Chapter 74
Chapter 74: Belinda’s knuckles whitened as she gripped her phone tightly. “Didn’t they promise to give me some time?”’ she muttered under her breath. Just earlier that day, they had asked Marlene to consult her about a 500 million dollar proposal. Now, mere hours later, they were pressuring her for the money and insisting on a meeting. “Something’s come up. I heard his girlfriend is really stressed out”¦”’ Marlene’s voice wavered with concern on the other end of the phone. “Miss Nelson, I truly apologize. The hospital is really pushing me hard. I’ve been on your side since the beginning. Believe me, if there were any other way, I wouldn’t be on this call.”’ Belinda inhaled deeply. “Dr. Reid, you’re not at fault here.”’ Marlene was merely executing someone else’s orders. Her voice softened further upon hearing Belinda’s gracious reply. “The hospital is being unfair”¦ For him, 500 million might be trivial, but for you, Miss Nelson”¦”’ “Dr. Reid,”’ Belinda cut in gently, pausing for a beat. “The patient”¦ Is her condition dire?”’ Caught off guard, Marlene hesitated before answering, her voice strained. “Why would you ask that?”’ Belinda replied with serene clarity, “We’re both battling terminal cancer. It’s only right that we support each other. Though my own cancer is progressing rapidly and is particularly aggressive”¦”’ She exhaled slowly, gazing out at the dimming evening sky through the bleak window. “If her need is truly urgent, I’m prepared to offer her one of my treatment doses.”’ Marlene’s tone became earnest. “But Miss Nelson, this therapy requires four doses to be effective. Giving away one will reduce your recovery odds by 25%.”’ g ‘s”¤com, your storytelling home “It’s okay. My prospects were never good to begin with.”’ Belinda hesitated, then said firmly, “I’m not going to the hospital or meeting with them. Tell them I’m still working on gathering the 500 million. If their need is truly urgent, I’ll provide one dose. But it won’t be without cost. They need to donate 100 million to the International Cancer Research Foundation.”’ Marlene sighed deeply after a lengthy pause. “Alright. Belinda, you really are a good person.”’ Belinda offered a smile at the praise. “I like to think so.”’ She hung up the phone and went back to her room. Madisyn was by the window, gazing outward. Belinda joined her, adopting the same posture, and looked out at the darkening scene. All that could be seen were the red taillights of an ambulance fading into the distance. “What are you looking at?”’ Belinda inquired. Startled by her sudden question, Madisyn turned around and shot Belinda a playful glare. “You scared me!”’ She gestured towards the fading ambulance. “Cathy and Kristopher are inside. The nurse mentioned that Cathy was complaining of severe pain, so Kristopher didn’t waste a moment. He’s had her transferred to Peace Hospital. They’ve just left.”’ Madisyn’s tone soured as she continued, unable to mask her contempt. “Peace Hospital specializes in rare and terminal conditions. He’s taken his beloved Cathy there. What is he thinking?”’ She nudged Belinda gently. “Could it be that Cathy’s condition is terminal?”’…