The Price of Pride

To my disbelief, the doctor refused. "Ms. Prescott specifically instructed me that although you're her husband, she doesn't approve of you always trying to use the Prescott family's resources to take shortcuts. She said that as the director's family member, you must avoid any conflict of interest even more, so please follow the proper process and make the payment first."

I was so angry that I felt dizzy, but I had no choice except to rush to Rupert's hospital room.

The moment I pushed the door open, I saw that Rupert took his shirt off, exposing his muscular torso. Meanwhile, Jaclyn was leaning close to his neck, doing something I could not quite see.

When Jaclyn saw me burst in, she froze for a moment, then quickly straightened up.

Her face looked embarrassed, but she still pointed accusingly at me. "How dare you come in without knocking? Do people from the countryside not understand basic manners?"

Rupert pretended to be startled by my entrance. "Please don't misunderstand my relationship with Ms. Prescott and me. She's just checking my wound."

Even as he said that, the provocation in his eyes was impossible to hide.

Nonetheless, I did not have time for his games and said to Jaclyn, "I need 2000 dollars to pay the medical fees, or your hospital won't treat them."

Seeing how indifferent I was, Jaclyn's expression darkened, and she replied coldly, "I already told you, for any household expenses, just submit a request to Rupert."

With that, she walked straight out of the room.

I turned to Rupert and said flatly, "The money."

Rupert immediately dropped the weak act he was putting on in front of Jaclyn and looked at me mockingly. "Mr. Shaw, that's no way to ask for a favor. Where's that courage you had when you held a knife to my throat? How about this! Get down on your knees and apologize to me, and I'll approve the money."

I clenched my fists, but for Richard and Leona's sake, I gritted my teeth and knelt. "I'm sorry."

Rupert burst into laughter, clearly in high spirits. "Good! Now check on your dying parents! The money will be transferred to your account shortly."

Hearing this, I immediately got up and ran to the first-floor lobby to pay the fee, only to discover that only 20 dollars was deposited into my account.

Just then, a message from Rupert came through.

[They just have indigestion, so 20 dollars for some antacids should do the trick. Yet, you're asking for 2000 dollars? Are you trying to pocket the Prescott family's money? I'm not an idiot!]

I was furious and about to confront Rupert when the doctor treating Richard and Leona approached me.

"Mr. Shaw, your mother has passed away due to delayed treatment. Please pay the emergency care fees as soon as possible, or we won't be able to save your father either."

My legs nearly gave out beneath me.

Just then, Jaclyn suddenly appeared beside me, looking anxious. "What's going on? Didn't you say it was just indigestion? How did she pass away?"

I grabbed her by the collar, my eyes bloodshot with rage. "Indigestion?! You believe everything Rupert tells you, don't you? Go look at who is lying dead in that ER! Is it your mother, or mine?!"