Chapter 4

Shaun had been listening intently from the side and immediately burst into mocking laughter.

"And here I thought some domineering CEO had shown up. Turns out he's just a broke deadbeat!"

He pointed at the card in Natasha's hand, laughing so hard tears came to his eyes.

"The password is her birthday? If there's even 10,000 dollars in that card, I'll swallow this whole table."

Henry chimed in, "Natasha, you really have the worst taste. How can you pass up a big boss like Mr. Buchanan to mess around with some penniless beggar? Give that card back to him right now and go with Mr. Buchanan."

Natasha clutched the card, her knuckles turning white. She looked up at me with pleading eyes. "Spencer, I'm begging you, please just leave. I don't want to drag you into this."

The more she acted this way, the fiercer the fire inside me burned.

I turned to face Shaun. "You just said that as long as Natasha goes with you, you'll get Mrs. Ferris her surgery, right?"

Assuming I was backing down, Shaun lifted his chin smugly and said, "That's right. Dr. Dickinson is my uncle. One word from me and it's done."

"Okay," I said with a nod. "Then what if I can get Mrs. Ferris to have her surgery today?"

Shaun looked at me with utter contempt.

"You? Get her mother the surgery today?" He guffawed exaggeratedly, clutching his stomach and doubling over. "Dude, did you hit your head or something? Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a kidney donor or how much the surgery costs? Even I'd have to pull strings and call in favors; what's more to say a broke loser like you?"

Henry curled his lip disdainfully at the side. "Young people these days are all talk."

Ignoring their mockery, I took out my phone and dialed a number.

"Hello, Mr. Woods."

The respectful voice of the director of Trinity Hospital, Herman Woods, came through from the other end of the line.

"Mr. Garrison, what can I do for you?"

"Arrange the best specialists to consult Edna Seymour in the nephrology ward and prepare her for surgery immediately." I paused, my gaze sweeping over Shaun. "Also, look into Dr. Dickinson in the nephrology department. If he's been engaging in any malpractice, fire him on the spot."

After I hung up the phone, silence fell over the cafe.

Shaun froze for a few seconds, then erupted into even louder laughter.

"Oh my god! With acting skills like that, it's a crime you're not winning acting awards. Mr. Woods? Fire my uncle? Who do you think you are? The director of the Health Bureau?"

Natasha anxiously tugged at my sleeve. "Spencer, stop messing around. Why would Mr. Woods possibly take your call?" She sighed, her voice filled with exhaustion. "I know you mean well, but this isn't something you can take care of."

She turned her head toward Shaun, her eyes growing completely dim.

"Shaun, I'll go with you. But I have one condition—call Dr. Dickinson right now and get the surgery arranged."

"Sure thing." Shaun smirked triumphantly and pulled out his phone. "Dude, watch and see what real influence looks like."

He dialed Dr. Dickinson's number and put the call on speakerphone.

"Hey, Uncle Pete? It's me, Shaun."

A panicked voice burst through from the other end.

"Shaun? Who the hell did you piss off?"

Shaun froze. "Uncle Pete, what's wrong? Who messed with you?"

Dr. Dickinson roared hysterically over the phone, "The hospital just issued an emergency notice—I've been suspended pending investigation! Even Mr. Woods personally got involved and asked about Mrs. Ferris' case!

"You good-for-nothing brat! Have you been throwing my name around and stirring up trouble?"

All the colors drained out of Shaun's face. "Suspended? How is that possible?" He jerked his head up and stared at me, terror surfacing in his eyes. "Just who are you?"