Chapter 54 Confrontation
“The surgery went smoothly. However, given the severity of his injuries, we must wait for him to regain consciousness before we can thoroughly evaluate his condition,” the
attending doctor explained to Renee with a calm professionalism.
Renee expressed her gratitude, leaning slightly on Ryder for support as they prepared to return to the hospital room to check on Felix. As she glanced up, her eyes caught sight of William, standing a ways off, his presence almost spectral.
William was the epitome of restraint, his figure rigid and untouched by the swirl of emotions around him, his gaze fixed on the harsh fluorescent lights overhead, his face
a mask of impassivity. It was impossible to decipher the thoughts hidden behind his
stoic facade.
Ryder noticed him too and leaned in to murmur to Renee, “He’s been out here for hours.
Maybe it’s time we let him see Felix, ..
“Mr. Chadwick,” she began, her voice laced with annoyance.
“Alright, alright. It’s entirely your call,” Ryder conceded with a gentle nod.
As they moved towards Felix’s room, William maintained a respectful distance, pausing at the doorway as if tethered by an invisible line.
Felix’s accident had been unexpected, and Ryder found himself burdened with an
escalating backlog of work, making it impossible for him to linger much longer.
Noticing William still rooted to his spot by the door as he prepared to leave, Ryder approached and greeted him. “Mr. Mitchell.”
William’s eyes lifted slowly to meet Ryder’s, his expression shifting subtly, a flicker of something indescribable passing over his features as he stood.
Both men stood eye to eye, their stature identical, forged from their days in the special
forces. An unmistakable air of decisiveness and strength surrounded them, their gaze
intense, almost electric as their eyes locked.
“Captain Chadwick, your reputation precedes you,” William stated calmly.
“The feeling is mutual,” Ryder replied, his tone edged with a hint of surprise. “Though, I must admit, I hadn’t figured you for a corporate man. I’ve been waiting for the right moment to challenge you in a fight.”
A hint of amusement flickered across William’s features. “Hate to disappoint, but I’ve been looking forward to facing you as well.”
Their handshake was firm yet brief, betraying only the barest hint of camaraderie beneath their professional veneer. As Ryder turned to leave, a sudden thought stopped him. “Oh, by the way–congratulations are in order, Mr. Mitchell.”
William’s eyebrow lifted inquisitively, a silent question hanging between them.
Catching the cue, Ryder added, “I heard about your engagement before I got back. Congratulations!”
William nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I must extend my congratulations to you as well. I had no idea you were married, let alone became a father.”
Ryder cast a glance into the hospital room, his eyes softening when they settled on Renee. He skirted around William’s comment, choosing instead to share a slice of wisdom. “Happiness is something you have to grasp with your own hands. Miss it, and
you’re merely handing someone else your chance. Regrets won’t mend that loss.”
He then turned to face William, catching the slight shadow that had crept over his
features. With a knowing smile, Ryder added, “Don’t you agree, Mr. Mitchell?”
William responded with a profound, enigmatic smile. “Perhaps. But that’s a lesson for others. I live without regrets.”
He paused deliberately, his gaze drifting back to Renee, hinting at unspoken thoughts. “Once I want something, I make sure I get it… no matter what it takes.”
He enunciated each word with precision, ensuring his message was clear to Ryder.
However, Ryder feigned ignorance, his grin unwavering. “We’re grateful for your presence today, Mr. Mitchell. Now that everything’s taken care of, we won’t hold you up any longer.”
His tone was courteous yet dismissive.
Unperturbed, William countered, “I doubt I’ve been much assistance anyway. Besides, Renee and I have some private matters to discuss. I see you have other engagements, so please, don’t let us keep you.”
Their conversation was charged, each phrase laced with a silent challenge, as if they were merely a breath away from a confrontation more physical than verbal.
