Chapter 3

When my car stopped in front of the studio, an idea popped into my mind. I thought my wife, Sophia, couldn't be more fitting. She wasn't particularly skilled in this field, but she had deliberately befriended several experts in the industry and picked up quite a bit of knowledge out of her desire to spite me. If it were her, my studio might have a chance to stay afloat. As I walked into the studio, the place was bustling. Everyone was busy bidding for the latest project. My business partner stood not far away, deep in discussion with a team lead. As usual, I headed straight to my office. The office was tidy, a stark contrast to the chaos outside, and felt like a sanctuary to me. The low buzz of my phone pulled me out of my thoughts. Taking it out, I rubbed my temples slightly when I saw the word "Mom" flash on the screen. What was supposed to be the most sacred title of all was a living nightmare for me. As soon as I answered the call, my mom's shrill voice echoed through the office. "Joshua! I'm out of money. Send me some immediately!" I frowned slightly before asking curiously, "Do you ever call me for anything other than money?" My mom's response came quickly, filled with irritation and indignation. "Raising a child to support you in your old age is only natural. I raised you, didn't I? Now you're all grown up, and you're balking because of some meager financial support?" "It seems you do remember that I'm your son." I sank onto the couch and stared out at the skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows. She remembered I was her son, but why was it that every call from her was about money? She never asked about my life. If she could be like other mothers, maybe I would be happier now. My mom was getting impatient on the other end. "What's with all this talk? Just send me the money already!" I frowned when I snapped back to reality. "Didn't I send you 3,000 just a few days ago? Why are you asking for more?" "What can 3,000 get you these days? Listen, if you don't send me the money, I'll show up at your studio again and make a scene. Let's see how your clients feel about dealing with an unfilial son!" She must have thought I would fold like always when she blackmailed me like this, but this time, I didn't feel like giving in. My grip on the phone tightened as I asked in a deep voice, "What do you need the money for this time?" "Joshua, it's not for fun and games. I want to invest!" she exclaimed, her voice suddenly brimming with enthusiasm. She barely understood investment, so why was she suddenly talking about it? Confused, I asked her, "Mom, since when did you stop gambling and start taking an interest in investment?" "Times are changing. A person has to grow and improve. It's time for me to make some money and contribute to the family." Her earnestness only deepened my doubt. Knowing her nature, she was only ever interested in spending money. If she was talking about making money, she had undoubtedly been swindled. "Send me the project details. Let me take a look at it." The other end of the line fell silent for a beat before her frustration erupted. "Do you think it was easy to raise you all these years? Now that you have the money, you refuse to listen to me now. "I've spent so much on raising you, and now you can't even spare 5,000 dollars? Are you planning to abandon me altogether?" I remained silent. After her complaints, her tone shifted to a gentle manner. "You're my only son. Would I ever do anything to harm you? Joshua, I know I was wrong, and I'm trying to make it up to you. Trust me, this is a golden opportunity, I won't spend it mindlessly." However, I had seen this tactic too many times before. She would tear me down before sweetening the deal. I closed my eyes and said, "Mom, send me the details, or we have nothing to discuss. I'm busy, so I'll hang up now." "Wait! I'll send them over now," she said urgently. I could hear her rummaging around. Moments later, my phone dinged with a notification. I opened the file on my computer. It was a detailed business proposal for a chain restaurant. It looked professional, complete with food operation licenses and hygiene permits. It almost seemed legitimate. After a few moments, my mom's impatient voice cut through the line again. "So? This is a solid investment! I told you I've learned a lot these past two years. I know a golden opportunity when I see one. If you think there's no issue, just send me the money quickly. This is a rare opportunity." "Alright," I replied curtly. My indifferent tone earned me a rare moment of civility before the call ended. After I hung up, there was a knock at the door. "Come in," I said. My assistant walked in, placing a cup of coffee on the table. "Mr. Palmer, here's your coffee. Also, Dr. Mitchell is here to see you." Jayden? I paused for a while before letting my assistant bring him in. Jayden wanted me to take my medication from the hospital today. He was probably here because of that. It wasn't long before my assistant returned with Jayden. After setting a cup of coffee in front of him, she left us alone. "Why are you here?" I asked. Jayden didn't answer. He simply glanced at me and sat down beside me. "You shouldn't be drinking coffee." "I haven't touched it." I never liked coffee. I only drank it occasionally to pick myself up. I wouldn't drink something so bitter. Life was already bitter enough as it was. I turned to look at Jayden. "Why are you here, Dr. Mitchell?" "I'm here to deliver your medication." He pulled a small bag of medicine from his pocket and placed it on the table. "I labeled the dosage for each one. Just follow the instructions." I tensed briefly. After a moment of silence, I smiled bitterly and said, "You didn't have to come all the way here. I was planning to stop by the hospital this afternoon." "Your condition can be excruciating. The medicine will help manage the pain." Jayden sighed. I knew he was worried about me, afraid I wouldn't have much time left. However, I still had some time. Walking over to the window, I said softly, "Life and death are only natural. It's something we all face eventually."