Chapter 488 Abigail's Car Accident
The next morning, James returned from his morning workout to find several new faces in the courtyard.
A short, pudgy middle-aged man and a flashy woman were sitting at the table, pushing elegant breakfast items toward his parents and Samantha.
"Michelle, Virgil, please, eat more," the pudgy man urged with an overly cheerful expression. "Doesn't it taste just like when you were young?"
The flashy woman leaned forward eagerly. "Michelle, I know how much you've always loved these pancakes. After being away for so many years, you must be craving Sovereign City's delicacies. I stood in line downtown at that restaurant early this morning just for you."
She personally served Michelle a pancake, appearing intimate, though James caught the disdain lurking in her eyes.
"Thank you," Michelle responded, visibly flustered. After one bite, her brow furrowed briefly before her smile quickly returned. "Mmm, delicious. It tastes exactly the same."
She looked at the pudgy man. "Thank you, Beckett."
"Don't mention it," the middle-aged man smiled. "We're family—this is the least I can do."
James quickly deduced that the man was Beckett Garcia, CEO of Grandma's Black Tea, and the flashy woman was his wife, Githa Reyes.
"James, your uncle and aunt brought breakfast. Come join us," Virgil called out when he spotted him.
After washing his hands, James returned to the stone table. "Uncle Beckett, Aunt Githa."
"So this is James? Such a handsome young man," Githa cooed. "You've finished college, right? Where are you working these days?"
"I'm practicing medicine now," James answered with a smile.
"A doctor! Saving lives—such a noble profession." Githa gave him a thumbs up. "You're so much more accomplished than my Allan, who only knows how to party."
Despite her praise, a subtle sneer flickered across her mouth. Seeing Michelle's son, Beckett's pupils contracted with wariness before his expression shifted to a smile.
"James? You really do look like Virgil." Beckett stuffed a bank card into James's hands. "Since this is our first meeting, here's $100,000. Consider it a welcome gift. Work hard and save many lives."
"Beckett, you shouldn't!" Michelle quickly protested.
"Thanks, Uncle Beckett," James accepted with a grin. "I surely will."
Seeing James's eagerness for money, contempt flashed in Githa's eyes. Just like a poor kid who'd never seen real wealth—getting excited over a mere $100,000.
"Alright, enough chat. Hurry and eat—I've scheduled the broker for nine o'clock," Beckett changed the subject. "After breakfast, Michelle, I'll take you to transfer the property."
Michelle hesitated. "Beckett, really, the house isn't necessary."
"Michelle, are you going to make me angry again?" Beckett's face darkened. "Whatever happened in the past, you're still part of our Garcia family. Now that the family's doing well, what's one house?"
"Mom, just accept it," James chimed in. "What's one house to someone worth billions, right?"
Githa's contempt for James deepened. Then she smiled slyly. Pathetic, she thought. So small-minded. He'd never understand there's no such thing as a free lunch.
Michelle reluctantly nodded. "Fine, I'll go with you to the broker's office."
James quickly finished his breakfast and stood up. "I'll tag along to check it out."
"There's nothing interesting about it—just signing papers. Boring stuff," Beckett's eye twitched. "Why don't you explore the city instead? After we finish, I'll treat you to lunch."
"I don't know Sovereign City well, and I don't have transportation," James scratched his head. "I'd rather go with you. I can review the contract too—make sure the broker isn't overcharging you."
At the mention of reviewing the contract, Beckett and Githa exchanged alarmed glances before exclaiming in unison, "That won't be necessary! We'll handle it. The broker is an old friend of ours; they're trustworthy."
Beckett placed a set of keys before James. "Take this Maserati for a spin. Use the GPS to explore, and I'll find you later for a meal."
Githa glanced at the month-old Maserati parked outside, inwardly wincing. But compared to having James at the broker's office, sacrificing the car seemed the lesser evil.
James pocketed the keys. "Alright, I'll go have fun then."
Beckett sighed with relief, then quickly ushered Michelle and Virgil away, seemingly worried James might follow.
Watching their retreating backs, James smiled faintly. "The Garcia family... I hope you don't break my mom's heart."
Just then, his phone rang. He answered to hear Mary's anxious voice: "James, are you in Sovereign City?"
"Yes, why? What happened?"
"Abigail was hit by a car. It's serious—she's at Red Cross Hospital. I'm worried my brother-in-law can't handle it alone," Mary quickly explained. "Can you check on her if you have time? My parents and I are heading to the airport now."
"What? Abigail was hit by a car?" James was shocked. Though he didn't particularly like them, they were acquaintances and Mary's family, so he felt some concern.
"That's right. She's in critical condition," Mary replied urgently. "I'll give you more details on the way."
"Don't worry. I'll go check on her first."
Without delay, James informed Samantha, then drove the Maserati to Red Cross Hospital.
During the drive, Mary shared more details. Christopher and Abigail, unable to endure Addison's demands, had come to Sovereign City a month ago to collect payment from an old client.
After a month of struggle, they not only failed to collect the money but also depleted their savings entertaining the client.
Last night, Christopher lost control and punched the client. This morning, just after leaving the police station, a car with fake plates drove straight at him.
Abigail spotted the danger first and pushed Christopher out of the way, but couldn't dodge in time herself.
Christopher said her condition was critical, and she was in surgery.
James couldn't help but ask, "Who is this client?"
"The Harbor Group!" Mary pointedly added, "It's a company under Sovereign City's Mystic Alliance."
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