Chapter 3

“Well, Mr. Reed, I don’t know how to say this; but your outstanding payment has been cleared. Also, I have a package on my table that is directed to you."

"Could you come to the hospital and retrieve it from my desk?” said the receptionist.

Those words sent shockwaves of confusion to Oliver. How was the two-million-dollar debt required to treat Mrs. Theresa cleared? Who was his newfound guardian angel?

“Err… ok. I’ll make my way over right now.” Replied Oliver. He reached into his pocket and took out whatever cash he had left.

After counting it, he realized that he had enough to take a bus to the hospital. Without hesitation, Oliver made his way to the bus stop and took the bus to the hospital.

After the most uncomfortable forty-minute bus ride of his life, Oliver alighted the bus and with his plastic bag in tow, walked to the reception, where the receptionist who called him was waiting.

“Hi, I have a package to collect. I’m Oliver Reed.” Oliver greeted the receptionist. “Mr. Reed, welcome. Here’s the package.” Replied the receptionist as she took the package and passed it to Oliver.

“Can I ask… how, or rather, who paid the balance needed to treat Mrs. Theresa?” asked Oliver. “To be honest, Mr. Reed, the person who cleared the debt is still unknown.”

“All I can say is the person was rather young; I think he may be the same age as you are. He was the same person who passed me the package you are holding.” Replied the receptionist.

“I see. Well then, can I go in and see Mrs. Theresa?” asked Oliver, to which the receptionist nodded and escorted him to the room where Mrs. Theresa was fast asleep.

Taking a seat next to her bed, Oliver took some time to process what had happened to him over the last few hours. Finally, curiosity got the better of him and he decided to open the package directed to him.

The first thing he took out was a brand new handphone. It was the latest handphone available in Metro City. The next thing he took out was a black credit card. He was shocked when he saw the card, as black credit cards are a rarity in Metro City.

Finally, there was a note in the package. It read: Please call this number using your new phone. Seeing as he was in Mrs. Theresa’s room, Oliver decided to make the call outside the hospital. Curiously, Oliver followed the instructions on the note and dialed the number.

A few rings later, the call was answered.

“Hello, is this Oliver Reed?” the voice from the other side greeted. “Yes, it is. Who am I speaking to?” asked Oliver, cautious that he might be victimized in a scam or being set up by the Connors again.

“Before I answer that question. I have one of my own for you. Do you remember your real name? Oliver Smith?” the person asked.

A chill ran down Oliver’s spine when he heard the question. ‘Oliver Smith… when was the last time someone called me by that name?’ he thought.

“Are you someone from that crappy Smith family of Townsville?” Oliver asked back, his temper rising as he spoke.

“You can say that. You may know me as Derek Smith, the one adopted by Edward and Emma Smith.” Replied Derek.

“Oh… yes… I do remember you. You were ill treated by that shitty family. Do you still live with them or have you escaped from their clutches?” asked Oliver.

“There is a lot you need to know, Oliver. I can explain everything to you. I like to meet you tomorrow afternoon at QS Tower in Metro City. Can you make it?” asked Derek.

“I suppose so. I just lost my job, anyway. So, I can definitely make time.” Replied Oliver.

“Excellent, Oliver. Oh, by the way, by calling me using your new phone, I suppose you must have seen the black card in the package, right? Use it anyway you see fit. There’s a fifty million credit limit in that card."

"Buy some clothes, find a place to stay, buy a car, treat yourself to a meal… do whatever you want with the card. The pin number is your date of birth. Call me when you arrive at QS Tower tomorrow.” Said Derek before hanging up.

As Oliver walked back to the ward where Mrs. Theresa was resting, numerous thoughts were racing through his mind.

How was Derek able to get a hold of him? What happened to Derek and the Smith family over the years? Most importantly, why did they all reappear in his life at this point of time? Why now?

However, when he arrived back at the ward, all these questions were cast aside. Oliver walked towards the bed and gently held Mrs. Theresa's hand. He then spoke softly to her, so as not to wake her up.

"Good news, Mrs. Theresa. Your treatment has been fully paid. You don't have to worry about money anymore. Now, it's my turn to take care of you. Wait for me while I handle a few urgent matters. Rest well and recover."

Then, in his mind, Oliver rearranged his priorities. He had decided what to do over the next few hours before meeting Derek.

Taking his plastic bag of clothes, his new phone and his new black card, Oliver turned around and walked out of the hospital, with renewed purpose.

'It's late at night now. I should find a proper hotel to stay in for the time being.' thought Oliver. With that in mind, he took out his new phone and gave Derek a call.

"Hey Derek, I need a place to stay for the time being. If you can provide me with a black card, surely you have a place for me to stay in." said Oliver.

"You sure are smart, Oliver. I have a hotel in Metro City. Are you familiar with Quinton Hotel MC?" asked Derek.

"Yes, I know about it. Wait, isn't that under the Quinton Consortium in Townsville? Do you own that hotel?" asked Oliver suspiciously.

"Like I said, Oliver, there's a lot of things that had happened. What you need to know for now is you have a place to stay. Make your way there now. I have reserved the Presidential Suite for you."

"Oh, just in case I'm not available, contact the hotel's GM, Carson Stevens. His number is on your phone's contacts list. See you tomorrow." replied Derek.

*Click*

'How the hell does Derek own a Quinton business? What connections does he have with the Quinton Family?' Oliver's curiosity and suspicion had reached its peak.

With that in mind, Oliver wasted no more time. He hailed a taxi on outside of the hospital and headed straight for Quinton Hotel MC.