"Yes, I do," Alicia said firmly. "Because that's reality. People lose loved ones to cancer every day because they can't afford treatment. It's horrible and unfair, but it's the truth. And no amount of wishing or hoping or asking for help changes the fundamental math—we need money we don't have, and we're running out of time."Dawn sobbed quietly beside them. "I tried to get loans. Every bank, every lender—nobody will give us money because we have nothing to put up as collateral. Our credit is destroyed. There's nowhere else to turn."Pervis opened his mouth to speak, to offer solutions, to tell them he could help. But before he could get the words out, Dr. Chen's voice cut across the lobby."Ms. Brennan! I don't have all night to wait for you to finish your conversation. We have other patients to attend to."The three of them turned to see Dr. Chen approaching again, this time with a clipboard in hand and a more determined set to his jaw. The two nurses flanked him, both wearing expre

Dawn stepped forward, her face flushed with anger, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "How dare you talk about us like that? Like we're trying to steal from you? My aunt is dying! She's a human being who worked her entire life, who paid taxes, who contributed to society, and now when she needs help the most, you treat her—treat us—like we're garbage!""Ms. Brennan, control your cousin," Dr. Chen said coldly."No!" Dawn shouted, ignoring him. "You're supposed to be medical professionals! You're supposed to care about saving lives, not about profit margins and paying customers! What happened to the Hippocratic Oath? To 'do no harm'? You're basically sentencing my aunt to death because she's not rich enough for you!"The younger nurse rolled her eyes. "Oh please. Don't be so dramatic. Your aunt isn't being denied medical care—she's being transferred to a facility appropriate for her financial situation. County General will take care of her.""County General is overcrowded and un

She stepped back, giving Pervis space, though her expression remained deeply uncertain.Pervis nodded his thanks to Dawn, then turned back to face Dr. Chen with renewed determination. "Now, where were we? Ah yes—you were about to provide me with the hospital's account information for the wire transfer."Dr. Chen's amusement had faded into something harder, more annoyed. "Mr. Tyler, this has gone on long enough. You've had your fun playing the hero, but—""I'm not playing," Pervis interrupted coldly. "Give me the account information. Now.""Or what?" Dr. Chen challenged. "You'll throw a tantrum? Make more empty threats? Call your imaginary billionaire friends?""I don't have time for this," Pervis said, his patience finally wearing thin. He pulled out his phone again. "If you won't give me the information, I'll call the hospital's billing department directly and—""Security!" Dr. Chen called out, cutting Pervis off. "Security, we need assistance in the main lobby!"Within moments, two

The drive to Mercy Heights took only twenty minutes, but it felt surreal to Alicia and Dawn. They rode in the back of the luxury ambulance with their mother, watching the medical team monitor her condition with equipment that looked like something from a science fiction movie.Pervis rode in a separate vehicle—a town car that had been sent specifically to transport him—following behind the ambulance. He'd wanted to give Alicia and Dawn privacy with their mother during the transfer.When they arrived at Mercy Heights Medical Center, the contrast with St. Mary's couldn't have been more stark. The building was modern and impressive, with architecture that spoke of wealth and prestige. The entrance was illuminated with soft, welcoming lights, and the moment the ambulance pulled up, staff emerged to greet them."Welcome to Mercy Heights," a woman in professional attire said warmly. She introduced herself as Karen Walsh, the patient liaison for VIP admissions. "We've prepared everything for

The younger nurse spoke up, her voice trembling. "The friend—a young man named Pervis Tyler—he said he would pay the bills. But sir, he was obviously lying. His clothes were cheap, he had no apparent means, and the amount was ridiculous. Over a million dollars total including future treatment costs.""So you dismissed him," Harrison said slowly."Well... yes," Dr. Chen admitted. "We explained that his claims were unrealistic and that we needed to proceed with the transfer. When he became agitated and made threats about shutting down the hospital, we had security escort him out."Patricia couldn't stay silent anymore. "They did more than dismiss him," she said quietly. "They mocked him. All of them. Called him delusional, laughed at his clothes, treated him and the patient's family like they were worthless.""Patricia!" the older nurse hissed. "You're making it sound worse than it was!""I'm making it sound exactly like it was!" Patricia shot back. "You all acted like the Brennans were