Chapter 7. Suicide?

Ace looked up and stared sharply at Casey. It was an intimidating look, but Casey was used to it. She continued speaking carefully. "The latest diagnosis showed that Lupus is making it difficult for your mother's lungs."

Ace still stared at Casey sharply, "How much percent?"

"30%, our tools can't detect it until the total algorithm is distributed," Casey explained again.

Ace frowned and stood up, taking the empty plate to the sink. He was hiding the pain that was hurting his heart so much. "That's why I need that hospital so that I can get a chance. We have to investigate this disease further. Early detection, so that I can prevent it earlier too!"

Casey took a slow breath, not wanting to discourage Ace's desire. She heard the pain in every sound Ace made. Casey understood how much Ace loved his mother, and knew that this disease that continued to gnaw at her would definitely make the heart of any child cut.

"I support you. Whatever the result, I support this research until it's finished."

Ace knew it might be too late for his mother, but he wanted to finish it so that no one would behave the same way as his mother again. Even his younger sister could also be infected with the same disease.

"I've talked to the business counselor about the value of that hospital. I think we can get a lower selling price if we settle some debts in full and stop funding from outside donors because they all want high dividend payouts. Of course, that will make the hospital's stock value lower," Casey explained again.

"I can always count on you. Let's speed up the process!" Ace's eyes gleamed, indicating he had a big goal in addition to buying this hospital.

Casey saw that gleam, and she knew enough not to ask any more questions. Revenge for the past. But who is the person? What did that person do that made Ace want to destroy them to the root? Revenge that wasn't cheap and Casey wanted to know what other strong motivations were behind all of this?

***

In less than a month, Casey completed his business plan and made an offer to the Director of Brooklyn Hospital, which was on the brink of bankruptcy. Ace's steps were light with Aileen and Casey by his side. Both tough women doubled his confidence.

Ace looked warmly and seriously at Aileen. "Aileen...I am confident that you can handle Brian. Don't disappoint me!" Ace's extraordinary leadership aura spoke volumes, despite his young age. His analysis and execution of this big goal were no joke.

Hearing Ace say that gave Aileen new strength. Ace deliberately presented Aileen at the morning meeting. He wanted to tell the hospital executives that they were already losing a valuable asset. Who didn't know Aileen? The high-flying surgical specialist who achieved remarkable success in difficult operations? The German graduate was not just an ordinary doctor, but that was the harsh reality. They threw away a gem, and Ace was sharp enough to pick it up.

"I am sure, Ace!"

"I knew it. You will eat them alive, Aileen! Show them all...they lost you and suffered the consequences!" Ace deliberately ignited Aileen's anger as an effective ammunition to win this offer.

A deadly smile appeared on Aileen's face, and that smile was a sign for Ace. A sign that he had won this woman completely.

The awaited moment had arrived. The table facing each other had five core representatives from the hospital, who should have been six, against three from DAI Technology. Aileen stepped up to the podium to give a presentation introducing DAI Technology.

Everyone seemed to whisper, including the hospital's highest leader, who was also Brian's father, and Aileen's former colleague and enemy.

"Excuse me, Mr. President Director. Before the DAI team explains, may I ask a question?" asked one of the hospital's senior officials, whom Ace knew as the Head of the Neurosurgery Division and also as the hospital's chief commissioner.

"Why is Dr. Aileen - my smartest student - on that podium?" asked Dr. Gosling.

The old man's question suddenly made everyone in the room whisper. They didn't hesitate to stare sharply at Brian, who was Aileen's boss.

"I have decided to leave this hospital and join DAI Technology as a researcher. I think my resignation letter has been known, Doctor. Sorry for the inconvenience!" Aileen spoke firmly but humbly. Aileen understood that Dr. Gosling was her teacher, and she would never deny that fact.

The old doctor could only close his eyes and breathe heavily when he learned this fact was covered by the hospital executives.

"To be honest, I'm disappointed that a doctor as talented as you is not in this hospital. But I hope our professionalism as doctors and researchers will not be curtailed wherever we are," replied Dr. Gosling, making Brian's face turn red.

Brian knew the senior doctor was mocking him, and everyone in the room realized it. It was a severe blow to Brian, who thought Aileen was nothing without him.

"Alright, Dr. Aileen. Please continue!" the senior doctor called out again.

Aileen bowed respectfully and continued with her presentation. Today, it was only a briefing from the DAI Technology team that planned to acquire this hospital as a rescue effort. The Q&A session went smoothly until...

"Excuse me...sorry for being late!"

Ace, who was on the podium, turned and could only smile wryly as he saw someone who had just arrived in a hurry.

"Ace?" he said with disbelief.

"Good afternoon, Bruce. Nice to meet you again!"

Bruce's face turned red as he saw Ace greet him casually and seemingly without a care in the world. After being humiliated in the elite housing unit, he now had to face the man Bruce had put on his list of top enemies that needed to be eliminated as soon as possible.

There was no suspicion whatsoever that the shareholder meeting today was to listen to Ace speak. For this one thing, it could be ensured that Sam would be the target of Bruce's anger next.

"Why are you late, Bruce?" asked Brian.

"I had a meeting with Mr. Zheng today," Bruce replied, sitting in his chair with a gaze that did not leave Ace.

"I don't think I need to introduce Tuan Ace from DAI Technology again?" Bruce asked, adjusting his glasses.

"Of course not. I want to hear what he has to say!" Bruce replied with his ever-present arrogance.

Ace just raised his eyebrows slightly and continued his presentation without paying attention to Bruce's sharp gaze.

"I don't understand. What do you really want from this hospital?" Bruce inquired.