Chapter 62 15 Million Dollars
The Whispering Willow Retreat incident ultimately concluded with Stephen kneeling in apology, and from that moment on, Ella dared not provoke Samuel again.
James did not press them too hard; he merely wanted to dampen their arrogance. As for making Ella regret her actions, Samuel would handle that in the future.
After dinner, James had Samuel take him home and arranged to visit JZL Medical Hall at nine the next morning.
Upon returning to the Smith family villa, James was surprised to find that Mary had not yet returned.
In the past, whether working late or attending social events, Mary would always be home by eleven. Tonight, however, she was over half an hour late.
Just as James was about to pick up the phone to call her, he heard the click-clack of high heels behind him.
Turning around, he saw it was Mary.
She was still in her business attire, but her face was slightly flushed, and she carried a hint of alcohol on her breath.
Moreover, her sleeves were somewhat wrinkled, as if they had been tugged.
Seeing James, Mary smiled and asked, "How was your gathering with Samuel?"
"Not bad," James replied, stepping forward to support her. "Why are you back so late? Weren't you working overtime? How did it turn into a social event?"
Mary nodded, "Yes, the funding issues are resolved, and productivity is high. I met a few clients and had a few drinks."
James pressed further, "Was Joseph there too?"
James detected a different scent on the arm he was supporting, one that matched the cologne Joseph had worn when he proposed in the restaurant.
Mary was slightly taken aback. "How did you know?"
"You have his cologne on you," James said, feeling a pang of discomfort. "You dislike him. Why were you drinking with him tonight?"
"He introduced me to some clients as an apology," Mary explained softly. "I didn't want things to be too strained, and the company needs clients, so I went to the dinner."
"There's nothing between Joseph and me," she added, not knowing why she felt the need to clarify.
James looked at the enchanting woman before him. "You have his cologne on you. That only happens with close contact."
"Are you done?" Mary suddenly grew impatient. "I said there's nothing. Believe it or not, aren't you tired of being so suspicious?"
"I don't owe you an explanation." She snapped.
Already exhausted from the struggles outside, Mary's temper flared at having to face James's relentless questioning upon returning home.
Seeing that an argument was brewing, James suppressed his displeasure. "Can you avoid seeing Joseph in the future?"
"If I steer clear of him, are you going to line up clients for me?" Mary snapped, shoving James aside. "And for the record, it's none of your business."
Mary shouted, "You've never explained to meyour close relationship with Olivia, yet you're making baseless accusations about Joseph and me. Don't you have anything better to do?"
With that, she kicked off her high heels and stormed into the inner room, slamming the door behind her.
James stood there, sad, even forgetting to tend to the wound on his back.
The following morning, James made breakfast and woke Mary, intending to have a meaningful discussion. However, Mary departed with a frosty look on her face, leaving his hopes unfulfilled.
To James's further dismay, it was not Isabella who came to pick Mary up but Joseph in his Mercedes.
James took out his phone, intending to question her, but suddenly felt a wave of futility.
James thought, 'I can hold onto her, but not her heart. Instead of desperately clinging to a relationship, it's better to focus on becoming stronger.'
At nine, Samuel's car arrived. James got in and directed him to head straight to JZL Medical Hall.
Half an hour later, James arrived at the entrance of JZL Medical Clinic. Before he could take in his surroundings, a Cadillac pulled up.
Olivia stepped out, her smile radiant.
Dressed in a white shirt and jeans, and her hair pulled back into a ponytail, she was a striking blend of allure and youthful vibrancy.
James walked over with a smile. "You must have a lot to handle. What brings you here?"
"Everything was settled last night. Not only did we wipe out the Bell's stronghold, but Carl was severely injured and fled. We also took the opportunity to clear out some harmful elements," Olivia said with a smile. "I can't promise it will last forever, but for the next three to five months, things should be safe. So, I have plenty of time to join in the fun here."
James smiled. "It's good that everything is settled."
He didn't press further into these conflicts, lest he get entangled and unable to extricate himself.
"Of course, nothing is more important than you," Olivia said, moving closer to James and naturally linking her arm with his. "Compared to the mess at WH Group, I'd rather watch you get JZL Medical Hall up and running."
"I want to be the first patient," she added.
James was taken aback, "Are you sick?" Then he shook his head. "No, you seem very healthy."
Olivia blinked. "I have a heartache, a lovesickness."
James felt a shiver run down his spine.
"Alright, just kidding. Let's not talk about that. Let's go inside," Olivia said with a playful laugh, leading James inside.
Sitting in the car, Samuel wore a troubled expression. He was wrestling with the decision: should he tell Mary about James and Olivia?
The JZL Medical Hall was quite compact, covering 10.7 square feet. The front of the building was dedicated to a lobby and pharmacy. The middle section contained a courtyard and six patient rooms, and the back of the building housed four living quarters.
However, JZL Medical Hall was in a state of disrepair. The walls were cracked and peeling, the floors were uneven, and there were cobwebs in several corners. It could easily serve as a set for a horror movie without much decoration.
Moreover, the hall was eerily quiet. Apart from a dozen or so elderly and infirm patients, few people were waiting or moving about. The pharmacy was also closed due to a lack of staff.
When they saw James and Olivia enter, they curiously looked them over as if it had been a long time since young people had visited.
"Where's Doctor Knoll?" Olivia asked, scanning the room.
Avery Wilson, who was drinking water from a thermos, enthusiastically called out, "Doctor Knoll pushed Kelsey out for some sunlight. He'll be back soon. You can sit and wait for a bit."
She poured hot water for James and Olivia before returning to her thermos.
James touched the back of her hand and quickly understood her condition.
"Thank you," Olivia said with a smile, then turned to James.
"JZL Medical Clinic has been around for a century, spanning four generations. It used to be the most popular medical hall in Rosewood City," she explained. "It was always bustling. When I was a child and got sick, we didn't go to a big hospital; we came here."
Olivia added. "But in the past twenty years, with the proliferation of clinics and hospitals, and Bradley only halfway through his medical studies, plus the death of his son in a car accident, he became very disheartened. JZL Medical Clinic began to decline. Many patients left, and now the only ones who come here are the old neighbors nearby. It's close and cheap."
Olivia continued, "Three months ago, Bradley's only granddaughter, Kelsey, suddenly lost the ability to stand. After a thorough examination, she was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. It's a fatal neuromuscular disease. Without effective treatment, Kelsey may only have six months left to live. Bradley was unable to treat her himself, and the hospitals were equally helpless. This left Bradley in utter despair. He plans to sell this family-owned medical hall and use the funds to take his granddaughter to another country to purchase a specific drug. A drug that costs $215,384."
While waiting, Olivia explained the current situation of JZL Medical Hall to James. "The location and environment here are excellent, so buying it is a good choice."
James looked around and nodded slightly. "Indeed, it's a good option. How much is he asking?"
"$15 million."
At that moment, a weary yet sharp voice rang out.
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