Chapter 31

Samantha froze. The exorbitant price stunned her, and her mind blanked. It took her a while to recover. She realized that, in her desperation to ask Ethan for help, she'd spoken too hastily, making her request seem insincere. She apologized quickly, "I'm sorry, Dr. Reed. I was too anxious just now. Please don't take it the wrong way. I genuinely hope you can help me." "But I wasn't joking." Samantha opened her mouth, but in the end, she couldn't say anything. She was simply astonished. She wondered if the cost of surgery had really skyrocketed to this extent or if this was just the price reserved for the wealthy. Ethan continued, "That's the annual fee for my contract with the Garrett family. Outside of the times they require my service, I'm free to conduct research. I also perform two surgeries every week, prioritizing patients who need them most." Samantha argued, "My grandmother needs it too! She was rushed into emergency care yesterday and nearly didn't make it." "Given her