Chapter 268 Collecting Money
In the afternoon, in an old neighborhood.
"Who let you hire an old man as a security guard? He's so old. Can he still guard the gate? The residents have complained. Quickly replace him," the boss said.
"Boss, even though I have white hair, I'm only in my fifties. I'm not that old. Give me another chance. I promise to do a good job," Frank pleaded with an embarrassed look on his face.
"Get out! Take your salary for these few days and leave quickly. Don't let me see you again," the boss commanded.
"My wife is sick and needs money for her hospitalization. I can't afford to lose this job," Frank said.
"That's not my problem. Just go away," the boss responded.
Frank begged for a while, but all his belongings were thrown out.
He sat on the ground, dejected, picking up his things.
Were people over fifty really worthless? The thought of his wife's medical expenses made him feel even more heavy-hearted.
Life was just too difficult.
As he turned around with his things, he saw a well-dressed lady standing in front of him.
Inside the restaurant, Brenda wore sunglasses.
"If you want to laugh, go ahead and laugh. Don't hold it in," Frank said as he took a big sip of water.
"How did you treat me back then? I feel happy to see you in such a miserable state. It serves you right." Brenda felt even more superior and relieved. "You were so powerful when you used to hit me.
"Frank, so many years have passed, and you're still a loser."
Frank didn't even have the qualifications to compare with Ruben. No, even the servants in Ruben's house were better than him.
Back then, Brenda was so poor. She couldn't survive, so she was moved by Frank's kindness. She married this man who ran a martial arts school. He had no education or skills, but he knew how to hit her.
Frank clenched his teeth and argued, "I have changed over the years. I've quit gambling and drinking. I have a job now. I can support myself."
"Support yourself? You are not qualified even as a security guard. How dare you say you support yourself?" Brenda mocked.
Frank couldn't say anything. It was all his fault for being addicted to gambling back then. It was too late to start over now. He was old and couldn't do anything. He felt very embarrassed in front of her.
"Yes, I'm not like you. You married a wealthy man. You live a good life," Frank said.
Frank had a keen eye, and even though Brenda wasn't wearing any jewelry, she looked like an affluent lady.
"Back then, you didn't even want our daughter. You just wanted to marry a rich man. Your last wish came true," Frank pointed out.
"What do you mean? Is it my fault? If I had stayed by your side, you would have killed me. Frank, have you forgotten how you used to beat me?" Brenda rebutted.
"That's because you were always insulting me," Frank replied.
"Did I say anything wrong? All you did was drink and gamble with your bad friends every day. You're even worse than trash," Brenda stated.
Frank felt annoyed. He impatiently waved his hand. "Enough already. You got what you wanted, why are you still bothering me? Are you intentionally here to humiliate me?"
"You really weren't worth me coming all the way to find you. Here’s 200,000 dollars. Take it and leave with your daughter," Brenda said, not daring to offer too much. She was afraid that Frank would suspect her and that he would be too greedy and demand more.
"What do you mean?" Frank asked.
"Exactly what it sounds like. I don't want you and your family staying in Avalenia."
Frank was furious and stared at her. "Brenda, you're being too domineering. This is Avalenia, not your home. Who are you to kick us out?"
"I gave you money, didn't I? Just consider it a transaction. Besides, you need the money," Brenda responded.
In the past, Frank would have accepted and used the money for gambling, but not now...
Who was she to humiliate him?
Angry, Frank stood up and said, "Who the hell wants your money? My daughter and I will stay here. We're not going anywhere. So, get lost."
"Your wife is still in the hospital. Do you have money to pay for her medical expenses?" Brenda sneered.
He did have a strong sense of pride. But did he have the qualifications?
"You have no money now. If you can't pay the medical expenses today, your wife will be kicked out of the hospital. Your son just died. Do you want your wife to die too?" Brenda had investigated everything and was very confident.
"You..." Frank was seething with anger.
"Poor people have no right to talk about dignity. If you still want to save your wife, take this money and do as I say. I'll give you one month. Leave Avalenia with them and don't let me see you again," Brenda said as she left, wearing her sunglasses.
Frank was reluctant, but when he thought about the medical expenses... he could only reluctantly take out his credit card and hold it tightly in his hand.
He had never been so embarrassed in his life.
If only he had been more successful, he wouldn't be in such a miserable state now.
Brenda was right. He was a waste, a waste who couldn't even afford his wife's medical expenses.
The weekend had arrived, and Layla had made an appointment with the doctor for an early check-up.
Now, the child was already six weeks old.
The female doctor performed a simple examination and said, "The child is fine. I'm more concerned about you. Your mental condition is very poor right now. You have a high risk of miscarriage."
Layla, alarmed, quickly grabbed the doctor's hand, causing her to wince in pain.
"I'm sorry, doctor..." Layla quickly let go, her expression filled with concern.
"Don't be too nervous. Being nervous is not good for the baby. I can prescribe some medication for you. But you have to regulate your emotions and relieve stress on your own. I can't help you much. Or you can go see a psychologist. Maybe they can help you cope," the doctor suggested.
Layla only had less than $1,000 in savings. This money was not enough for future expenses. How could she afford to see a psychologist?
"I will manage on my own. Thank you, doctor," Layla replied.
The doctor then further added, "Alright. You were young and in good physical condition, but you had too much mental stress and were overly nervous. Although I didn't know what you were going through, among the patients I took over, your mental condition was considered very bad. If I'm not mistaken, you probably frequently suffered from insomnia and experienced significant hair loss."
Layla remained silent. Yes, every day she forced herself to live a good life. When it was time to sleep, she would stop working and force herself to go to sleep, but she couldn't fall asleep. She tossed and turned. As long as she closed her eyes, she would see the image of Owen lying in a pool of blood after the car accident. She was tormented.
She often stayed awake with her eyes open from eleven o'clock at night until seven in the morning. Every day, her eyes were dry and sore. She also had to draw charts all day. Fortunately, she was still young. If she were a little older, she might have died suddenly at any moment.
If she weren't pregnant now, she would instead feel that sudden death would be a relief.
Life was too tiring for her.
"By the way, where is the father of the child?" the doctor asked.
"The child only has me," Layla said softly.
Perhaps because she had encountered such matters before, the female doctor immediately understood what was going on. "As a doctor, I shouldn't say this, but as a woman, I still want to ask, have you considered it carefully? If you can't hold on, it's better to do it sooner..."
"Thank you, doctor. I'm going to get my medicine." Layla took the medicine and walked out of the hospital. The sun was particularly bright that day. Under the bright sunlight, a tall figure approached her...
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