Chapter 6 Despair

The sleek black car pulled to a halt in front of St. Helena Memorial Hospital, its polished exterior glinting under the late morning sun. Mia stepped out, her expression tense but resolute. She turned reluctantly to face Alexander, who sat in the backseat with his laptop perched on his knees, typing away as though the world outside didn't exist.

"Goodbye," she said curtly, her voice tight.

Alexander didn't bother looking up. "Good luck," he replied with a smirk, his tone more knowing than she liked.

Without another word, Mia spun on her heel and hurried toward the hospital entrance.

Alexander leaned back in his seat, closing his laptop. A sly grin tugged at his lips as he muttered, "I doubt this is the last time we'll see each other."

The car's engine roared as it merged back onto the road.

---

In the passenger seat, Liam shot a curious glance at Alexander. "What exactly are you planning to do with her?"

Alexander's grin widened. "A lot," he said cryptically, his tone both playful and ominous.

Liam raised a brow but let it go. Switching topics, he said, "The deal for the exclusive resort in Maldives Archipelago is close to a breakthrough. All we need now is your approval."

"Good," Alexander said, his expression turning serious. "Contact Pierre and make sure he oversees the final paperwork. Then schedule a meeting with the government of Maldives to finalize the purchase of the island."

Liam nodded. "Also, Ethan contacted one of our subsidiary companies some days back. He's trying to secure a collaboration."

Alexander's brow arched slightly. "Oh?"

"It's the wine company-Château Velour. You know how coveted a partnership with them is," Liam explained, grinning. "Apparently, Ethan thinks he has a chance."

Alexander chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Let him think that. Keep him waiting just long enough to hope, then crush him."

"Consider it done," Liam said with a smirk.

Alexander's mood darkened as he leaned back against the seat, his mind wandering. Ethan had taken so much from him-his sister, his company, and nearly his pride. But it was time for payback.

"Derby," Alexander commanded, "take us to the office."

---

At the Hospital

Mia stepped into the hospital's reception area, the smell of antiseptic and the soft hum of machinery immediately putting her on edge. As she approached the desk, her phone buzzed in her hand.

"Hello?" she answered, her voice hurried.

"Miss Jones, your mother's condition has taken a turn for the worse," came the doctor's grave voice. "She's in critical condition."

Mia's heart stopped. "What? I'm already at the hospital! Where is she?"

"She's been moved to the emergency ward on the second floor."

The call ended, and Mia bolted to the receptionist, her words tumbling out in a panicked rush. "Stella Jones. Emergency ward-where is it?"

The receptionist, startled by Mia's urgency, quickly checked her records. "Second floor, left corridor. Room 204-"

But Mia was already running, her feet pounding against the tile as she darted toward the stairs. Her breath came in short gasps as she climbed two flights in record time.

She scanned the corridor frantically until she spotted the door marked Emergency Ward. Just as she reached for the handle, the door opened, and a doctor stepped out.

"Dr. Markson," she guessed, recognizing him from previous visits. "How's my mom? Is she okay? What happened? Why is she in critical condition? Is she stable now? Can I see her? Please-"

"Miss Jones," the doctor said calmly, holding up a hand to stop her torrent of questions. "Let's step into my office to discuss-"

"No!" Mia snapped. "I want to see her first!"

Dr. Markson sighed, clearly used to dealing with frantic relatives. After a moment's hesitation, he relented. "Fine. But only for a minute."

---

Mia stepped into the room, her heart sinking at the sight before her. Her mother lay pale and fragile on the hospital bed, her chest rising and falling weakly. Wires and tubes surrounded her, connected to machines that beeped rhythmically, each sound a grim reminder of how precarious her condition was.

Mia's knees buckled, and she clutched the doorframe for support. Tears blurred her vision as she took a shaky step forward.

"Mom," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Her once vibrant, strong-willed mother now looked decades older, her face gaunt and her body frail. Mia couldn't stop the sobs that escaped her as she collapsed into the chair by the bed, gripping her mother's hand as though her touch alone could bring her back to health.

"I'll fix this," Mia vowed through her tears. "I promise."

---

In Dr. Markson's office, Mia sat across from the doctor, her face pale and tear-streaked.

"Your mother needs a heart transplant," he said bluntly.

The words hit her like a freight train. "A... a new heart?"

Dr. Markson nodded gravely. "Her condition has deteriorated rapidly. The only way to save her now is with a transplant. However, finding a matching donor is a challenge in itself."

Mia swallowed hard, her mind racing. "And... and how much will it cost?"

He hesitated. "Miss Jones, let's focus on finding a donor first-"

"No," Mia interrupted, her voice rising. "Tell me. I need to know."

Dr. Markson sighed and turned to his computer. Typing quickly, he pulled up a file. "Including the transplant surgery, postoperative care, and medications, you're looking at an estimate of $550,000."

Mia felt the blood drain from her face. "$550,000?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her head spun as reality came crashing down. Ethan must have known about this which was why he kicked her to the curb before she could find out.

"What about installments?" she asked desperately.

Dr. Markson shook his head. "Unfortunately, the hospital requires full payment before the procedure."

Mia's hands trembled as she pulled out her phone and dialed Ethan's number. It went straight to voicemail. She tried again-and again-only to realize he'd blocked her.

Her breath hitched as she stared at the phone in disbelief. Her last shred of hope was gone.

Taking a deep, shaky breath, Mia whispered to herself, "I have no choice."

She opened her contacts, hesitated for a moment, then pressed Alexander's name.