---- Chapter 279 When Liam walked in, his face still carried the disappointment from just leaving Gregory's office. The moment he saw James, his expression turned cold. "This is an exam room," Liam said sharply. "And it's not open for consultations today. Mr. Frank, your presence here is inappropriate." James met his stare with equal frost. The two men stood facing each other, with Wendy caught between them. The moment James saw Liam, all traces of the gentleness he'd shown earlier vanished.

"T'm here to see my wife," he said coolly. "What business is that of yours?" Wendy frowned and shot him a look. "James, you can leave now." That was enough. It made it clear where she stood. James wasn't happy about it, but Liam had already stepped aside and flung the door wide open. "Mr. Frank, don't let the door hit you on the way out." There was nothing James could say to that. Ever since he started realizing just how much Wendy meant to him, it felt like he couldn't win with her anymore.

---- Still, he wasn't in a rush-not yet. After casting one last icy glance at Liam, he turned back to Wendy and said in a calmer tone, "I meant what I said. It still stands." With that, he stepped out of the room. Once he was gone, Lian moved to close the door, but Wendy stopped him. "Leave it open. I was just about to head out anyway and get Dr. Hendrix to walk me out." Liam paused, noticing her blank expression.

After a moment, he couldn't help but ask, "What did James say to you?" Wendy looked at him, puzzled. "He said if I ran into trouble, I could always go to him. Why did you ask?" Liam didn't usually care about stuff like this. Why was he asking now? He exhaled quietly, then shook his head. "It's nothing. I'll take you instead. Dr. Hendrix is in Ms. Hurst's room now." Wendy nodded. "That works." They left through the back exit of the hospital.

But somehow, the media had gotten wind that Wendy was leaving through the rear. A group of reporters with massive zoom lenses were already camped outside the parking lot. Wendy wore her usual disguise -a hat and mask -but had ---- added sunglasses this time. Liam rolled up every window in the car and drove out with a tight jaw. Even though the press had guessed the exit route, hopefully , they hadn't figured out that Wendy was actually in this car.

With that thought in mind, Liam slowed slightly as they approached the gate. But the second the car hesitated, the crowd swarmed. "Dr. Sanders , can you step out of the car for a few words. How do you feel about the recent headlines?" "Are you resigning from the hospital?" "Is that Dr. Harrison driving? Dr. Harrison, do you have a comment?" Liam's brows knitted tightly. He scanned both sides of the vehicle and then slammed on the horn.

But the reporters only pressed closer, banging on the car and blocking its path. Wendy immediately pulled out her phone and called hospital security. Most of the guards had been stationed at the front entrance, trying to hold off another crowd. Hardly anyone had been assigned to the back. Within minutes, security arrived and pushed the mob back, finally clearing a path. Liam drove them out. Behind them, the rearview mirror ---- caught the constant flash of cameras going off.

Wendy let out a deep breath. They were finally out. Liam pressed his lips together and glanced at her from the side.