The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives

006 At Death’s Door

Silas' face darkened while Natalie looked like she would explode.

"What nonsense are you blabbering?" she said in exasperation. "Are you drunk or on drugs? My dad is going to be okay once we get to the hospital in ten minutes! A world-class cardiac surgeon is waiting for us there! Get out of our way before I punch you!"

However, her father reacted differently. 

Silas realized that every word Tyler spoke was accurate. The old man had lived a long, disciplined life and could tell when someone was lying. 

His experience told him Tyler's insights were miraculously genuine. It was a near-death leap of faith to trust the stranger.

"Young man, what is your name?"

"Tyler Grant."

"How did you know I have two holes in my heart? It is medically classified information."

Tyler stood silent and offered no response to the question. He believed there was no cause to reveal details of his abilities to a random billionaire.

Realizing the young man wasn't inclined to answer his query, Silas continued. "I see it is a secret you don't wish to share with a stranger.” 

“In that case, let me verify that your diagnosis is 100% correct. Which brings me to my humble question—can you help me?"

"I have lived a satisfactory life and am prepared for death," he added. "But my daughter is too young to be an orphan. If there is anything you can do for me, I will be forever grateful."

A tear escaped Silas' eye as he made the request. Tyler could see the old man was honest about his intentions. 

The only thing that had kept him going all these years was his beautiful daughter, whom he loved more than anything in the world.

Tyler sighed and scratched his bearded chin. Butch Salvatore only meant for Tyler to reach the pinnacle of the world. However, the young man wondered what the point of such greatness was if he couldn't save a helpless old man from an untimely death. 

Especially when the victim was a kind person like Silas Anderson, who spent his life making humanitarian efforts toward the needy.

"I will help you," Tyler replied without emotion. "But you must keep our transaction secret."

A warm smile appeared on Silas' lips, and he nodded. "I'll take it to my grave."

"Alright. Lie down again and unbutton your shirt."

Silas did as he was told. Tyler was about to operate on the billionaire when Natalie grabbed his hand roughly.

The young woman had been watching the scene unfold in utter shock. 

Why was her father giving scope to a homeless scam artist? They had to reach the hospital instead before it was too late!

Natalie’s voice was faltering but adamant. 

"I don't know by what fraudulent means you discovered my father's medical details, but I won't let you fool him on his deathbed.” 

“Tell me, will you ask for a huge monetary reward after whatever hocus pocus you intend to dramatize? Is that your elaborate scam?"

Tyler's piercing gaze suddenly shifted to Natalie. A shiver ran down her spine, and she let go of his hand. 

The young man's aura was so tremendous it almost caused her suffocation.

"I will not charge a penny for my services," he replied sharply. "But if we delay any further, he might die. If you want your father to live, don't touch me again without permission!"

"Nat…" Silas mumbled from the back seat. "I can sense he's not an ordinary man. Let him use his gift on me. Trust me for once."

Natalie was reluctant, but she nodded obediently and backed away. She wouldn't betray her father's wishes, especially if they were his last. 

However, still suspicious, she kept a sharp eye on Tyler and a finger over the call police button on her phone.

Tyler closed his eyes and entered a meditative state. He focused his energies, opening up his power vortices. 

This healing technique taught by Butch was called chakra healing. 

It required tremendous focus but was highly effective.

Tyler placed his right hand on Silas's chest and applied light pressure. He could feel the heart beating arrhythmically, heading towards a fatal stroke. 

With a low grunt, he sent a blast of energy inside and opened the old man's heart chakra by force.

Silas felt warmth rising in his chest cavity. His weak heart jumped into rejuvenation, and the beats became rhythmic again.

The billionaire sat up, wheezing uncontrollably. His eyes ran wild, and he went into a seizure.

Natalie rushed at Tyler and slapped him hard across the face. 

"You fraud! What have you done to my father?!"

Tyler took a step back in surprise. He had been focused on healing and had not expected the heiress to assault him physically.

"I'll sue you into oblivion!" She screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You monster!"

"Calm down," Tyler said. "He's already recovered."

Natalia looked like she didn’t believe it at all.

"It's okay, Nat…" Silas said, stepping down from the car and getting to his feet. 

His skin looked more youthful, and his breathing had become normal.

Natalie watched her recovered father with widened eyes. 

Did the homeless man really heal him? Were such miracles actually possible? She began to have an existential panic.

"Thank you, young man," Silas said, patting Tyler's shoulder. 

"You possess a special gift, and I am blessed to have met you. I owe you my life."

Tyler, still annoyed by Natalie's slap, shook his head at the billionaire. 

"The healing is temporary. I merely extended your lifespan by a week. You can spend it in the hospital if you must. But even the most talented doctors can't help you."

Silas laughed a hearty laugh. 

"I must thank you, regardless. It gives me sufficient time to solve a few pending issues.”

He extended a debit card to the young man.

“I wish to give you a million dollars for treating me. Kindly accept the same."

Tyler shook his head again. 

"As I mentioned earlier, I won't charge a penny for my services. If that is all, I will take my leave from you. I have somewhere important to be, and time is running out."

But Silas firmly shoved the credit card into his pocket, not giving Tyler any chance to refuse.

Tyler raised an eyebrow. 

Was the old man trying to bribe him? Did he think Tyler would be able to heal him completely?

Natalie was still adamant. 

"Dad, let's go to the hospital. These parlor tricks won't help you. You need an actual doctor and medical intervention."

She avoided Tyler's gaze and left in the Lamborghini.

"What a rowdy and ungrateful girl," the young man said to himself as he turned and walked away. "I hope I don't run into her again."

 ***

The unexpected encounter with the Anderson patriarch and his arrogant daughter didn’t bother Tyler too much—he was too focused on rushing to his girlfriend, Erica Sinclair’s, place.

Just thinking about her filled him with worry.

Did Trent Cooper arm-twist his girlfriend to marry him? If so, the trauma she must have gone through was unimaginable.

Regardless, the poor girl wouldn't have to worry anymore since her savior had arrived.

Things didn't turn out as Tyler expected. He could barely recognize the Sinclair compound. Three years back, the family lived in an ordinary two-bedroom house. Now, in its place stood a new mansion! Did the Sinclairs win a lottery?

Tyler stepped through the iron gateway, bewildered by the transformation. The place was decked up in bridal decorations and swarmed with people. Relatives and uniformed servants rushed around, making arrangements for some occasion. Were they preparing for the wedding?

A familiar face emerged from the main entrance as soon as Tyler stepped into the driveway.

"Is that you, Tyler?" the middle-aged lady asked. It was Gertrude, Erica's mother.

Three years back, she used to pamper him as her future son-in-law. Now, the woman's voice was laced with derision, and she glared at him with narrowed eyes.

"Who allowed you to enter the premises? Ex-convicts need to stay out! Shall I call the cops?"

Tyler was taken aback by the woman's hostility. "Gertrude! That was uncalled for! I am here to rescue Erica."

"I know Trent is forcing her to marry him. Don't worry. Now that I am back, she can call off the wedding. I'll protect Erica."