THE FORGOTTEN DAD

Chapter 3: Unexpected Encounters

Emil strode through the hospital's polished corridors, his tall frame and broad shoulders commanding attention. His dark hair, always impeccably styled, contrasted sharply with his striking blue eyes that could either freeze or melt a person in an instant. He moved with the confidence of a man who was used to getting what he wanted, his sharp jawline set with determination as he headed for the exit.

His checkup had gone as usual, and now his mind was already shifting to the next task on his packed schedule. But as he rounded a corner, he abruptly collided with someone, nearly knocking them both off balance.

"Watch where you're going," a sharp voice snapped, and Emil's eyes focused on a woman in a white coat, her dark hair pulled back in a no-nonsense bun.

He was about to offer a polite apology when he noticed her name tag: Dr. Kylie Smith.

Before he could say anything, she glared at him with a fury that caught him off guard. "You," she hissed, eyes flashing. "How dare you show your face here?"

Emil's brow furrowed in confusion. "Excuse me?"

Dr. Smith's expression hardened, her tone dripping with disdain. "You don't even remember me, do you? Of course not. But I know you, Mr. Langston. I know exactly who you are and what you did."

Emil's eyes narrowed slightly. He wasn't used to being spoken to like this, especially by someone who was clearly a stranger. "Look, if we've met before, I apologize, but I'm not sure what you're talking about."

Dr. Smith's mouth twisted into a bitter smile. "Typical. It's not about me. It's about Jasmine."

Hearing Jasmine's name sent a jolt through Emil, though he didn't let it show. He kept his expression neutral, his voice steady. "What about Jasmine? How do you know her?"

The doctor's eyes flashed again, her voice cold and accusatory. "You really have no idea, do you? You left her when she needed you most, and now you're just going on with your life like nothing happened."

Emil's heart skipped a beat, but he kept his composure. "What are you saying? What happened to Jasmine?"

Dr. Smith seemed to hesitate for a moment, her expression hardening once more. "It's not my place to tell you. But you'll find out soon enough."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Emil standing there, his mind racing. He had no idea what she was talking about, but he knew one thing—he needed answers.

Emil continued toward the exit, his strong jaw clenched as he processed the encounter. As he stepped out into the crisp air, he spotted his personal assistant, Steven, waiting beside the sleek black car that would take him back to his office.

"Everything okay, Mr. Langston?" Steven asked as he opened the car door.

Emil nodded briefly, but his mind was elsewhere. "I need you to look into Dr. Kylie Smith. Find out everything you can about her."

Steven, always efficient, nodded immediately. "Of course, sir. I'll get on it right away."

Emil slid into the back seat, his gaze hardening as the car pulled away from the hospital. He wasn't a man who let things go unanswered. He was successful because he knew how to take control, how to find out what he needed to know and use it to his advantage.

But as the city passed by outside the window, one thought lingered in his mind, growing stronger by the minute: What had happened to Jasmine? And why did he suddenly feel like everything he thought he knew was about to change?