Chapter 1108

Herman slid into the car, calm and collected, barely giving anything away. He caught a glimpse in the rearview mirror—a shadowy figure lurking nearby.

It was a man, DSLR camera in hand, moving in that telltale sneaky way. Probably a reporter, Herman thought. When you're a public figure, you get used to paparazzi sniffing around for juicy gossip, or sometimes even corporate spies sent by the competition.

“Dad?” Paradise's voice floated up from the back seat. “Uncle Luke's going to be okay, right?"

“He'll be fine,” Herman said softly. "Medicine's come a long way. The doctors will do everything they can."

Paradise had been studying medicine under James, but mostly just learning about herbs and simple remedies. She could treat a cold or sniffles, but surgery? That was still a world away for her.

With her chin propped on her hands, Paradise mused, "Dad, I used to think traditional medicine was better. But I've changed my mind.”

Herman's interest was piqued. "Yeah? Tell me about it.”

She explained, "Traditional medicine is about nurturing and getting to the root of things. But Western medicine is fast—sometimes, in an emergency, it's just more effective. Neither is better, really. They both have their strengths. If you could combine them, that'd be amazing. I want to be a great surgeon one day, Dad."

Paradise had always had the same dream.

She wanted to be a doctor.

Herman looked over. "So you don't want to take over my company?"

Paradise shook her head. “I'm not into business, Dad. I want to help people.” Herman chuckled and reached over to ruffle her hair. "You really are growing up." Paradise had her life mapped out: study hard, become the best doctor she could be. As they chatted, Anastasia came back and slid into the passenger seat. “What are you two scheming about?"

Herman grinned. “Our daughter wants to be a doctor—she's passing on my billions." Anastasia laughed, already knowing Paradise's plan. "You sound a little let down."

"I was hoping she'd take over so we could retire early,” Herman joked, pulling the car out. “Now we'll have to wait for Emmie and Nancy to grow up."

Anastasia smiled. "And if they don't want it either, you'll have to keep working. Maybe you can pin your hopes on Flynn-if he'd hurry up, get married and have a kid.

Flynn didn't have a head for business, and since Herman had gotten a vasectomy,

the family's future rested on Flynn's kids.

Herman laughed, "Honey, do you think I was too hasty with the snip?”

Anastasia shot him a look. "The kids are here-mind your language."

Paradise, who knew exactly what he meant, gave her dad a thumbs-up. “Dad, you're husband goals."

"Thank you, sweetheart." Herman's heart felt full. "What do you want for dinner tonight? My treat."

Paradise's face lit up. "Can we have hotpot?"

That love for hotpot-she got it from her mom.

"Of course," Herman promised.

He drove them straight to their favorite hotpot spot. While chatting with his wife and daughter he kept checking the rearview-sure enough, their tail was still there.

When they arrived, Herman told Anastasia and Paradise to head

in

first while he dialed Dailey, "Put your

vacation on hold and swing by

got someone following me....

At the hospital.

ve

Monica sat outside the ICU, keeping watch. The higher-ups had already come to check on Jason and offer their sympathy. Now, only Hank was left.

Clarissa, naturally, refused to leave the hospital. This was her only son—she couldn't bear to be away for a second.

Hank walked over to Monica. "Monica, why don't you go home for a bit? I'll let you know if anything changes."

Monica shook her head. “I want to be here when he wakes up. Don't worry about me-go do what you need."

She clung tightly to the bracelet Jason had given her, her face streaked with tears, completely lost in her worry.