Chapter 124

Caden looked up at Hank and said bluntly, “Keep dreaming.”

Hank wasn’t sure how to react.

Despite the dismissive response, Hank soon perked up and continued with his duties.

“Mrs. Ward has rescheduled her visit to Warrington for next month. I’ve shortlisted a few houses and bodyguards for her. Would you like to make the final decision?” Hank reported.

Caden gave him a nod in response.

The thought of Ciara’s arrival was less than comforting. She could be unpredictable, and just considering her upcoming visit was already giving him a headache.

Meanwhile, Alicia followed the doctor’s instructions carefully. She took her medications on time and received all her treatments. After a week, she was finally ready to leave the hospital.

Monica arrived to help with the discharge paperwork.

In the meantime, Alicia and Caden had come to an agreement, and she had successfully gathered solid proof of Joshua’s affair during their marriage.

Lately, Joshua hadn’t reached out to her. He had been busy managing the public listing of his company and dealing with Lilliana’s return to the spotlight.

Lilliana was busy building an image of herself as an expectant mother, crafting a more sentimental persona for her public presence.

With financial backing, she was already making progress on this new approach.

Monica sneered at the news. “So, the lip-syncing scandal just vanished? The internet really does forget quickly.”

Alicia stood in line, scrolling through her phone with a calm expression.

Find your next adventure at gα ℓη σ ν𝒆 ℓs․com

“Showbiz made her what she is now, and it’ll tear her down just as quickly. We just need to be patient,” she replied.

The more evidence she gathered, the greater Lilliana’s fall would be.

Alicia put her phone away and took out her bank card, ready to settle her medical bills.

Suddenly, a desperate voice cut through the noise of the hospital. “Please, doctor! I’m begging you to save my sister. I swear I’ll find the money in three days. Just help her now, I beg you.”

Alicia turned towards the commotion.

A young woman was clinging to a doctor’s white coat, her expression filled with despair. The doctor looked equally helpless. “I’m really sorry, but her medical expenses are substantial. I can’t cover them for you,” he explained.

“Please, perform the surgery first! I promise to pay the bills gradually afterward, please! I beg of you!”

The woman pleaded desperately, dropping to her knees and clinging to the doctor’s leg.

The doctor sighed, unable to offer much comfort.

A crowd had gathered. Some watched with curiosity, others were indifferent, and a few looked genuinely sympathetic.

Alicia frowned at the scene and began walking toward the distressed woman.

Monica grabbed her arm. “Alicia, are you really going to help?”

Alicia replied, “I think she looks familiar. I want to see what’s going on.”

Monica hesitated for a moment but seemed moved by the woman’s desperate cries. “Alright, I’ll come with you.”

Alicia made her way through the crowd until she reached the woman.

When she got closer, Alicia recognized her as Lilliana’s assistant.

Without hesitation, Alicia bent down and helped the woman stand.

The assistant’s face looked drained, and her eyes seemed unfocused. Even as Alicia supported her, she continued to cling to the doctor’s coat, refusing to let go.

The doctor spoke gently. “I’ll help you start a fundraising campaign. It’s the only thing I can do for now.” With those words, he turned and walked away.

The assistant tried to follow him, but she was too exhausted. She collapsed right in front of Alicia.

Seeing the crowd watching, Alicia decided to lead the assistant away from the scene. She found a quiet corridor where they could sit down.

Monica soon returned with a bottle of water.

Alicia comforted the assistant. Eventually, she managed to calm her down. However, the assistant’s tears continued to fall.

“Thank you… I need to go back and check on my sister. Thank you for comforting me,” the assistant said, preparing to leave.

Alicia gently held her hand. “What illness does your sister have?” she asked.

The assistant seemed to recognize Alicia but avoided making eye contact.

She was unwilling to share the details.

Alicia wasn’t sure about the assistant’s character, but it was clear she was in a dire situation.

Alicia thought she might be able to help, and perhaps this was an opportunity worth pursuing.

The assistant felt a wave of guilt and hurried away. Alicia didn’t try to stop her. Within those few moments, Alicia had already made up her mind. “If you need any help, reach out. I’m sure you know how to contact me.”

The assistant hesitated for a second. She then turned and ran off, avoiding looking back.

Alicia watched her stumble away and let out a sigh.

Monica spoke up, breaking the silence. “I remember now. She’s Lilliana’s assistant. I’ve seen her in photos online before. If she went as far as kneeling to a doctor, she must be desperate. Either Lilliana doesn’t know about this, or she just refuses to help. Alicia, are you planning to do something for her?”

Alicia felt torn.

She needed to talk this over with Caden.

“I’ll go check on her sister first,” Alicia stated. “Monica, thank you for being here with me. You can go ahead if you have things to do. I’ll just take a quick look.”

Monica shook her head. “I don’t have anything urgent. I’ll come with you.”

The assistant’s name was Gina Mendoza, and her sister, Harley Mendoza, was suffering from a brain tumor. The tumor was causing nerve compression, making surgery risky. Because of that, they had initially chosen conservative treatment.

Now, an emergency had come up, and Harley needed immediate surgery. The cost was enormous. It amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars—an amount Gina simply did not have.

That explained why Gina had knelt and pleaded with the doctor earlier.

After wiping away her tears, Gina went to get some food for her sister. She spent a long time coaxing Harley to eat a little, but it all ended up being in vain as Harley vomited everything back up.

Harley was still young, but her face was pale, and she was so weak that she couldn’t even muster the strength to cry.

Gina stood facing away from the door, wiping her tears while her shoulders trembled visibly.

Alicia watched from outside the window, her heart aching at the sight.

The hospital had already started the fundraising campaign, and Alicia made a contribution. Harley had no part in the mess that had led to this.

After some time, Alicia and Monica decided to part ways. Alicia wasted no time. She immediately sent a message to Caden.

“I need to see you right away.”

Caden read the message and responded quickly. “Head to the apartment.”

After replying, he left to buy some condoms.