Chapter 28
Back at the estate,
the afternoon sun was warm and inviting,
casting a peaceful glow over the expansive grounds where Khloe was busy working.
She sat at a white wrought-iron table in the garden,
surrounded by stacks of files and blueprints for the new children's hospital wing,
her foundation's biggest project yet.
Liam was napping peacefully in his stroller nearby,
shaded by a large canvas umbrella,
the gentle rustle of leaves serving as his lullaby.
Khloe rubbed her temples,
feeling a slight headache from hours of reviewing financial budgets and construction timelines,
but her determination never wavered.
A shadow fell over her papers,
and she looked up to see Mrs.
Higgins,
the head housekeeper,
holding a silver tray with a glass of iced tea and some fresh pastries.
"You should rest for a moment,
madam,"
Mrs.
Higgins suggested kindly,
setting the tray down with a gentle click,
"you have been working since the master left."
"Thank you,
Mrs.
Higgins,"
Khloe replied with a grateful smile,
taking a sip of the refreshing tea,
"there is just so much to do before the board meeting next week."
"The master would not be pleased if you exhausted yourself,"
the old housekeeper remarked with a knowing smile,
"he left strict instructions for us to take care of you."
Khloe laughed softly,
imagining Marcus giving orders to the staff about her well-being,
his protective nature showing even from thousands of miles away.
"I am fine,
really,"
Khloe assured her,
looking over at Liam to ensure he was still sleeping soundly,
his little chest rising and falling regularly.
Suddenly,
her phone buzzed on the table,
and her heart skipped a beat when she saw the caller ID showing an unknown international number.
She answered it quickly,
hoping it was Marcus,
but instead,
a cold,
unfamiliar voice spoke on the other end of the line.
"Is this Khloe Vance?"
the voice asked,
sounding formal and distinctly British,
"I am calling on behalf of Lord Sterling regarding the land lease for your hospital."
Khloe’s expression grew serious,
as Lord Sterling was the wealthy landowner who owned the property adjacent to the hospital site,
and his cooperation was vital for their expansion.
"Yes,
this is she,"
Khloe answered,
her voice becoming firm and professional,
"how can I help you?"
"Lord Sterling wishes to inform you that he is reconsidering the lease agreement,"
the voice stated coldly,
"and he wishes to meet with you personally to discuss new terms."
Khloe felt a sudden knot in her stomach,
May you like
knowing that any delay or change in terms could jeopardize the entire project,
saving hundreds of sick children.
