Chapter 369
The doctor sighed, looking helpless. “Ian, it's not that I don't want to help. You already owe the hospital hundreds of thousands in medical bills. Even with surgery, your grandmother might only live another year or two. We've already waived some of the fees, but with your current outstanding balance, we can't continue her treatment."
"I'll speak with the hospital director tomorrow and see if we can get an extension for her medication for another week."
lan's head was bowed, his tall frame bent as if under an immense weight. In the dim light, his despair and helplessness were palpable.
Witnessing the scene, Natalie felt a sharp pang in her heart.
"Thank you, sir,” he said, his voice trembling with a desperate gratitude.
He and his grandmother had been on their own since he was a child. He had tried everything, working himself to the bone, but he still couldn't earn enough to cover her surgery.
The name lan felt familiar to Natalie. She was sure she had heard it somewhere before.
By now, she had reached the small group, and as she saw the young man's handsome face, her lips parted in shock. Ian. She remembered now. In her past life, he was the prodigy by Joanna's side, the very reason Sebastian had ultimately been defeated by her.
Natalie wanted to scream. What a coincidence. What an incredible stroke of luck. It seemed her tragic death in her previous life had led to all sorts of opportunities falling into her lap in this one.
She stepped forward. "Doctor, I can pay for his grandmother's medical bills. But first, I'd like to know what her condition is."
Dr. Wilson looked at her with a weary expression. "She has a tumor on her lung. Given her age, surgery is very risky."
"Is conservative treatment an option?" Natalie asked.
"Surgery presents significant risks, and more importantly, our hospital doesn't have the specialized drugs she would need.” It was the most helpless feeling for a doctor, telling a patient they lacked the necessary medicine.
Dr. Wilson added, "If you're willing to cover the fees, you can come by tomorrow morning to handle the payment." With that, he and the nurse walked away.
Natalie helped lan to his feet, his handsome face streaked with tears that he quickly wiped away. He had the same devilish good looks as Marshall, but his eyes were clear and pure. Natalie couldn't
understand how such a good
understand how such a good kid could end up helping a villain like Joanna. Had Joanna exploited his grandmother's illness to win his loyalty?
Natalie decided then and there: in this life, it was fine if they didn't become friends,
as long as they didn't become enemies.
lan's emotions settled, and his yes fixed on Natalie's beautiful face. "Miss, are you really willing to help me?"
Natalie was more than willing.
Securing the loyalty of a future titan
in the tech world was a priceless opportunity. Joanna had used her facade of kindness to gather many talented people around her, which was how her company had flourished.
"Yes, I'm willing to help," she said gently. "But first, I want to see your grandmother. ma doctor too. Given her age, d like to see if we can pursuea conservative treatment plan. If that's possible, I can source the medication for her."
"If not, we'll transfer her to QHA Hospital in Yaro. I own that hospital, and your grandmother can receive treatment there free of charge."
lan was deeply moved. He had just turned eighteen and had already exhausted all
of his grandmother's savings. The money he earned from part-time jobs was a drop
in the bucket compared to the staggering medical costs.
But having been thrust into the world at a young age, he knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.
He looked at Natalie. “My name is lan. What do you need me to do?"
“Uh.....” Natalie was caught off guard for a moment.
She looked at him in surprise. "Well, what are you willing to do for me?"