Chapter 3 - The Doctor in the Shadows
Within forty-eight hours, the Costa estate underwent a complete purging.
Dr. Vance confessed under interrogation that a traitor within Vincent’s executive board—a rival Underboss named Matteo Rossi—had paid him two million dollars to ensure Vincent died slowly of "accidental organ failure" after surviving the street bomb.
Matteo Rossi was dealt with quietly in the dead of night. His entire network was dismantled before sunrise.
Meanwhile, Vincent Costa recovered at an astonishing speed. With the toxic medication flushed from his system, his physical strength returned, and within a week, he was sitting up in his leather-bound study, managing his empire once more.
Except now, everything had changed for Elena Santos.
Vincent had forbidden her from ever touching a mop again. He had moved her into a luxurious suite on the second floor of the estate, assigned two personal guards to protect her, and ordered his staff to treat her with the highest respect.
One evening, Elena walked into Vincent’s private library holding a cup of herbal tea.
Vincent sat behind a large mahogany desk, clad in a tailored black suit, his dark hair neatly styled. Despite his intimidating aura, his eyes softened the moment she entered.
"You shouldn't be carrying trays, Elena," Vincent said gently, standing up to take the teacup from her hands.
"I like being useful, Mr. Costa," Elena replied softly, looking down at her neatly folded sweater. "I'm not used to sitting in fine rooms doing nothing."
Vincent looked at her for a long moment, taking in her dark brown eyes, her delicate features, and the quiet dignity she carried despite everything she had been through.
"I looked into your past," Vincent murmured smoothly.
Elena stiffened. "Mr. Costa..."
"Elena Santos," Vincent read off a document on his desk. "Top of her class at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. Forced to drop out in her third year after her mother passed away leaving two hundred thousand dollars in medical debt to predatory loan sharks in San Juan."
Elena’s eyes filled with sudden tears. She looked away, her voice tight. "That's why I came to New York. That's why I took the job here."
Vincent reached out, his long, warm fingers gently taking her hand.
"As of nine o'clock this morning," Vincent said softly, "those loan sharks no longer exist, and your debt has been paid in full. Furthermore, the dean of Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons has accepted a major donation from my foundation. Your seat in their medical program is fully secured for the upcoming semester."
Elena gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as tears spilled over her cheeks. "Vincent... no... I can't accept this! That's hundreds of thousands of dollars!"
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Vincent stepped closer, taking both of her hands in his, looking into her eyes with an intensity that made her heart race.
"You saved my life when twelve doctors left me to die, Elena," Vincent whispered. "A Costa never forgets a debt. But more than that... I want to see you become the doctor you were born to be."
