2024-12-11 19:04:22“You rotten piece of trash,” Reeves roared, slamming his fist on the desk. “How dare you ignore us and make such an outrageous demand? I'll have you skinned alive.”
Before Reeves could make a move at Barry, Kane Nightingale stood up and raised a hand, stopping him immediately. He gazed at Barry with growing interest. “Don't push it, Reeves. Barry, you've piqued my interest. Do you really think you can buy this hospital which is owned by the government?” Barry looked straight into his eyes. “I will. Once I acquire it, the surgery won't happen.” Kane threw his head back and laughed as loud as he can. “This is just remarkable. You? Buy Central hospital? You're the same broke bastard who couldn't pay rent without the assistance of a dead woman.” Barry gritted his teeth. “Don't make mockery of Madam Evelyn.” Kane's smile widened into a smirk. “This is really entertaining to say the least. I'll humour you, Barry. Here's a deal. If you acquire this hospital this very night and prevent the surgery, I'll let your sister go.” Barry's gaze didn't waver for a bit. He locked eyes with Kane. “And if I fail to buy the hospital?” Kane stepped closer, folding his hands behind his back, a jeering expression written all over his face. “If you fail, I'll proceed with the surgery and take your sister's heart. Afterward, you'll become my slave for the rest of your miserable life.” Reeves grinned. He loved where this was going. “What do you say, Barry? Want my advice, kneel and plead for our mercy, then we might just let you go.” Barry ignored Reeves and took a step forward, glaring down at Kane. “You've got yourself a deal. You had better keep to your words. Once I buy this hospital, Snow leaves with me.” For a second, Kane felt a wave of Barry's confidence overpowering him. He didn't like the way Barry gazed down at him. “I'm a man of my words,” Kane replied stiffly. “Although I doubt you will succeed.” A small smile appeared on Barry's face. “We shall see.” There was something about Barry's confidence that made Kane felt like he had made a terrible mistake. “I need to make a call,” Barry announced, exiting the office. No one stopped nor questioned him. They were all curious to know how Barry could do. * * * * The central hospital had a phone booth in the hospital lobby, where calls were made for free. Barry locked himself inside as he retrieved Veronica Phoenix's number from his pocket. He dialed her number and held the receiver to his ears, his heart pounding. The phone rang only once before she answered. This was her personal line. Only five people could call her with it. “Hello?” Her lovely voice came on the line. “Veronica, it's Barry,” he began, his voice steady and calm. “I'm in a jam right now, and I need your help.” Veronica responded. “Tell me what's going on. I'll help whatever way I can.” Barry began. “The Nightingale family bought my sister through some underground slave auction this afternoon, and they're planning to use her for a heart transplant.” “That's outrageous,” she exclaimed. “Where is the surgery supposed to take place?” “Right here at Central hospital,” Barry paused. “I need to buy the hospital tonight and stop the surgery from ever happening. I made a bet, Veronica. If I fail, not only would I lose my sister, but I'll also become a slave to the Nightingale family.” “I can't let that happen,” Veronica said firmly. “I'll call the government and make them an offer I'm sure they can't refuse. Give me a moment. I'll get back to you shortly.” Before Barry could reply, she had hung up. Barry was beginning to feel at ease. He took a deep breath and leaned against the glass, waiting for Veronica's call. Ten minutes later, Veronica called back. Barry answered the phone as if it had just turned hot. “Hello?” Barry said. “It's done,” Veronica stated. “Phoenix bank now owns Central hospital. I've also issued strict instructions to the government to forbid the surgery from happening. The hospital management is already speaking with the doctor in charge of the surgery as we speak.” Barry was speechless. He couldn't believe how fast Veronica pulled it off. “But….how…” Veronica laughed softly. “The government owes Phoenix bank a truckload of money. They tied several major loans to their infrastructure projects. Central hospital is one of the many governments owned institute used as collateral. It was quite easy to make them an offer.” Barry felt like jumping for joy. “Veronica, I owe you a lot for this. You just saved my sister's life. How can I ever repay you?” “Well, now you owe me dinner someday,” she replied warmly. Barry smiled. “You've got it. I'll get back to you on that date after I take my sister home.” “That would be great. Your account is still blowing up with numerous credit alert,” she added. “I'll keep you informed of how much you've made.” Barry thanked her, then hung up. He didn't rush to meet the Nightingale family. Instead, he took his sweet time. When Barry entered the office, he met the Nightingale family gaping at him as if he were a god who had descended from heaven. Their faces were pale, as if every blood on their faces had drained away. Kane Nightingale's voice croaked as he asked, “How the hell did you do it?”
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Another brief silence passed before Eleanor continued.“My husband had been battling sickness for the last eight months. It was slow and very painful. I stayed by his side the entire time. I didn’t tell anyone because—” she paused, glancing away for a moment, “no one ever wanted to meet him. Not once. They had no interest in him because he wasn’t one of them. He wasn’t from money. But he was a good man. And I loved him. So I married him anyway.”Barry listened intently, watching the way her voice softened when she spoke about her husband.“My father,” she continued, “he disowned me the moment I told him I was marrying below my class. He cut me off—no funds, no support. And the rest of the family followed suit. They don’t even know what he looked like. Not a single one of them.”She looked up at Barry now. Her eyes were firm again. “And now, my father wants to hand over Drayton Enterprises to one of his children. I want it to be me. That’s why I accepted the invitation. But there’s a c
The Dayton crisis
Mr. Drayton's sharp voice cut through the air. "Eleanor, take your seat and don't waste my time." His tone left no room for argument. Eleanor gave Barry a brief nod and led him to two empty seats along the left side of the table. They sat down quietly, while Mr. Drayton leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table.Mr. Drayton surveyed the room, his expression stoic. His children with their spouses beside them, waited in tense silence. Finally, he began. “I’ve gathered you all here for a reason,” he said. “I’ve been advised to sign for bankruptcy. Drayton Enterprises is a shadow of what it once was. I’ve pulled every string, made every call, sacrificed more than you can imagine… but now, it’s out of my hands.” He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "That’s why I’ve called this meeting. To give each of you a chance. Whoever among you can save this company from collapse will be named its new chairman." The room erupted in murmurs.Chairs creaked as sibli
The interview
The next morning, Barry arrived at 52 Grandhill Avenue, dressed in the midnight-blue suit he’d gambled nearly all his money on. He stepped into a tall glass building nestled between a row of corporate offices.He checked in with the receptionist, and was led through a narrow hallway into a quiet, elegantly furnished room.A few moments later, the door opened, and a young woman stepped in.She was stunning—early thirties, with long raven-black hair tied into a loose bun. Her eyes were sharp but carried the softness of someone who'd been taught to smile through her troubles. She wore a tailored cream blazer over a silk blouse, and red heels that clicked gently against the floor as she walked up to him.Everything about her screamed money. She sat down across from Barry and folded her hands neatly on the table.“You must be Barry,” she said, her voice calm, businesslike.“That’s me.”"I’m Eleanor Drayton,” she said. “But before we go any further, I should tell you something important.
A job offer
The following morning, Barry sat on a creaky wooden bench outside the landlord’s temporary office.It was a small metal container parked beside the damaged apartment complex. He could still smell the smoke and damp ash lingering in the air. Caution tape lined the charred entrance to his block. A few of the tenants passed by, shooting him angry or pitying glances.Inside the container, the landlord sat behind a flimsy desk, tapping aggressively on a calculator. His face was still swollen with frustration from the night before. A printed sheet lay in front of him with a list of repairs and itemized damage costs.Soon, Barry was summoned. When he stepped inside, the landlord didn’t even look up."You owe me $56,000," he spat. "That's what it'll cost to repair the damage your carelessness caused. Gas leak, fire damage, electrical rewiring, structural repairs, repainting, replacement of doors, windows, and your entire unit’s furnishings. Not to mention the stress you’ve caused me and t
The Second misfortune
Barry sat hunched in one of the plastic chairs. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the hospital lobby as he rubbed his temples.His mind replayed the accident again and again—how fast it had all happened, how helpless he had felt in that single moment. The waiting was torture. He just needed to know the man would be okay. Then, the door to the doctor's office slammed open. Barry's head snapped up as his boss, Mr. Calloway, and Jordan marched out. Jordan's face was masked in anger as he immediately jabbed a finger in Barry's direction. "You're in a lot of trouble, Barry," Jordan growled, his voice loud enough for everyone in the lobby to hear.Mr. Calloway held up a hand, cutting him off. "I'll handle this. Give us a moment, Jordan." Jordan hesitated, glaring at Barry for a second longer before huffing and stomping off toward the exit.As soon as they were alone, Barry turned to the boss. "What about Rick? Is he okay?" Mr. Calloway sighed, running a hand over his thinnin
The Wait
A month had passed since Barry left his life behind. Now, he sat on a stack of steel beams under the shade of a half-built warehouse, wearing a stained orange vest and a hard hat. The midday sun hung high, casting waves of heat across the construction site. Dust clung to his boots and pants, and sweat rolled down the back of his neck.He unwrapped a sandwich he’d packed that morning. It was just bread, lettuce, and a slice of ham.The bread was a little dry, the ham a little thin, but he didn’t complain. This was his life now. The midday sun beat down on his back as he took a bite, the dry bread sticking in his throat. He washed it down with lukewarm water from a dented canteen. For a while, he sat there, his mind racing with questions. What was he even doing here? He’d been in Z City for weeks now. This was the very same city where he had once rescued Adam from the Homeland family. And yet, despite everything the Golden Cat had warned, the Black Cat of Misfortune hadn’t sh
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