Chapter 2

"Ms. Smith, Mr. Smith is severely anemic. He could go into shock at any time and needs proper rest," said a passing nurse, unable to bear the scene any longer. She tried to convince Racquelle to abandon her demand. But Racquelle merely shot me a scornful look and sneered in disgust. "You don't understand. Joshua would do anything for money. He's perfectly happy being our family's dog. If you need anything, please order him around—don't worry about his well-being." The nurse looked at me in shock, her gaze a mixture of pity and disbelief. To outsiders, I was the scion of the Smith family and a competent general manager of the Smith Group. Yet, why was I reduced to being worthless when Racquelle mentioned me? She looked at me coldly and asked arrogantly, "Isn't that right, Joshua?" "Ahem..." A sharp pain gripped my chest, forcing a rough cough out of me. The weakness from anemia sent waves of dizziness over me. Racquelle grabbed my arm out of irritation and snapped, "Why are you pretending to be pitiful after losing a little blood? If you weren't still useful, I wouldn't even want to look at someone as filthy as you!" She tightened her grip on the needle marks on my arm. The skin turned bruised and purple, causing blood to seep through. I grunted in pain, leaning against the wall and gasping for breath. She let go with an expression of disgust and stared at me as she ordered icily, "Do as I say while I'm still willing to talk to you in a civil manner! If anything happens to Vernon, I'll make sure something happens to your sister, too!" I looked up at Racquelle in shock. Her gaze was filled with contempt as if I were no more than an insect she could crush at any moment. Julianna's illness was severe. She suffered from an incredibly rare condition—the first documented case in the country—with no available cure. She could only rely on machines to sustain her life. The Hill family had been investing in research specifically for Julianna's condition. But if Racquelle decided to interfere, her last hope could vanish. How could I risk Julianna's life? Enduring the pain radiating through my body, I nodded immediately. "I'll... I'll go right away." After taking Racquelle's car keys, I headed straight for The Heritage. When I arrived, the waiter apologized, "I'm sorry, sir. We're out of salmon congee. " "What? Can you make some if I get the ingredients?" Seeing my desperate state, the waiter agreed. I hurried out, searching for salmon. However, it was late, and raining cats and dogs—finding fresh salmon was impossible. Without ingredients, there would be no congee. I braved the downpour, trying to reach the shore to catch salmon myself, but dizziness overwhelmed me, and I collapsed in the rain. When I came to, a doctor the restaurant had called was standing beside me, warning me sternly, "You have severe anemia. That has led to poor heart function and coagulation issues. You need to rest and can't donate blood anymore." "Thank you. I understand," I replied, brushing it off. The waiter looked at me angrily, shouting, "You're insane! Are you trying to kill yourself?" I let out a bitter laugh. If I didn't bring that congee back, Racquelle might really kill me. There was one month left until her 20th birthday. For the next month, I would have to give my blood to her whenever she needed it. After all, she held Julianna's life in her hands. I couldn't risk it—I didn't dare. Once the doctor left, I paid the restaurant to find a way to procure salmon and make the congee. Then, I rushed back to the hospital. Racquelle was cutting fruit for Vernon and feeding him gently, piece by piece. When she saw me enter, she threw the knife directly at my face. I barely dodged it, but she came over and slapped me hard across the face. "You useless idiot. Why did it take you so long? Are you trying to make Vernon sick with cold congee? How vicious can you be?"