Easton led Valery into the doctorâs office, handing over the test results.
The doctor paused, examined the papers closely, then looked up at Easton. âIâm afraid your motherâs condition is quite serious... Judging by these results, itâs likely end-stage kidney failure. Iâm afraid...â
Easton glanced over at Valery.
Valery stared at the doctor in shock, then broke down, sobbing into Marcusâs arms.
Through her tears, Valery choked out a question. âIs there any hope for me, doctor?â
The doctor nodded. âA kidney transplant could give you a few more years, but...the cost of surgery is staggering.â
Valery took a shaky breath and continued crying in Marcusâs embrace.
Easton took the test report from the doctor and skimmed it again, then looked at Valery. âLetâs get a second opinion at a different hospital.â
At this, Valeryâs sobs grew louder. âI feel so awful right now. I need to be admitted. I canât just leave.â
Marcus jumped in. âWe canât wait any longer. This is the best hospital in Seaview Cityâwhere else are we supposed to go?â
The doctor quickly added, âHeâs right, our hospital is the most reputable in the city.â
Easton nodded and tried to comfort Valery. âDad, why donât you take Mom outside for a bit? Iâll stay and talk with the doctor about treatment options and costs.â
Valery nodded, still weeping, and left with Marcus.
In the hallway, Valery whispered, âDo you think he bought it? He didnât really react.â
âThe doctor will back us up,â Marcus replied quietly. He was convinced their performance was flawlessâbut how could two fools ever fool a sharp kid?
Back in the exam room, Easton fixed his eyes on the doctor. âDoctor, does late-stage kidney failure cause coughing?â
The doctor hesitated, then explained, âThe immune system is compromised at this stage. Even a minor cold could be fatal to your mother.â
Easton nodded, his tone suddenly innocent. âDoctor, are you aware of the consequences of falsifying medical records? It doesnât matter who put you up to this. If I call the police right now, all these reports and your statements become evidence. Youâre the head of a public hospital, arenât you? Youâre probably up for a promotion soon. If you end up with a criminal record...â
The doctorâs face drained of color. He tried to sound commanding, but his voice faltered. âYoung man, what are you implying?â
âJust tell me who asked you to do this. I wonât pursue it further. But if youâd rather let my parents hear everything, Iâll call the police right now.â
The doctor panicked. No wonder the Lynches had such a reputationâeven at just nineteen, Eastonâs presence was intimidating. The doctor hesitated, weighing his options. The Lynch family could offer certain benefits, but heâd worked hard to maintain a clean record; he couldnât let it all go to waste.
âIt was your parents who approached me. The Lynch family got in touch as well,â the doctor confessed through gritted teeth.
Easton nodded. âI understand. Thank you, doctor.â
He stood up, gathered the test results, and walked out.
In the corridor, Valery resumed her performance, tears streaming down her face as soon as she spotted Easton.
Marcus, looking anxious, asked, âEaston, how much will your motherâs treatment cost?â
âA million,â Easton replied flatly.
Marcus feigned shock. âA million? Where on earth are we supposed to find that kind of money? We donât have anything close to thatâhow could we ever afford it?â
Valery joined in, wailing even louder.
Easton watched their act with a blank expression. âDad, maybe you donât have that kind of money, but Grandpa does.â
Marcusâs eyes practically lit up. âSon, are you saying youâre finally going back to claim your grandfatherâs inheritance?â
âDad, wouldnât you go to Grandpa for money if itâs to save Mom? A million is just pocket change to him, isnât it? You love Mom so muchâyouâll go ask, wonât you?â Eastonâs voice was innocent, almost childlike.
Marcus bristled, snapping back, âEverything the Lynch family owns is meant for Tyrone. Tyrone hates our gutsâheâd sooner see us dead than give us a cent.â
Rich Radiant and Over Him (Alicia and Vincent)
ï¤Chapter 297 The Heiress Acts Mischievously, But Her Family Can Read Her Mind ï¤Chapter 347: Administering Drugs Switched Marriage The Coddled Little Wife ï¤Chapter 538: Unimaginable