgent, almost desperate. Like she'll do whatever it takes to see you."
Blaze sat back, his chair creaking under his weight. His fingers drummed against the desk, eyes scanning the scattered papers as his thoughts churned. The last thing he needed was another complication. Especially from someone like Rodriguez.
He took a breath, then spoke, his tone firm, almost cutting. "Tell her to wait in the meeting room. But make it clear—I'm not guaranteeing I'll see her."
Arthur hesitated, sensing the undercurrent of tension in his boss. He wasn't one to challenge Blaze, but something about this felt... off. He spoke up carefully.
"Boss, she mentioned Benjamin. I think this might be about him."
Blaze's expression hardened, but his eyes never left the papers in front of him. He wasn't ready for this. Not now.
"I heard you, Arthur," Blaze said, his voice low and controlled. "But my decision stands. I don't have the time for this right now. Handle it."
Arthur paused for a moment, weighing his options. He knew Blaze's mind was made up, and it wasn't his place to question him further. "Understood," he said, bowing his head before turning to leave.
Blaze didn't look up as the door clicked shut behind Arthur. He stared at the numbers in front of him, but his mind wouldn't focus. There was something about Rodriguez—something in the way Arthur had described her—that lingered in his thoughts.
Why? What could she want with him, and why invoke Benjamin's name?
He pushed the thoughts aside with a sharp exhale, trying to refocus on the reports in front of him. In his world, every encounter had its consequences, and he wasn't about to let any disruption derail him from his goal.
But even as the hum of the city outside faded into the background, a small, nagging voice in his mind couldn't help but wonder: What kind of trouble was Rodriguez bringing to his doorstep?
HealZone Hospital
Savannah leaned against the cold metal wall of the hospital corridor, the fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. Another long day in the OR, and her scrubs were damp with sweat and the remnants of the last surgery. Her hands shook slightly, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. She'd just finished a double bypass on a middle-aged man who'd come in clutching his chest, a near miss that had left her drained.
The sounds of the bustling hospital faded into the background as she took a deep breath.
She loved her job-loved the thrill of saving lives-but some days felt heavier than others. Today was one of those days. As she walked to the break room, she replayed the surgery in her mind, analyzing every decision she'd made, every moment of tension. Did she take the right approach? Did she miss anything?
She glanced at her watch, 6 PM. She had an appointment across town, but she needed a moment to collect herself first. "Here you go, Dr. Miller" Bella said with a warm smile as she handed her a cup of black coffee, her eyes bright despite the exhaustion etched on her face.
"You earned it."
"Thanks, Bella. You're a lifesaver," Savannah replied, taking a grateful sip. The rich bitterness of the coffee washed over her, igniting her senses and momentarily banishing the fatigue. She could feel the warmth spread through her, grounding her after the chaos of the OR.
"Another long one, huh?" she asked, settling into a chair across from her. Savannah nodded, appreciating her presence. Bella had a way of making the hectic days feel a little lighter, her unwavering support a balm for the stress they all faced.
"You know, it's days like this that make me question my sanity," Savannah admitted, letting out a weary laugh. "How many lives did I save today? And how many more are waiting?"
Bella leaned back, crossing her arms. "You save lives every day, Savannah. That's what you do. But you can't carry it all alone. Just make sure to take care of yourself too."
Just at that moment, Savannah's phone buzzed in her pocket-another reminder about Mrs. Smith, the woman she needed to see. Savannah wasn't even sure what to expect.
"Sure I'll do that later, gotta go for now." Savannah said as he got up from her seat to exit the break room.
With a sigh, Savannah existed the room and steeled herself for the next challenge. First she had to meet with the CEO of Herbert Medical, Blaze Baldwin.
This was a big deal, but she wasn't sure why it felt so daunting. She'd dealt with boardrooms and budgets before, but this was different.
Savannah pushed through the heavy glass doors and made her way to the sleek, modern building of Herbert Medical, her heart racing for more than just the long day she'd had.
As she entered the lobby, she tried to shake off the weight of her scrubs and the day's stress. She was here to advocate for a patient, and she needed to channel all that intensity into something productive. She squared her shoulders and approached the reception desk, ready to confront whatever lay ahead.
"Hi, I'm Savannah Miller. I have an appointment to see Mr. Baldwin about a patient's case."
The receptionist's expression shifted slightly, and Savannah felt a tightening in her chest.
"I'm sorry, Dr. Miller, but Mr. Baldwin is currently busy and won't be able to meet with you right now."
"Busy?" Savannah repeated, trying to mask her disappointment. "Is there any way you could check if he can make a few minutes for me? It's urgent."
He typed rapidly on his computer, his brows furrowing. "I understand, but he's having a really important meetings right now, it may take some more hours. I can take a message if you'd like."
Frustration bubbled up inside her, but she forced herself to remain calm. "No, I really need to speak with him directly. It's about Mrs. smith's surgery. Time is critical."
The receptionist nodded, his expression sympathetic but firm. "I'm sorry, but I truly don't think he'll be able to squeeze you in today. Perhaps you can try again tomorrow?"
She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure, she appreciated his efforts, but she couldn't wait. Mrs. smith needed her to act, and every moment counted. She gave a tight smile and nodded, then turned to leave, the weight of disappointment settling heavily on her shoulders.
As Savannnah walked away, determination replaced her frustration. She couldn't rely on anyone else to fight for her patient; she had to take matters into her own hands. She headed down the bustling corridor, thoughts racing. She knew the procedure inside and out, and she was confident in her ability to present a compelling case.
Savannah's thumb hovered over her phone as she scrolled to Elias's number, her mind racing with how best to approach the situation. Just as she was about to dial, a snippet of conversation from a nearby group of employees caught her ear.
"Did you hear? Mr. Baldwin is meeting with some woman named Mrs. Rodriguez. I think she's trying to pitch something big."
The mention of Mrs. Rodriguez made Savannah pause. She didn't know the name, and that confused her. Who is she? What are they having meeting about at this hour? The idea of a "big pitch" only added to her curiosity.
She quickly pushed the thought aside, though. Her patient was her priority, and she couldn't afford to waste time on distractions. But even as she resumed walking, something nagged at her.
What was going on inside his office that was so urgent, he had to schedule another meeting with someone else when he'd already agreed to see her?
Meeting Room
In the meeting room, Blaze studied the woman sitting across from him. She was striking—her sharp, chiseled features and an air of unshakable confidence seemed to command the very space between them.
Her dark hair framed her face with precision, and her eyes, a stormy mix of determination and something darker, hinted at a restless, almost dangerous edge. She was playing a game, but Blaze wasn't sure if he was the one being toyed with—or if she was.
"Mr. Baldwin," she said, her voice steady, almost clinical in its calmness. "Thank you for seeing me."
Blaze's gaze never wavered, his posture as controlled as his emotions. He didn't have time for pleasantries. "Let's get straight to the point. What do you want?"
A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, as though she relished the tension in the air. She leaned forward slightly, her movements deliberate. "I want to take down my husband," she said, her tone thick with venom.
"He's been cheating on me, and I have information that could destroy him. I thought maybe you'd be interested in helping me make him pay."
Blaze's expression hardened, the faintest narrowing of his eyes betraying his intrigue. He leaned back in his chair, giving her nothing but a cold, assessing stare. "And how do you plan on doing that? What's your angle?"
She didn't flinch under his scrutiny, her confidence unwavering. "I know things—secrets about his business dealings that could bring him down. If you leak this information to his enemies, it'll hit him where it hurts most: in his empire."
Blaze's chest tightened, a mix of anger and intrigue stirring within him. "You think I'd risk my reputation on some petty, personal vendetta? This isn't a game."
"Why not?" she replied, her voice dropping a notch, becoming more intimate. "We could both benefit. You'd get valuable intel, and I'd get my revenge. Besides, you're a powerful man. I'm sure you enjoy a little excitement, Mr. Baldwin."
Her eyes locked onto his with such intensity that for a brief moment, Blaze almost considered the proposition. Almost.
He kept his voice level, but the steel behind it was unmistakable.
"Listen, I'm not here for distractions. I'm running a business, not playing games. And I don't take kindly to being manipulated."
The smile that had been dancing at the edge of her lips faltered for the briefest second, but she quickly regained her composure. "I'm not trying to manipulate you, Mr. Baldwin. I'm just trying to make him suffer for what he's done."
Blaze's arms crossed over his chest, his eyes narrowing as he studied her with renewed focus. "And what's stopping me from taking your information and using it for my own purposes? You've got no leverage here."
Her eyes flashed with something sharper, a glint of defiance. "Because I know you, Blaze," she said, her tone now biting. "I know that you thrive on power. This is a chance for you to solidify yours. We can be allies, if you're smart enough to see the opportunity."
Blaze's expression didn't change, but inside, something shifted. He could feel the pulse of ambition in her words, the cold calculation beneath her polished exterior. She was offering him more than just a petty revenge scheme—she was offering him a seat at the table of something much bigger.
He leaned forward, his gaze unblinking. "Allies, huh? And if this backfires, I'll have more than just your husband to deal with. You're playing a very dangerous game."
She gave a nonchalant shrug, as though the stakes didn't matter to her. "Life's too short to play it safe, wouldn't you agree? Sometimes, you have to take risks if you want to get what you want."
Blaze's lips curled into the slightest of smirks, his interest piqued despite himself. "True," he said, leaning in closer, his voice low and purposeful. "But make one thing clear: I'll be the one calling the shots here. If you want to play this game, you need to understand that distractions won't be tolerated."
Her playful tone vanished, replaced by something colder, more businesslike. "Understood," she said, her gaze sharpening. "I'm here for business, not pleasure. Let's get down to it."
Blaze gestured for her to continue, his mind already racing with possibilities. This wasn't just another meeting—it was a calculated maneuver, and one that could tip the balance in ways he couldn't yet fully predict.
The information she held could give him the leverage he needed. But he knew one thing for sure: he was in control now, and this woman was playing a game that had far more dangerous consequences than either of them might realize.
To be continued...
Author's Note:
Will Blaze really would keep his distance? What about Savannah now?
Let's see that in the next update<3
Have a good day/night <3<3