Anne quickly hailed a taxi and headed straight to the hospital. After settling the bill, she expected her father to continue receiving care, but the hospital refused to keep him.
"Why?" Anne demanded. "I’ve cleared all the dues."
The woman at the counter barely spared her a glance, her tone indifferent. "I’m just following orders," she said dismissively. "You need to take him elsewhere."
"No... why are you refusing to keep him?" Anne pressed, her confusion mounting.
"Madam, if you want an explanation, speak to the doctor. Now, please step aside. There are others waiting in line."
Anne glanced at the long queue behind her and reluctantly moved aside. Her brows knitted together as she tried to understand why the hospital was suddenly insisting on discharging her father.
"There you are," Patricia’s voice cut through Anne’s thoughts, snapping her back to reality. "Why are you just standing there? Did you settle the bill?"
Anne nodded. "Yes, I did, but—"
"But what? You didn’t pay the full amount?"
"No, I—"
Before Anne could explain, Patricia burst into tears. "Why was I cursed with such an ungrateful daughter? You don’t even care about your sick father!"
Her wailing quickly attracted the attention of those nearby.
"Mom, please stop," Anne begged. "I already paid the bill. The problem is that the hospital is refusing to keep him."
Patricia stood frozen for a mont before snapping, "Why would the hospital refuse to keep him if you paid the full amount?" Her voice grew louder. "You must not have settled everything."
Murmurs spread among the onlookers. So watched with curiosity, while others cast judgntal glances their way.
"Mom, please stop shouting," Anne pleaded, but Patricia only wailed louder.
"Such an ungrateful daughter we have raised. My husband took her in out of kindness, raised her, fed her, and this is how she repays us? Refusing to cover her father’s dical expenses?"
Patricia’s voice trembled with accusation. Then, without warning, she began hitting Anne’s arms and back. "How can you be so heartless? Is this how you show gratitude?"
"Mom, stop—" Anne barely got the words out before a sharp slap landed across her face.
She stumbled, her cheek burning. Tears welled in her eyes. Numbly, she pressed a hand against the stinging skin.
"If anything happens to my husband, I’ll take my own life too," Patricia threatened. "And it will be your fault."
Anne’s head snapped up, her gaze locking onto Patricia’s. Why was everyone so cruel to her? No matter how much she gave, it was never enough.
She had nearly emptied her savings to pay the bill, yet instead of understanding, she was t with bla. Why was she always the one to be hated?
She had sacrificed so much for those she loved, never prioritizing her own happiness. But in the end, all she received was scolding, betrayal, and resentnt—never a single word of appreciation.
"What’s all this noise?" the guard approached with a stern expression in the anti. "Stop causing a disturbance, or I’ll have you removed from the hospital."
Swallowing the ache in her heart, Anne gently pulled her mother aside. "Please, Mom, listen to . I’ve already paid the bill."
She held up the receipt. "Look for yourself—the full amount has been settled. But I need to speak with the doctor to understand why they are refusing to keep him. Don’t worry, I’ll figure out a solution. Just please, don’t create any more trouble here."
Patricia shot her a glare. "So now you’re saying I’m making a scene?" she spat.
Anne exhaled, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. No matter what she said, her mother wouldn’t see reason. Without another word, she turned and walked away.
"Where do you think you’re going?" Patricia called after her. "Answer first."
"I’m going to speak with the doctor," Anne responded without looking back, striding purposefully toward the office.
"Hmph... talk to the doctor," Patricia muttered under her breath. "If you can’t resolve this, we’ll cut ties with you."
"Mom..." A voice from behind caught her attention. Turning around, she saw Lorie approaching.
"Hey... why are you here? Shouldn’t you be at work?" Patricia asked.
"I got off early, but the neighbors told about the issue here. What’s going on?" Lorie inquired. "Is the problem resolved?"
"It’s all because of that ungrateful wench, Anne," Patricia grumbled. "If she had paid the bill sooner, none of this would have happened."
"She is always causing problems," Lorie scoffed with clear disdain. Then, tugging at her mother’s arm, she added, "Mom, don’t let her ruin your mood. She is not worth it. Co sit down—I have sothing to tell you."
She led Patricia to a nearby chair, her sudden smile montarily catching Patricia off guard.
"What is it?" Patricia asked, intrigued. "You seem excited."
"The new CEO has joined the company, and he is incredibly handso," Lorie gushed, her eyes shining as she recalled his striking appearance. "The HR departnt announced that his secretary will be hired from within the company, and anyone interested can apply. I’m so thrilled."
"Huh?" Patricia blinked, still processing her words.
"Mom..." Lorie grabbed her hands eagerly. "I’m applying for the position. If I get it, I’ll have the perfect opportunity to work closely with him and get to know him better."
A knowing grin spread across Patricia’s face as she finally understood her daughter’s intentions. "Is he wealthy?"
"Of course he is," Lorie replied confidently. "He used to work for the Sphere Group, a massive business conglorate that recently acquired our company. Now, he has been appointed CEO. He is successful, rich, and, most importantly, incredibly attractive. All the won in the office are vying for his attention."
Patricia’s mind buzzed with possibilities. If Lorie could win over such a powerful and wealthy man, their dream of living in luxury would beco a reality.
"Lorie, you have to beco his secretary," she urged, gripping her daughter’s hands. "Use your charm and make him fall for you."
"I know, Mom..." Lorie said, a sly smile playing on her lips.
While Patricia and Lorie were lost in their daydreams, Anne stepped into the doctor’s office. "Doctor, why is the hospital refusing to keep my father?"
The middle-aged doctor let out a weary sigh and gestured for her to take a seat. "Sit down first."
Anne settled into the chair, her eyes filled with concern and anticipation as she searched his face for answers.
Pushing a file toward her, the doctor said, "These are your father’s reports. There has been no sign of improvent, and the panel has decided to discharge him. You need to take him ho."
"But... you told the new dication might help bring him out of the coma," Anne argued. "Why are you sending him ho now?"
"You can continue his dication at ho," the doctor replied.
However, Anne wasn’t convinced. "Please, doctor. I’ve already paid the bill. Let him stay. I promise I won’t fall behind on paynts."
The doctor remained silent, his hesitation evident.
Anne leaned forward, desperation creeping into her voice. "Please... He will receive much better care at the hospital than at ho."
She had already lost her job and needed to find a new one. Without stable employnt, paying for his treatnt would beco even more difficult. More importantly, she couldn’t trust Patricia and Lorie to take care of him in her absence. Keeping him in the hospital was the only way to ensure his well-being.
"If you need more money, I’ll find a way to pay," she insisted. "Please don’t discharge him."
The doctor sighed and shook his head. "It’s not up to , Miss Clair. This is a decision made by the hospital’s panel. If you want to counter the decision, you should speak to the dean. Or..." He paused before adding, "You could reach out to Mr. Beaumont. Isn’t he your boss? He owns fifty percent of the hospital’s shares. If he intervenes, the decision might change."
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