Chapter 3

The next day, I managed to scrape together the money just before the surgery. But when I went to pay, the staff told me there wasn't enough balance. I frantically opened my mobile banking app. The transaction history showed a two hundred thousand dollar withdrawal made fifteen minutes earlier.

That's when I remembered, Mark also had access to this card.

Ignoring my fury, I quickly asked the staff to process the remaining balance. Then I begged Dr. Davies, promising that the remaining two hundred thousand would be paid in full. Seeing my desperation, and knowing the severity of Leo's condition, which truly couldn't wait any longer, the doctor agreed to proceed with the surgery.

But just as Dr. Davies changed into his scrubs and was about to enter the operating room, Mark and Cassandra arrived with a group of people, blocking his way.

"Dr. Davies, we have an elderly patient in Orthopedics needing immediate surgery. Their heart might not handle the strain, and we need your expertise."

Cassandra, tears streaming down her face, grabbed Dr. Davies's hand. "Please, Dr. Davies, you have to save my grandmother!"

After some frantic questioning, I learned Cassandra's elderly grandmother had merely sprained her ankle. Mark had pulled strings to get every specialist in the hospital to attend to her.

Seeing their relentless determination, my face went ghostly pale. I was terrified Dr. Davies would give in. But thankfully, Dr. Davies firmly refused.

"I have an emergency surgery right now. You'll have to find someone else."

Mark didn't listen. He simply ordered his bodyguards to drag Dr. Davies away.

My eyes blazed red. I clutched desperately at Mark's sleeve.

"Mark, our son is in there! Are you trying to kill him?! He's already under anesthesia!"

Mark impatiently shook me off.

"Scarlett, you used to be so understanding. How did you become so selfish?"

"Cassandra's grandmother broke her leg. I couldn't save my own grandmother when I was young, and I can't let Cassandra go through that pain now."

"Leo is only three, he can wait. Cassandra's grandmother can't! Tell Leo, he'll understand his father's 'difficult decision'!"

I rushed forward, clinging to Dr. Davies, refusing to let go. Leo was almost three; this was his last chance.

Mark stepped forward and yanked me away, flinging me with the momentum. I hit the corner of the wall, and blood immediately welled from my forehead.

I watched helplessly as Dr. Davies was dragged away.

Inside the operating room, the other doctors were pacing frantically.

"What do we do? Only Dr. Davies can perform this surgery!"

Bracing my dizzy head, I scrambled to my feet and ran after them. I hadn't gone more than a few steps when several bodyguards blocked my way.

"Sorry, Mrs. Miller, Mark ordered us not to let you leave until Ms. Cassandra's grandmother is out of surgery."

My fists clenched so tight my nails bit into my palms. All I could do was stare with helpless fury in the direction Mark had vanished.

Mark, I don't just regret loving you. I hate you!

Gathering the last of my strength, I pulled out my phone and dialed.

"Save my son..."

My hands went slack. I couldn't hold on any longer. As I fell, a familiar silhouette blurred at the edge of my vision.