Aliana fell silent again as she noticed the doctor focusing closely on her lack of sleep. Pressing her lips together, she debated whether she should reveal more… or hold back.
But considering the extent of what she had been experiencing, she decided against it. Who knew if the doctor would diagnose her with something worse and have her locked away in a mental asylum?
No. She would never let that happen.
Right now, her sleep was the only issue she needed to fix.
So she tried again. "As I said, it's no big deal. I just wake up in the middle of the night. Maybe some sleeping medication is all I need to get by."
She offered him a sweet, convincing smile, as though that alone might sway him.
But Doctor Noah was no fool.
He wasn't world-renowned for nothing. He had encountered enough patients to recognise deflection when he saw it.
Releasing a sigh, he looked down and made a note on his pad.
"Miss Vanderbilt, I understand you are having some trouble sleeping. However, issues like these are usually related to something deeper. It is imperative to understand and tackle the root cause rather than relying on a temporary fix. Which is exactly what you are asking for."
"Are you saying you won't prescribe me anything?" Aliana asked. She looked sharply at Dr. Noah, but he did not even flinch.
"I am. Since this is only your first session, I understand that you need more time to open up. That is not uncommon. As your doctor, I cannot prescribe medication without understanding the cause behind your distress, which I believe we will address in time. Until then, I suggest you try to relax. Engage in activities that de-stress you, and come back when you are ready to talk more." Dr. Noah offered her a gentle, professional smile.
"You really believe I will come back after you have denied me the one thing I need most?" Aliana scoffed as she reached for her purse to leave.
"I am certain we will see each other again, Miss Vanderbilt. Perhaps sooner than you think," he replied, rising from his seat.
Aliana simply pursed her lips before responding. "Thank you for your time."
With that, she was gone. As soon as the door shut behind her, Dr. Noah quickly pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and began wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Good God, I really thought she was going to threaten to sue me or something for refusing to prescribe the medication," he murmured to himself after his encounter with the she-devil of the city.
His black eyes went back to look at the closed door before shaking his head.
Outside the clinic, Aliana climbed into her black Bentley.
Nigel settled into the driver's seat and glanced back. "All good, boss?"
"Nothing is fine, Nigel," she replied with a heavy sigh. "This doctor won't do. Find me someone else."
"But boss, he is the best in the field. Not to mention he handles all the high-profile cases. It is much safer to see him than a doctor who might sell your information for a headline," Nigel responded quickly.
Aliana looked up, meeting his gaze through the rearview mirror, before closing her eyes tiredly and rubbing her temples.
Nigel was worried to see her in such a state.
This entire week had been gruelling for her.
With the workload increasing as the World Business Conference drew closer, they were also busy vetting potential suitors following the deal she made with her father.
Nigel could see the stress weighing on her, and he feared it would take a serious toll on her health.
He truly wished he could help, but this was beyond even his capabilities.
He pressed the start button and shifted into gear. "Back to the Vanderbilt Mansion, then, boss?"
Aliana's hand stilled against her forehead.
Her fingers curled into a tight fist as she stared out at the passing city. "No. I cannot have my parents breathing down my neck right now."
She looked up, her gaze cutting through the rearview mirror to meet Nigel's. "It is time I return to my own sanctuary. Take me to Victorian Heights."
"Are you certain that is a good idea, boss?" Nigel asked, his voice laced with uncharacteristic caution.
He knew she hadn't set foot in her penthouse since the day she was discharged from the hospital. Her entire recovery had been spent under the stifling, watchful eyes of her parents at the Vanderbilt estate.
Given her sudden outbursts during meetings and in the office, he doubted whether she should be staying there all on her own.
"Am I sure? Nigel, how long have you worked for me? Do you ever know me to say something I am unsure of? I am certain I need to go to Victorian Heights, so that is where I will be. I think being in my own space will provide the much-needed de-stressing the doctor suggested," she replied.
Nigel listened and conceded that she might have a point. "Alright, Victorian Heights it is," he replied before pulling away and heading toward the city.
An hour later, they reached their destination as the clock struck six-thirty in the evening.
The Victorian Heights building was a sight to see. The building stood out like a crown jewel in the heart of the city of Astoria, exuding old-world grandeur blended with modern elegance.
The tall architecture was richly detailed, with tall arched windows, ornate carvings that rose gracefully into a domed roof adorned with intricate ironwork. Warm golden lights glow from within, giving the entire structure a welcoming yet commanding presence against the dusky, storm-tinted sky.
Positioned at a corner intersection, the building overlooks bustling streets lined with trees and moving traffic, while the distant skyline fades into mist, adding to its dramatic charm. It feels less like a mere building and more like a landmark, a place that holds power, history and rightly so.
As it was an exclusive residence, only the elite of elites could live there, let alone afford it. Aliana owned a penthouse in the multi-storey building, and the mere sight of it brought back a sense of normalcy she desperately needed.
After dropping her off in the private garage, away from prying eyes, Aliana made her way to the expansive elevator and entered a code that would take her directly to her penthouse.
With a soft ding announcing her arrival, her sharp black heels clicked against the glossy marble floor as the doors opened into a vast living area beneath soaring double-height ceilings. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls revealed a breathtaking city skyline glowing under the evening sky.
The view alone feels like a statement of power.
At the centre sat a plush, oversized sectional sofa arranged around sleek, low coffee tables, creating an inviting yet refined lounging area. To one side, a grand piano adds a touch of elegance, while the other opens into a sophisticated kitchen with a long island and warm pendant lighting.
Above it all hangs a striking spiral chandelier, cascading down like a piece of art, its soft glow tying the entire space together.
The space extended further to an outdoor balcony, complete with a cosy seating area, a private pool, and a bar tucked neatly into one corner.
Every corner of the penthouse speaks of wealth, taste and a sanctuary high above the city, where luxury meets solitude.
Aliana released a relieved breath as she took in her space. It remained untouched, exactly as she had left it on the night of her visit to the Ross Club.
Simply being there made her feel pleased with her decision to return.
She walked over to the open kitchen, opened the fridge, and took out a bottle of water before making her way upstairs, where the bedrooms were… where her own room awaited.