Chapter 3 - The Hostage Situation
David instantly pulled his sleek phone from his tailored suit pocket.
"Give me the exact name of the hospital," David demanded sharply.
Maya was physically shaking as she read the name of the medical facility aloud.
David barked a rapid series of aggressive orders to Marcus.
"Victoria is behind this sudden change," David concluded grimly.
Maya felt a massive wave of crushing despair wash over her entirely.
"She has my mother's actual life in her cruel hands," Maya sobbed quietly.
David stepped forward and gently grabbed her shaking shoulders.
"I will not let Victoria hurt your family," he promised with absolute conviction.
It was the very first time David had shown genuine warmth to anyone in years.
Maya looked up directly into his striking, intense blue eyes.
"Why are you helping me like this?" she asked softly.
David immediately avoided her searching gaze.
"It is simply business," he lied terribly.
Marcus rushed back into the room with a glowing tablet securely in his hands.
"Sir, I completely traced the hospital administration change," Marcus reported breathlessly.
David grabbed the tablet and quickly scanned the complex glowing screen.
"Victoria just secretly bought the entire medical network," David realized with pure horror.
Maya collapsed heavily onto the edge of the expensive leather sofa.
"She basically owns the hospital now," Maya whispered in total defeat.
"She will let my mother die just to punish you for rejecting her."
David angrily clenched his fists until his knuckles turned completely white.
"I will offer her my remaining company shares in exchange for your mother's care," David stated.
Marcus audibly gasped aloud at the completely shocking financial concession.
Maya stared blindly at the ruthless billionaire who was suddenly willing to lose everything for a stranger.
"You absolutely cannot do that," Maya protested weakly.
David looked her dead in the eye with unwavering resolve.
"Watch me," he challenged her.
Suddenly, the enormous flat television on the wall turned itself on without warning.
Victoria's heavily makeup-covered face filled the large screen via a live, encrypted video feed.
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"I thought you might try to be a brave hero, David," Victoria sneered confidently from the screen.
"But unfortunately for you, the surgery has already been permanently canceled by the board."
