Chapter 2

Unable to bear it any longer, Cyrus forcefully opened the door. He stepped out, picked up the order form on the ground, and asked, "How much did your dad lend to Zoey?" "Two hundred thousand dollars. It's all to treat that daughter of yours. Were you unaware of it? Can you even afford it?" Phoebe fired off in rapid succession. Her disdain was evident. The person she looked down upon the most was Cyrus. Initially, her parents intended to form a marital alliance with the Johnson family, which would have assisted the family's herbal medicine business. However, in the end, they ended up pouring in a significant sum. "Only two hundred thousand dollars, right? I'll settle the debt within three days. Don't come here and cause trouble again," Cyrus replied nonchalantly. "I'll carve your name on my grave if you can pay it back in that timeframe." "I couldn't care less about where you scribble my name. Once I settle the debt, treat my wife decently. You'll face serious consequences if you lay a finger on her again. I mean it," Cyrus warned. Looking at the bruise marks on Zoey's delicate neck, Phoebe said with a cold sneer, "Ha, you literally just beat her, and now you're playing the role of a protective husband? Fine, I want to see how useless trash like you plan to repay the money." Waving his hand, Cyrus said, "Just leave, or I'll kick you out." After Phoebe left, Zoey didn't thank him. Instead, she spoke coldly, "Don't make promises you can't keep. In the end, I'll be the one in trouble. "If you really have that money, use it for Mira's chemotherapy first. They took billions worth of my dad's assets. Taking two or three hundred thousand from them is not unreasonable." "I will find a way for Mira's illness," Cyrus said, then glanced at the smeared order form in his hand. "Is the money for purchasing goods also gone?" Zoey retreated cautiously until she reached the corner of the counter, putting a distance between them. All the while, she was trembling slightly. "Even if you kill me, I don't have any money for you. The rent for the shop is two months overdue, Mira's medicine is almost gone, and my stepmother took my dad's hidden stash. I won't be able to borrow a single penny in the future." She was terrified as she had to endure physical abuse every time Cyrus returned to ask for money. Cyrus felt a mix of emotions, unsure of what to say. "Leave the money matters to me." Saying this, he turned to leave. Zoey gathered her courage and shouted, "If you want to gamble, play around with women, and be toyed with by them, I don't care. But if you dare lay a hand on me again, I will take Mira and end it all with you." Looking at her, Cyrus nodded and said, "From today onwards, I won't ask you for a penny, nor will I lay a hand on you. No one will manipulate me anymore." He wanted to apologize, but he couldn't bring himself to say it. He wasn't the one who did all those things before. Engaging in such shameless behavior as beating one's wife was not something a dignified medical saint would do. As Cyrus's figure disappeared from the door, Zoey sensed something peculiar. The fierce and cold-blooded look in her husband's eyes seemed to have vanished, replaced by a much gentler demeanor. "Zoey, don't be delusional. A leopard can't change its spots. Hasn't he caused you enough harm over the years?" ... The flagship storefront facing the lively street of Herbal City was now under the ownership of Innerzen Medical Center, with Rachel at its helm. It was once a leased space three years ago, but Cyrus lost it to Rachel, and its current market value soared to an impressive 35 million dollars. The first and second floors of the medical hall cater to outpatient services, while the third floor serves as a teahouse. In reality, this teahouse doubled as a gambling den. Cyrus lost over a hundred million in assets here. In the pharmaceutical realm, prominent figures have a unique approach to gambling, wagering not only on precious herbs but also on diagnostic skills. Initially, people only gambled for fun, with the highest bets not exceeding five hundred thousand. However, Cyrus, with his distinct prowess as a spendthrift, escalated the stakes to an astonishing 30 million. Since then, Innerzen Medical Center had gained widespread fame in Jorsproburgh and was thriving in its business. Of course, Cyrus's infamous reputation as a spendthrift similarly spread. He was mockingly dubbed "The Philanthropist". On the previous night, Cyrus had gambled on pulse diagnosis and lost another hundred thousand dollars. As he approached the entrance, the two receptionists at the front desk recognized him, greeting him sarcastically, "Here comes Lord Cyrus again." "I'm looking for your boss." "She's in the Serenity Suite on the third floor. Head up on your own. Mr. Wright is also there, eagerly awaiting the repayment of your debt." Rachel, a socialite with modest medical skills, originally started her career as a nurse. Yet, what she lacked for in medical skills, she more than made up for in strategy and charm. She could deftly discern men's intentions, skillfully navigating various situations. Cyrus had found himself entangled in her web, all thanks to her influence. When Cyrus initially assumed the role of chairman in the Herbal City of Jorsproburgh, many dismissed him as useless, only Rachel had flattered his ego. While his wife, Zoey, remained aloof and indifferent, Rachel adopted a gentle and compliant demeanor. When Rachel had him twisted firmly around her little finger, she started reeling in the big fish into the trap she had set for him. Initially, Cyrus had gambled and won over ten million dollars. This had made him puff up with pride, envisioning himself as a medical prodigy poised for greatness. This false sense of pride had caused him to squander away this entirety of his family fortune within a short period of time. Rachel had collaborated with the Wood family to deceive Cyrus and drain him of his wealth. Once she accomplished her purpose, she unceremoniously cast him aside. Cyrus was just about to knock on the door of the room when he unexpectedly overheard a conversation inside about Zoey. "Mr. Wright, you knowingly gambled with that useless person even though you were aware he can't come up with a hundred thousand dollars. It seems you've set your sights on his little wife," Rachel's voice came from behind the door. "Haha, his wife's temperament, figure, and face are all outstanding. It's a pity for such a beauty to waste away in that useless guy's home," Benedict Wright replied with excitement. "Is she more outstanding than me?" Rachel asked. "You and Zoey are both two different types of beauty. If you're a seductive siren, then she's a pure fairy." "As you know, many men want to get their hands on Zoey. A mere hundred thousand dollars might not cut it," Rachel retorted. "Just once, if I can have her for once in my lifetime, it'll be worth it," Benedict proclaimed. "You asshole, I thought you wanted to marry her," Rachel teased. "I do want to, but the mother tiger in my home will bite my head off if I do." From behind the door, lecherous laughter floated out into the hallway. Cyrus, who had heard the whole exchange, kicked the door open. Startled, Rachel choked on her hot tea, her eyes tearing up. Irritated, she scolded, "Are you crazy? This is a solid wood door. Can you afford to compensate if it breaks? I even scalded my tongue because of you." At this moment, Cyrus, more sober-minded than anyone, knew that Rachel had always treated him like a fool. Playing along, he put on the appearance of a simp and said with a smile, "Where did it scald you? Let me help you cool it down." Rachel slapped his hand away, saying, "Get lost! You've missed your chance." "You lad, behave yourself," Mr. Wright also shouted. The men who came here to play all groveled at Rachel's feet eagerly, simping like loyal puppies. Cyrus, known as a notorious spendthrift in the city, was commonly considered an easy target for anyone to step on as they liked. "Mr. Wright, for the ten thousand dollars I lost to you last night, either we gamble again or you can consider it gone," Cyrus declared. "Do you even have the capital to gamble with me? Reneging on your debt to me, do you want me to send you to an early grave?" Benedict shouted, banging on the table. He held a note acknowledging Cyrus's debt and wasn't afraid at all that Cyrus could get away with it.