From Rejected Son in Law to Empire Heir

Chapter 2: The Price of a Life

 The nurse at the desk looked at him hesitantly, she gave him a once-over, his washed out uniform and dishevelled look didn't help matters. She sighed and almost rolled her eyes then typed on her computer.

 "Mr Mitchell, your daughter isn't getting any better and the hospital can't treat her anymore." She said after a while.

Logan's breath caught in his chest. His vision blurred. His brows furrowed in frustration, "What do you mean…?”

 The nurse looked up at him, trying to appear sympathetic but failed when she opened her mouth. "I’m sure you know the reason why. Your daughter has surpassed our treatment. You're now down to two options." 

 He leaned forward, “And they are?” 

  “You're either gonna take her to another hospital…” The nurse began. Logan's face fell at the mention of the first option, he tightened his fist as he waited in silence for the nurse to continue, “...Or, you're gonna pay to fly in another doctor to come treat her.”

  His heart skipped several beats, fly in another doctor? He slowly looked at the nurse, “Uhm, miss? H-how much will that-?”

 “$600,000.” She cut in rudely.

 The color drained from Logan's face, his knees almost gave out. $600,000? Mia's bills were $100,000 and if he was to add these expenses too… It would be beyond impossible. He was a mere janitor who could barely afford lunch sometimes. 

 "Logan, how is my baby doing?" A tensed voice asked from behind. 

 A hopeful smile formed on Logan's lips. It was a relief to hear his wife's voice despite his world caving in on him. Ava had always kept  him whenever he felt stuck. 

 He breathed her name, about to fill her in on what the nurse had just said but paused when he noticed who was walking behind her, he balled his fists in anger, “What's he doing here?”

 Logan’s eyes hardened as he stared at the middle-aged man standing behind his wife.

 “Why would you bring your boss here, Ava?”  He asked, he couldn't hide the displeasure in his voice.

 Ava stood in front of him, visibly flustered. She was beautiful in a polished, effortless way, but confusion flickered across her face now, “Be respectful, Logan.” She warned, “Mr. Lee offered to drive me here. I was panicking, Logan. I didn’t know what else to do.”

 “That’s right,  Janitor Logan.” The man said smoothly. “Ava here was in distress, I couldn't leave her all by herself.” As he spoke, he rested a hand on Ava’s waist, his touch lingering just a second too long. His eyes shifted tauntingly to Logan, as if daring him to make a move.

 He was Francis Lee, director of Synergy Corp On the surface, he was warm and generous. Beneath it, he was calculating and despicable. 

 Logan had noticed the way his gaze always longingly followed Ava, long before today.

 Logan pushed aside the urge to punch him for now. There were more pressing matters at hand, he explained everything the nurse had said, laying out their situation plainly. 

 As he spoke to his wife, his attention kept drifting back to Francis. The man’s presence pressed on him like a taunt. Finally, Logan turned to him.

 “Mr. Lee.” He  called evenly, “This is a family matter. Since you’re not family, it would be best if you excuse us.”

  “Logan!” Ava called sharply, trying to ground him. But Logan simply shrugged, he felt no guilt.

 “It’s fine.” Francis said, raising his hands, “I understand his emotions.” He looked directly at Logan. “I know what you’re going through. I also know that your salary as a common janitor won’t be enough to cover your daughter’s treatment.” He then spread his arms slightly, rubbing the fact that he was financially stable in Logan's face, “That’s why I’m willing to help.”

 Logan’s jaw tightened. The nerve of this person to insult him to his face…“I’d rather be run over by a truck than accept help from you.” He said coldly.

 “Logan, stop it!” Ava snapped, shock and anger colliding in her voice. When Logan stepped forward, she quickly placed a hand on his chest. “Enough.”

 “What exactly is so hard for him to understand?” Logan said, his gaze never leaving Francis. “Since he doesn’t get it, I’ll make it clear. You’re not wanted here. Leave.”

 “Very well.” Francis replied, adjusting his suit. “I’ll go.”

 “Should’ve done that sooner.” Logan muttered as the man turned away.

 What Logan and Ava didn’t see was Francis slowing his steps, quietly calling over a nurse and whispering something into her ear before disappearing down the corridor.