Chapter 2
Miracle doctor?
Nolan knitted his brows, answering, "No. You've got the wrong number. I'm not some miracle doctor." Then, he ended the call.
In the meantime, the wealthiest man in Bellington, CEO of Baxton Group, Archie Baxter, was at his home. The middle-aged man, who usually conducted himself with great authority and pride, was staring anxiously at his phone.
"Wrong number? Lincoln, are you sure this is the right number?"
Lincoln Riley looked respectfully at Archie and said, "I'm confident, Mr. Baxter. This is the number I acquired at great personal cost while leveraging your favor with Sir Carter to obtain it. So, it has to be correct.
"Also, Sir Carter mentioned that Mr. Greene never labeled himself as the miracle doctor. It was the public's title for him. It's also important to note that Mr. Greene isn't easily accessible. Why don't we try again, Mr. Baxter?"
Archie nodded at his words. "I know people with special talents often have a bad temper. But my father can't wait that long. If Mr. Greene can treat him, he'll become the savior of the Baxter family. I'd even provide him with whatever he asks of."
Then, he redialed the number. This time, he quickly piped up as soon as the call connected, for fear of Nolan ending the call.
"Dr. Greene, please save my father. I'll promise you with whatever conditions you have. I understand you keep a low profile, but you know Sir Carter, don't you? It was he who gave me your number. Please. Help me out."
Sitting in his hotel room, Nolan raised his brows at the mention of Amos Carter. He sighed, then said, "Since Sir Carter has given you my number, it can only mean that you either paid a great price or shared a close relationship with him.
"However, I can assure you Sir Carter had done you a favor because he knows well that he's put himself in my debt again by giving out my number. I can help you, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to save the patient. I must be clear on that."
Having received Nolan's promise, Archie was shaking out of joy. "Yes, whatever you say, Mr. Greene. Would you be able to come now? How about I send you a driver?"
Nolan replied, "I'll be busy for the next few days. Send me the address, and I'll be at your doorstep in three days."
Then, he ended the call.
"At last, I'm out of the slammer. What was bound to come will eventually arrive." Nolan lowered his head and gazed outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. From above, the pedestrians resembled tiny ants.
He faintly uttered, "Am I truly that undeserving of you, Megan? I took the fall out of love for you and spent three years behind bars. I even befriended many big shots in there and asked them to covertly assist you in building your empire.
"Three years later, you're this beautiful CEO everybody envies, while I… am just a small fry to you. But Megan, I'm far from an insignificant ant that you think I am."
At that point, he looked up to the sky and continued, "If I wanted to, I could be the majestic dragon soaring through the sky, collecting countless gazes in awe. Or I could be a deity seated among the clouds, gazing down on people as if they were mere ants.
"You could've stood with me at the pinnacle of the world, basking in the worship of millions, yet chose to discard me like an old toy. Megan, will you shed a tear when you realize everything you have is given by me and that you'll never catch up to me no matter how hard you work?
"I don't know if you would. That's why I'll look forward to the day when that happens! I wonder how you would feel."
…
At the same time, Megan and Jeanne had left the hotel. In the car, Megan broke the silence and looked at Jeanne, asking, "Jeanne, do you think I've made a mistake?"
Jeanne shook her head and confidently said, "No, Ms. Turner. You made the right choice. That's the only and best option for you two, anyway. Nolan was unremarkable, to begin with, and he had to become an ex-convict.
"I know he's your scapegoat, but you've already given him the appropriate compensation. The only thing to be blamed was his mediocrity. He's a living hurdle to your life. Now, let's stop thinking about him. He doesn't deserve your attention. After all, he's your ex-husband now."
At her words, Megan sighed faintly and nodded in agreement. "Nolan and I are indeed from different worlds. His existence will only hold me back or even ruin my reputation."
She continued, "All these years, my journey has been smooth sailing, thanks to my many support and backing. If they find out I have an ex-con-husband, I'm sure it'll change things. Plus, there are also plenty of other reasons that led me to this decision, my only option.
"You're right, though. I've compensated him with what I have and don't owe him anything. If it's anything, it's his insignificance and criminal record to be blamed."
By then, it seemed like Megan had convinced herself that she had made the right decision and no longer felt bad. If Nolan heard their conversation, he would probably either laugh or weep.
How did he become the problem by being mediocre and an ex-convict when she was the only reason he had served time? What gave her the confidence to be obnoxiously arrogant when he was the one who used his connections to help and protect her? What a big, fat joke!
At that moment, Megan's little brother, Chase Turner, called. "Meg, have you divorced that ex-con? Is he bugging to get more money? Don't worry, Meg. I can protect you now. Nolan, that dumbass, will get a taste of my medicine soon."
Hearing that, Megan frowned and warned, "Hey, Chase. You'd better not do anything silly. Nolan has already signed the agreement. I know you're engaging in the underworld with Mr. Riley from the Baxters, but remember—stay out of trouble. You hear me?"
Chase was initially delighted when he heard Nolan had signed the papers but turned somewhat upset. "Wait a minute. Did you give him a hefty compensation? A million dollars? Tens of millions of dollars? I'm telling you. I'll never allow that!"
He continued, "I didn't even get millions of dollars from you yet. That money belongs to our family. I'd never allow that idiot to get a single buck! Anyway, you can't convince me. I swear I'll make him return all the money!" He then promptly ended the call.
Heaving a helpless sigh, Megan turned to Jeanne and instructed, "Go look for Chase. Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."
Chase had always been the most beloved and spoiled member of the family. Even when he was about to harass Nolan, Megan simply reacted by telling Jeanne to watch over him, almost like her brother's happiness weighed more than Nolan's safety.