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Chapter 4

"Can I pay in installments?" Margaret asked, her voice shaky.

The dude at the payment window barely looked up. "This is a private hospital, lady. No debts allowed. Either transfer to another hospital or cough up the cash, quick."

"Are you paying or what? If not, move along. We're all waiting here," one of the folks behind said.

"Yeah, don't block the line," another chimed in.

The folks behind her were rolling their eyes and grumbling, "No money? Then why come to the hospital? Cheaper to go home and wait it out."

Margaret sighed and stepped aside, feeling the weight of their stares.

She didn't have many friends to hit up for cash.

The only one who might help was Raymond.

She called him, but no answer.

She texted: [It's super important, Mr. Howard. Please pick up.]

First time she ever called him Mr. Howard.

First call, no answer. Second, third, still nothing.

She was on the edge of losing it, but kept dialing.

On the 30th call, Raymond finally picked up. "Are you dying?"

She froze. How did he know?

Could it be that he investigated and still cares about her?

"Mr. Howard, why would you say that?" Margaret tried to keep her voice steady.

He chuckled, cold as ice. "You sound fine. Call me when you actually need someone to pick up your body."

Her brief hope was crushed, but she couldn't dwell on it now.

"Mr. Howard, I need a million dollars. My dad had a car accident and needs surgery," she said.

Raymond didn't buy it. "You'd make up a car accident just to stall the divorce?"

"Mr. Howard, you can check it out," she said firmly.

"I don't have time for that. Maybe this is karma for you dragging out the divorce." His words cut deep, and then he hung up.

Outside the operating room, Margaret stood there, dazed.

Nancy rushed over. "Did you pay?"

Margaret looked at Marlon on the stretcher, his face pale, hair matted with blood.

She started crying, and Marlon did too.

Nancy, tears in her eyes, demanded, "What happened? Say something!"

Margaret hung her head. "I'll handle the money."

"If you don't have enough, ask Raymond. Where is he?" Nancy pressed.

Margaret bit her lip. Despite everything, she needed his help. "He's busy."

Nancy's face turned red with anger. "Raymond's getting too full of himself."

She pulled out her phone and called him, forcing a smile. "Raymond, are you busy?"

"What do you want?" Raymond's voice was lazy, dismissive.

Nancy's smile faltered, but she pushed on. "Your dad got hit by a truck. It's serious. Are you coming?"

Raymond's voice was mocking. "I'm an orphan. How could I have a dad?"

Nancy's patience snapped. "Raymond, what the hell? Marlon's your dad! He had an accident, and you should be here. The Hughes Family took care of you, made you who you are, even married you to Margaret. And now you want a divorce? You're heartless."

Raymond cut her off. "I'm busy. Bye."

He hung up, just like that.

Nancy's words didn't faze him.

Margaret couldn't believe he disrespected Nancy too. Nancy was shaking with anger, tears streaming down her face.

Just as Margaret moved to comfort her, Nancy slapped her hard. The world spun, and everything went blurry.

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