Joshua's lips curved into a bitter smile as Natalie's words echoed in his mind. Admit your mistake. Apologize properly. Then we'll talk.If his mother died today—and without treatment, she would—what would be the point of Natalie paying for medication? There would be no one left to save.But Natalie didn't care. She had already turned away, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as she strode toward the exit. Mark followed close behind, and just before disappearing through the glass doors, he glanced back at Joshua. The smile he gave was vicious, triumphant—the look of a man who had won.Joshua stood frozen, the crumpled hospital documents still clutched in his hands. Then he moved, his phone already out, scrolling desperately through his contacts. There had to be someone—anyone—who could help.He called his college roommate first."David? It's Joshua. Listen, I know this is sudden, but I need your help. My mother needs emergency surgery and I need to borrow—""Joshua?" D

"It went through!" Joshua's voice cracked with relief and triumph. "The payment was successful! Look!"Patricia's eyes narrowed as she glanced at her own phone, then back at Joshua with undisguised disgust. "Who knows how much you actually paid? Your piece of junk phone was freezing and lagging like crazy. For all we know, you transferred ten dollars and think you're clever."Joshua's elation faltered. In his panic and desperation, with the phone screen stuttering and freezing, he honestly couldn't remember how many zeros he'd typed. But he was certain—he had to have paid at least ten thousand dollars. Maybe more."I can check the transfer record," Joshua said quickly. "Just let me—""Check the record?" Patricia snatched the phone from his hand before he could react. "Who knows if you'll just fake another screenshot? We're checking the hospital account directly. The real account. Not your photoshopped fantasy."She pulled out her own phone, dialing with sharp, aggressive jabs at the s

Dr. Matthews stared at Joshua with something approaching awe. In his thirty years running Mercy General, he had met countless wealthy donors—but never one who had both the means and the genuine compassion to create something like this on the spot."Mr. Hart, you're truly remarkable," he said quietly.Before Joshua could respond, a young woman who had been standing at the edge of the corridor stepped forward. She was smartly dressed in a navy blazer and carried a professional camera. "Excuse me, Mr. Hart? My name is Sarah Chen. I'm a reporter with City News Network."Joshua tensed slightly. "A reporter?""I witnessed everything that happened here today." Sarah's eyes were bright with excitement. "The nurse taking bribes, your incredible generosity with the fund—this is an important story. People need to know that corruption like this exists in our healthcare system, but also that there are people like you willing to make a difference. May I have your permission to publish what happened

The boutique remained frozen in shocked silence. Harold Brennan's face had gone from purple to an unhealthy shade of white. The blonde woman looked like she might faint. Victoria Walsh had collapsed into one of the velvet chairs, her career in ruins.Even Joshua stood speechless for a moment. He owned this store? He owned the entire Laurent company? The revelation was as shocking to him as it was to everyone else."Mr. Hart." George Laurent's voice was gentle, apologetic. "I cannot express how deeply sorry I am for this disgraceful incident. Please, allow me to make amends.""It's... it's fine," Joshua managed, still processing."It is not fine." George shook his head firmly. "You came here to be outfitted properly, and instead you were treated like a criminal. Victoria Walsh, you are dismissed. Security will escort you out."Victoria's pleas fell on deaf ears as two guards appeared to remove her from the premises. Harold and the blonde woman slipped out quietly, their earlier bravado

Joshua felt laughter bubbling up in his chest—bitter, ironic laughter. Here stood his wife, publicly denouncing him while clinging to the arm of the man who had embezzled her money and tried to kill his mother."You know what's funny, Natalie?" Joshua's voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd. "You stand there talking about morals and duty, but let me tell you what kind of wife you've been."Natalie's eyes narrowed. "How dare you—""For three years, you never once listened to your husband's explanations. Not once." Joshua's voice was steady, controlled. "Every time something happened, who did you believe? Him." He pointed at Mark. "Your male assistant. The man who stands closer to you than your own husband.""That's because Mark is competent, unlike—""And what about your duties as a wife?" Joshua interrupted. "Have you ever fulfilled a single one? Have you ever contributed one dollar—just one—to your critically ill mother-in-law's medical treatment?"Natalie's face flushed. "I gav