Chapter 25
Olivia fumed at Ashley but was stuck, needing her to save her own life. Ashley just smiled, even tossing a grin at the director criticizing her earlier.
Back at the office, everyone gathered around Ashley, giving her thumbs–ups and praising her for her sharp words and solid proof. They all agreed it was satisfying to see her put Olivia in her place.
“Keeping an eye on Ms. Garcia lately has been a total drain, both physically and mentally.”
“I’m glad Mr. Anderson left quickly and let the Garcias deal with the room themselves
“You were a real hero, Dr. Garcia. The other directors were totally fuming.
Ashley enjoyed the praise, glad to have expressed everyone’s frustrations. Even if Olivia caused more trouble, they wouldn’t need to cover for her with the hospital. Still, Ashley warned Elsa to keep a vigilant eye on Olivia, knowing her fame abroad wouldn’t help if anything threatening the hospital’s name happened. But she wasn’t one to be pushed around; as long as Olivia behaved, there wouldn’t be any problems.
On a rare day off, while Ashley was piecing puzzles together with her kids, the hospital called in a frenzy. “Dr. Garcia, you need to rush over. Ms, Garcia’s trying to jump off the roof!” Elsa urged, her voice trembling with fear.
Ashley rolled her eyes. If Olivia wanted to jump, they should be calling the cops, not a doctor. What did they expect her to do, bring back a pancake from the dead? Despite her reluctance, she headed to the hospital. When she arrived, a crowd had already gathered–firefighters, cops, reporters, and plenty of onlookers.
“Thank goodness you’re here. You’ve got to go up and check it out, Elsa said, clearly flustered, dragging her inside, ‘She just told us that she wanted some fresh air. We didn’t expect that she made it to the roof and now is threatening to jump”
Ashley remained calm. She’d handled plenty of life–or–death situations in her career. Plus, she highly doubted Olivia had the guts to actually jump.
Upstairs, the cops were trying to reason with the distraught Garcia couple. The moment Ashley arrived, eagle–eyed Emma spotted her and came charging over, fists raised like she was ready to fight. But Ashley wasn’t about to be pushed around. With two quick steps, she dodged Emma’s furious charge. Emma lost her balance and tumbled headürst to the ground with a painful cry, ending up on all fours, breaking down into tears Emma screamed, “This is all because of you. You’re a sorry excuse for a doctor. Why don’t you go die instead of pushing my baby to suicide?”
Through teary eyes, Emma glared at Ashley, a sinking feeling settling in this was indeed Ashley. But she couldn’t acknowledge it now, not if she wanted to protect Olivia’s standing in the Anderson family. She had to ruin Ashley and force her out of Willowmere, no matter what.
