C18 The Perfect Excuse

The Juarez Group and People’s Hospital were both part of a state-owned system. The company was originally a construction and trading company, and the joint project with the hospital was under the jurisdiction of the Construction Department. It was the agency that Kieran had assigned to me.

The contract stipulated that the hospital’s construction would be completed within the month, and would officially serve its function. However, Dean Burns had elected to use his funds elsewhere during the interim. Now, the hospital’s completion was derailed, and practically impossible given the short time frame.

Of course, we couldn’t halt the operations on such short notice, which meant that the Juarez Group would not be getting its dues by the agreed-upon time.

I mustered an awkward smile. “Mrs. Burns, I’m sure you know that although Kieran and I have been married for a couple of years, our relationship was never good. I’m afraid that what you’re asking is too steep. It entails a great deal of money, and Kieran is a strict and meticulous businessman. Even if I decide to give you an extension on your payment, I don’t think I can explain it to him without incurring his wrath.”

Mrs. Burns grew anxious. She thought about it for a moment and said, “Just one week. Please, just give us a week to settle our finances.”

Truth be told, it wasn’t that much of a difficulty for me, but there was a lot at stake. “Mrs. Burns, you and I know that the Juarez Group is no small company. I can’t manipulate an ongoing project without anyone noticing, especially when it involves company funds. If I help you and your husband, I will have to bear the responsibility. But…”

I drifted off and stared straight at Mrs. Burns as an idea formed in my mind.

She instantly latched on to that faint sign of hope. “But what?”

I hesitated for a second, mulling the matter over before saying, “But I may be able to delay the project if I had a perfectly acceptable reason to do so.”

Mrs. Burns opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off. “It just so happens that I do have something to use as a reasonable excuse.”

“What is it?”

“I’ll need to trouble your husband to make arrangements with the Gynecology Department of your hospital. I want to get an abortion.”

Mrs. Burns’ eyes widened in shock, and she seemed to grow a few shades paler. “Mrs. Juarez… you are pregnant?”

I nodded ruefully. “Six weeks.”

“Six weeks! Does President Juarez know about your plan?” Her brows were furrowed with concern. “The two of you are not getting any younger. This child of yours came at just the right time! It would be a shame to get rid of it.”

I offered her a tight smile. “Kieran and I… We aren’t ready to become parents as of now, so…” I paused again and sighed. “It’s just as well. I can use the procedure and the subsequent recuperation period to delay the construction for a few days. Please relay my conditions to Mr. Burns.”

Mrs. Burns didn’t appear pleased with my decision, though. “Does President Juarez know that you’re pregnant?”

I nodded. "He does know."

A somber silence filled the room as the two of us reflected on the things that brought this conversation about.

In the end, Mrs. Burns had no choice but to agree. “What a pity it is!”

We chatted a bit more to iron out the details, and our transaction was finally concluded. Layla presented the gifts I had ordered for Mrs. Burns and saw the woman off.

When she was gone, I turned to Layla and said, “Go to the CEO’s office and find David. Tell him to give me a copy of the divorce agreement Kieran drew up earlier.”

Layla looked stunned by my words. She blinked rapidly and struggled to speak. “Wha—Director… You…”